My DIY Splicing Kit
Needing to splice different types of line for everything from Fender Lines to Soft Shackles, I've watched dozens of YouTube videos on the subject. This is despite the Navy training I had at age 15 on how to make various splices in ropes, typically Coir Rope (Coconut Husk material).
1964 That's me in the Back Row 5th from the left.
HMS St. Vincent's Rope Work Class - Jnr Seaman
Over the past 4 years, I have made Fender lines, Dock Lines, Main Halyard Loops and the list goes on. I've built up a simple Splicing Kit and find it's pretty much all I need to complete any splice on the lines sized to suit Eximius. A larger boat might need thicker lines and a couple of extra, larger splicing tools.
My DIY Splicing Kit comprises of a Small & Medium sized FID, a line puller, Marker Pen, Ruler, Line Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
Fids: Used to open the rope strands or push a line end though the parts of the line. I purchased a pack of hollow, aluminum, knitting needles from the local fabric store. Cut the blunt ends off and then ground down that end with my rotary sander (could have used my Dremel)
Line Puller: Used to pull a line or part of a line inside of the rest of the line, I know, that's not very descriptive, I'll show it in pics.
Here are the parts of my kit:
My original Line Puller, Version II, Long Fid, Short Fid
Single Sided Razorblade, Sharpie Marking Pen
I spent a few minutes making a holder for everything except the Razor and Ruler
Note: The holder is marked at 6" 8" and 12"
so that I don't have to have a 3' rule at hand.
Still thinking about how to include the Razor in the holder
Solution for the Razor, I've started to using a box cutter to hold the blade.
I purchased these (available on
Amazon)
The cutter fits easily into the Splicing Kit holder. I didn't need 12 cutters, but what's the chance I'll loose one (or more 😉
Now I can sit and watch TV while I'm making a Soft Shackle or putting an Eye Splice in a piece of Dyneema.
See you on the water!