How to Splice Double Braid Line [LINKS TO FIDS👇] | BoatUS

[@guillermoleal1487]

Thank you mate. Your skills still helping people. Take care.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Guillermo!

[@ciclist1]

I used to work in that field commercially but I quit and then I forget it, is really nice to remember it again. Thanks for the video.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching!

[@123GoBrits]

This is so much more simple than the overwrought instructions that come with Sampson fids which resulted in a loop that has no core inside the cover for part of that loop

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, and glad you found it useful!

[@richardbenson4750]

You did a much better job explaining it than another video did. Thank you

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching and for your feedback, Richard!

[@daangs3161]

I’ve got the Selma fids but your instructions are far easier to understand. Thanks

[@ussweeneyd]

Excellent and very clearly narrated. Going to try this when I find the "fids".

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Todd, and glad you found it helpful. There's a link to the fids we used in the description. Let us know how it goes!

[@carlo89]

@3:16, do you put it through the core at the first or second Mark you made on the core?

[@Lfoxrealtor7975]

great instructions I like how you showed the splice going into the rope now I understand the strength

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching (from one horsy boater to another)!

[@Rayzer2368]

Wow, that was like watching Bob Ross paint - beautiful! Thanks!

[@boatus]

🤣

[@auspiciouscloud8786]

Fantastic! ❤

[@rayshudy4825]

Thanks for the subtitles.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Ray!

[@tamethewilderness5107]

I’d like to see how to do this splice with a lead ring inside that loop!

[@patrickjohn2990]

Nice work. Tried it and it worked great.

[@boatus]

Glad you found it helpful, Patrick!

[@davidwarner6755]

Great video...would also like to see how to add a metal thimble.

[@boatus]

Ask and thou shalt receive ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHXLZWiteMuEqZo Thanks for watching, David!

[@davidwarner6755]

@@boatus Awesome! Thank you

[@thombrace348]

Excellent demo! Loved it! Ready to make my first double braid eye. Thanks!

[@boatus]

Thanks, Thom! Hope it goes well. I was there working the camera for this one, and it still looks like wizardry!

[@timconroy3647]

@@boatus great work where would I get fids pushers

[@boatus]

@@timconroy3647 Thanks for watching! Mark uses Selma fids. You can find them at West Marine: www.westmarine.com/buy/samson-rope--selma-splicing-fids-set--3736006?recordNum=6 or Defender www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=2079316 Links are also in the video description.

[@page56]

Please explain the FIDS as in what should I buy and why.

[@boatus]

Hi Grayam and thanks for the question. The fids we used are made by Selma and come as a set. They are nice because they have a barb in the end to help hold the line. You can purchase them from our retail partners like Defender: www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=2079316 or West Marine: www.westmarine.com/buy/samson-rope--selma-splicing-fids-set--3736006?recordNum=6

[@sedonaarabella7595]

What type of tools do you use for splicing? Can I pick that up at a local hardware store?

[@boatus]

Hi Sedona. Thanks for the question and for reminding me to put links in the description. The fids we used are made by Selma and come as a set. They are nice because they have a barb in the end to help hold the line. You can purchase them from our retail partners like Defender: www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=2079316 or West Marine: www.westmarine.com/buy/samson-rope--selma-splicing-fids-set--3736006?recordNum=6

[@chuckward7403]

Buying a fid tonight to give it a try! Thanks.

[@forrestallison1879]

The only thing that sketches me out here is that nobody seems to recommend how you whiplock these spliced ends which as far as I can tell is a totally critical part of doing this so why is that always absent?

[@boatus]

Thanks for your comment, Forrest. A whiplock isn't necessary to secure this splice. However, some folks prefer to add it for extra security or for a finished look. If you really feel strongly about adding it, look up Yale Whiplock, and you'll find some how-to videos.

[@johncruicky3051]

Could you tell me if this would be strong enough for anchor line ,

[@boatus]

Thanks for the question, John. For anchor line, 3-strand nylon line is preferred over braid because it’s stronger and provides more elasticity to absorb the sudden loads of a boat surging around at anchor. It’s also more easily spliced and less expensive. For a video on how to make a thimble splice, see kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHXLZWiteMuEqZo. And for a tutorial on how to make a proper chain-to-line connection, see kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGTVmWaYoLxobdk.

[@hecdiver]

At 1:56, he makes a mark 2/3 the length of the fid. But from where does he measure from?

[@boatus]

Thanks for the question, Hector. The fourth mark is 2/3 of the fid length from the third mark (where you pulled the core out of the cover). This fourth mark is where you'll be inserting the core back into the cover. For more information, have a look at our article: www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2018/june/how-to-splice-double-braid-line

[@hecdiver]

Much appreciated.

[@MrAuldphart]

Alex Baldwin can not only act, he can splice rope too!!!!!!!

[@boatus]

Ha, Neil! I'll pass that along to Mark. Thanks for watching.

[@vipermadman]

Thank you!

[@boatus]

You are very welcome, and thanks for watching!

[@TR4zest]

There seems to be a big cut in the video between the state of the line at 4:36, and 4:37, where the eye magically appears.

[@boatus]

Hmmm. I hadn't really noticed that before, Brian, but I can see how it would look like that. All Mark has done is work the cover back over the core, which creates the eye. There was probably only a second or two between clips. That said, it's good feedback and I will keep it in mind as we do new videos.

[@TR4zest]

@@boatus Don't get me wrong - I am really enjoying your clips and the website.

[@boatus]

@@TR4zest So glad to hear that. But we do appreciate feedback, too!

[@roxydiotte]

Hello!! thanks for the great video and instructions. Any chance you could show me how to do an eye splice without the core in the loop, please.

[@boatus]

Hi Roxy! We have a video on how to do an eye splice at kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHXLZWiteMuEqZo. It shows how to add a thimble, but the splice is the same with or without. You can make the eye any size you need depending on the application.

[@jimcrosby6218]

Are you talking about a Flemish Eye? Look at this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipe5nWeuibljrMk

[@nikolaihedler8883]

Do you have any advice for splicing small-diameter line? I have some 5mm Sta-Set that I'd like to splice this way, but the small size seems to complicate things.

[@boatus]

Thanks for the question, Nikolai. The process is the same irrespective of the size of line, but the smaller sizes are fiddly and difficult. If you are new to splicing, I would strongly suggest that you practice with larger diameters, then move onto the smaller sizes when you have perfected the technique.

[@bernk]

This would be a nice and concise video, were it not for some confusing jump cuts. The jump cut at 1:50 makes it difficult to understand where exactly to place the fourth mark. I know it's 2/3 of a fid from, but from what?

[@boatus]

Thanks for the honest review, bernk. We'll keep that in mind for future videos.

[@mikestefanick7542]

Ok, so I tried this with the braided line I have on hand. It is not a double braid inside and out, just braided on the outside. The inside is twisted, and cones undone, untwisted, unraveled when outside the cover. Trying to pull the cover through is impossible. Is there anything, outside of buying more expensive line, can I do? TYIA

[@boatus]

Unfortunately, the double braided is easier to work with and that’s why we recommended. Maybe you can buy a short length of double braided, just 2-3 feet, then try again with that line. You’ll quickly realize the difference. Good luck!

[@rhabbott]

Pretty clear instructions until you get to the point of inserting the cover into the core. Which mark do you insert it into, 3rd or 4th??? It seems the marks disappear in your video and you don't state which one.

[@boatus]

Bob, thanks for your comments. Splicing double braid can at first seem complicated and a little confusing. In time it does get easier and faster. Here's the link to the step by step in pictures which should help: www.boatus.com/magazine/2018/june/how-to-splice-double-braid-line.asp

[@TheRussBroom]

Hi. Great video and explanation but I can't get the fid through the outer cover past the core. It jams up solid when I try to get that inch or so down (using Rota Marine Braid On Braid 10mm Polyester) What am I doing wrong?

[@boatus]

Thanks for the question, Russell. There could be two things going on here. The first is that the fid is too large to get down the cover and past the core, as there is just not enough room inside the cover. If that's the case, try a smaller diameter fid. The other possibility is that the fid is catching on something, most likely a strand or two of the core, thus preventing you from pushing the fid down and out through the side of the cover. It sounds like you have almost completed the splice. Stick with it, it gets easier and quicker with practice.

[@TheRussBroom]

Thanks for replying BoatUS. I tried a smaller fid (way too small for the core) but the cover just seems too tight. I’ll keep trying and let you know how I get on.

[@boatus]

@@TheRussBroom Definitely keep us posted. It's super easy to snag the inner core--even just a strand or two will lock it up. Best of luck!

[@MrPJ0077]

Use a wire fid. Heaps easier.. one size fits all. If you have lock wire that's good enough.

[@TheRussBroom]

MrPJ0077 This sounds like a game changer. Thank you! Yes, I have plenty of lockwire and will give this a go! I’m sure the cover is just too tight for fids on my rope.

[@DubDTube]

amaze

[@boatus]

I was standing there filming it and I still don't understand how it works! Thanks for watching, Dub

[@d.v.8750]

I'm afraid the film jumps around too much and cuts out some views of what's going on to follow.

[@boatus]

Bummer, but thanks for the feedback, D.V. It's a bit of a tricky technique for sure.

[@jons4real]

This is my problem. Great video but neccessary parts are clearly edited out. Very frustrating.

[@EchiLoki]

Great video! Any ideas on a fid alternative? I live in kind of a remote area and getting anything shipped here is costly two week process

[@boatus]

That’s a tough one! To be successful, you really do need the proper fids. However, depending on the size of line that you are splicing, you may be able to get away with some short lengths (1 foot) of small-diameter copper pipe (to match the rope diameter) with one end cut on an angle. I’ve not tried this approach and I can’t vouch for its effectiveness, but it might work in a pinch. We found this how-to online: www.pbo.co.uk/practical-projects/make-fids-splicing-28864

[@EchiLoki]

@@boatus Thanks for the reply! The line is 5/8", core looks to be somewhere between 3/8" and 1/2". I found some large aluminum knitting needles that Im thinking about cutting on an angle. I'm hoping my girlfriend will understand ahaha

[@boatus]

@@EchiLoki Good luck and let us know if it works. (And don't do anything that will anger the Admiral! Trust us on that ...)

[@EchiLoki]

@@boatus The admiral did not approve. I ended up having to use a .270 round and alot of electrical tape, ahaha. It turned out okay but I will be ordering a fid kit for future splicing though!

[@boatus]

@@EchiLoki VERY resourceful! (And good job appeasing the Admiral.) Yeah, a fid kit will definitely make your life easier. Thanks for following up and for sharing your experience. Have a fun and safe boating season, and thanks for watching!

[@edwardcieleszko3823]

That was awesome!

[@richardriva6649]

Ok, folled each step, but did not have the details of what each step actually does tho, .so I ended up with a mess and had to cut the line and start over. The whole massage the core thing ended with me pulling the cover out of the core and have to try to shove it all back. Made not sense to this amature

[@willpridham9641]

What size rope are you using?

[@boatus]

Thanks for your question, Will. I believe it is 7/16.

[@randyreed6555]

Splicing a line

[@vitaliyg3516]

👍

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, G!

[@ropetrick6289]

who is the manufacture of your fid?

[@boatus]

The fids are made by Selma and come as a set. They are nice because they have a barb in the end to help hold the line. You can purchase them from our retail partner West Marine: www.westmarine.com/buy/samson-rope--selma-splicing-fids-set--3736006?recordNum=6

[@thomasbuzzi3234]

Spent two hours watching this! It looks simple but something is missing. I could not get the outer core to tuck into the inner no matter what I did. Finally had to cut the inner core so I could pull the outer core back into itself. The loop looks fine but there is an 8" section with no inner core! A bit frustrating, old chap.

[@markgodden9350]

Yup, edited to make it look simple.

[@shortwidgets]

Who in the world figured this out to begin with!

[@boatus]

Agreed, shortwidgets! I can watch this 100 times, and it still seems like wizardry!

[@outdooradventures92]

Looks hard work to me. All I do is whip it together tight then put heat shrink over the top. As extra strength.

[@boatus]

Whipping and heat shrink are no shortcuts for splicing, especially for something this critical.

[@elsver2319]

That is a lame example of how to splice double braid. If you want to know the correct way, check out the New England Rope video.

[@boatus]

The way I showed it in this video and the how it's done in the video you recommend are exactly the same. While there may be some difference in presentation, there is only one way to properly splice double braid. Thanks for the feedback.

[@joshfitzgerald1127]

@@boatus does this work with double braid with dyneema core? Premium ropes have a very difficult method to splice dyneema core ropes? Thank you

[@boatus]

@@joshfitzgerald1127 Hey Josh. Thanks for the question. I've put this out to several of our experts but no one seems to have any experience with the Dyneema cored ropes. Doing a search online has turned up some videos, generally from manufacturers, that show the process. While somewhat similar, it looks to be different enough to require a different procedure. It's not often we can't get answers, but in this case, it's probably best to reach out to the line manufacturer or look at its website for how-to videos. Thanks for watching, and we hope you are able to find your answer that way.

[@joshfitzgerald1127]

@@boatus awww, thank you so much for trying. I knew online suggestions about a different method to splice dyneema were online, but the method is incredibly tricky to milk the cover over 2 inners and a cover! So thought I’d just ask if this option would work. Managed to do the dyneema the way that premium ropes recommends now…lots of tapering, sore hands and perseverance. Thank you so much, great video!!!

[@boatus]

@@joshfitzgerald1127 You get extra points for stumping us! 😄 Glad you got it done, though it does sound a lot more difficult than splicing standard double braid. On the positive side, I've pitched this to the team as a possible topic to discuss in a future issue of BoatUS Magazine so we can all learn! Thanks again.

[@georgiaferreboeuf]

great vid bro. i did it but i watched someone else. #rekt

[@keithpaul8405]

terrible,,, you cover half the work with your hands and you just "magically" just pulled it through switching frame from frame. not a help at all for a newbie. stop! show the stages that should be shown at "that "point ,,,and keep your hands from blocking everything..... not good

[@boatus]

Thanks for the honest feedback, Keith. Sorry you didn't find it helpful. We'll try to do something better in the future.

[@nwalsh623]

I found this opaque, hard to follow, and not useful.

[@boatus]

Thanks for your feedback, and sorry to hear that it wasn't helpful. Is there anything specific that would have made it more transparent and useful to you?