Splicing Modern Ropes: A Practical Handbook

Modern lines are stronger, more flexible, and slipperier than traditional natural fiber lines. Most modern lines are braided rather than twisted, resulting in different splicing and knotting techniques. There are a bewildering number of synthetic line brands and types. Splicing Modern Lines defines products such as Spectra, Vectran, and Dyneema, and describes advantages, disadvantages and applications for each. This book has step-by-step instructions for various types of splices such as eye or lock splices. What I found most helpful were the appendices which contain tables and formulas for applications such as how to determine the mooring line size by the length of the vessel ( vessel length in meters plus 2 = line diamater in millimeters), and breaking strength tables. Particular attention is paid to each line type's susceptibility to UV degradation. This book should be in every sailors', riggers', mountain climbers', rescue responders', and contractor's toolbox.

For some reason, this book took a long time to arrive but we aren't here to rate the delivery; we're here to rate the product. Likewise, the book is on the pricey side but, we're not reviewing the price.As an reference and instruction book, it gets 5 stars all the way. The photos and descriptions are clear and easy to follow. It covers just about every type of splice in any material. The print quality is crisp and the paper has enough weight that I think it will last many years of reference.If, for some reason, I lose this book, I will replace it. No question.

This is one of the best books on splicing that I have ever used. It is my go to book about splicing rope and cable. It is very detailed about using some of the newer ropes like Dyneema, Lash it, and Zing it. If you are a Sailor or just someone who wants to learn about splicing then buy this book.

In general, I think this is a very good book and appreciate the documentation the author has done to being all of these methods together in one source.I was expecting more coverage for a book that costs this much. If all one needs to do is make eye splices and continuous loops, this book is fine as it covers many different techniques for the different types of rope. But there are other types of splices. Off the top of my head, the continuous loop splice covered in the book can be used to make simple splices for short ropes such as those used for furling, but it is not strong enough to be used for broken halyard, there are additional steps that need to be done. There are also methods for making dead-eyes from dyneema that is not covered, although the loop with cover is included.That being said, the splices that are covered do document the basic process and are useful. As a self-taught splicer, I agree with the reviews that mention the steps outlined in the book can be difficult for beginners to follow. I myself struggled with an eye splice when I first started until something in the process I was using clicked. After hours of frustration, I finally was able to complete the splice. The second splice was much easier. I would encourage those that struggle to keep at it until it clicks, and do so in a comfortable place where one can walk away from the work when your hands get all knotted up.One hint I would offer all beginners is to tightly secure the bitter end so the rope can be pulled very hard when needed. I use a looped half hitch around my binnacle and it has made all my splicing so much easier. Splicing can require a lot of strength when tying to force multiple covers and cores into a rope that wasn't designed for them and doesn't stretch.If the kindle version was priced below $10, I think it would be a 5-star book. Adding more useful splices, especially those that can be used in emergencies, would make the current price a better value in my opinion.I would still grudgingly buy it though just so I don't have to google something new.

I've used this book to splice lines for my 22 foot sailboat as well as for the sailing canoe rig that I built. The diagrams were easy to follow. I'm confident in the splices that I have made using these instructions, they have held up very well and look professional. This book is a great compliment to the classic "Rigger's Apprentice" by Brion Toss.

Illustrated with each type of splice and explanations of the different types of ropes. Each step has a photo of how to do it. I made two Prusik cords using this book with 8mm polyester rope. I messed up the first two attempts as feeding the core back through was much harder than I thought. I caught a core fiber on my second attempt which made any further effort useless. Since I am very new to this I feel this book is just right for me.

This book covers splicing the variety of modern lines in clear detail, but it goes well beyond that with succinct information on the attributes of various types of lines and their usage. This is a fairly comprehensive book about lines, clear and concise.

Simple, clear, well illustrated. There are more technical texts, but who needs those when your sitting sweating at the galley table? Well bound, sturdy pages. They will take a coffee stain or two.