How to Splice a Line to an Anchor Chain
Many new boaters connect an anchor line to an anchor chain by tying it with a double knot. It usually only takes the loss of only one anchor to break that habit. Splicing the anchor line to the anchor chain not only makes the two inseparable, it is one of the signs of an experienced boater. Splicing an anchor line to the anchor chain looks like a complicated process, but is an easy task, for most boat owners.
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Instructions
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1
Measure 16 inches to 18 inches from the end of a three-strand anchor line with a tape measure and wrap several turns of electrical tape around the anchor line at that point.
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2
Untwist the three strands of anchor line to the electrical tape. Wrap the ends of each strand with at least two turns of electrical tape. This will prevent the strands from unraveling.
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3
Slip the first and third strands of the anchor line through one side of the last link of the anchor chain and the second strand through the other side of the last length of the anchor chain. Grasp the first and third strands in one hand and the second strand in the other hand and pull the strands in opposite directions to tighten the rope on the chain.
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4
Double the strands back against the rope and hold them there with one hand while shrinking the rope by applying heat from a hairdryer with the other hand. Remove the electrical tape from the anchor line.
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5
Feed the second strand of line over any strand in the anchor line and then under the next strand and against the twist. Perform the same procedure, known as a tuck, with the first strand, then the third strand. All three separated strands will come out of the anchor rope at the same level and from between different strands in the anchor rope. Repeat this procedure two more times.
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6
Remove one-third of the strings that make up each strand of rope starting 1/2-inch past the point that the strands come out of the anchor line for the third time.
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7
Heat a pocketknife using a butane torch and hold the knife against the 1/2-inch stubs to melt them to the anchor line.
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8
Make three more tucks as before with the thinned down strands, forming a taper.
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9
Remove half the remaining strings from each strand of rope starting 1/2-inch past the point that the strands exit the anchor line after the third tuck.
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10
Make three more tucks as before with the thinned down strands forming the final taper. Cut what remains of the three strands, 1/2-inch past the last tuck.
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Heat the pocketknife with a butane torch and hold the knife against the remaining 1/2-inch stubs to melt them to the anchor line, completing the splicing of the anchor line to the anchor chain.
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