ropes...

Tideway · 30 June 2006, 22:41

I cannot splice to save my life and hate untidy rope ends

. Does anyone have any good tips for finishing off a rope end once you have cut it. My current messy method is to wrap the rope in insulating tape to prevent it unlaying, cut it through the tape and burn the end with a blowlamp! Not very nautical I know!

I have also tried whipping the ends with thin line, but I am not sure how durable this is...

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

t

Pete7 · 30 June 2006, 22:59

Rope whipped with waxed twine will last if you stitch the start through the rope then using an off cut of twine to form a loop pull the end under the whipping. Must be pulled tight though as you build up the whipping. There is an alternative, that is a liquid plastic stuff you dip the end of the rope in and allow to dry. Not used it though.

Pete

codprawn · 30 June 2006, 23:00

Try that liquid whipping stuff - basically liquid rubber or pvc or similar - can be used to insulate wires etc as well.

http://www.caswelleurope.co.uk/plastidip.htm

Nasher · 30 June 2006, 23:42

Had a can of the plasti-cote years ago when Frost restorations first started selling it. I was a student it was that long ago, and I brought it to try out on various bits and pieces like handles of tools etc.

Trouble is my flat mate and I got a bit out of hand with it and 'dipped' a Gonk in it that belonged to one of the girls we shared with.
Then over the next few days -

To get me back she dipped my motorbike keys in it.

So i dipped her curling tongs.

She dipped one of my sausages and put it back in the fridge.

So I brought a plastic dog poo, dipped it, then left it in her room.

At this stage I should have hid the stuff, but was enjoying myself.

She dipped a ladies personal hygiene item, and left it on my pillow.

I dipped a pair of her knickers.

Her and 3 friends got home late one night, burst in to my room, and poured the last of it where it was very difficult to remove.

Nasher.

Rogue Wave · 01 July 2006, 06:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Her and 3 friends got home late one night, burst in to my room, and poured the last of it where it was very difficult to remove.

Nasher.

Understood but was the end whipped?

The blowlamp works for me! another thing you could do is get a suitable piece of heatshrink o finish the end off.

i have to say a nicely and traditionally finished bit of rope is kinda nice!

Gray · 01 July 2006, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

Understood but was the end whipped?

codprawn · 01 July 2006, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Her and 3 friends got home late one night, burst in to my room, and poured the last of it where it was very difficult to remove.

Nasher.

At least it would have stopped it rusting.......

Steve Waters · 01 July 2006, 21:25

Nasher thats the most I've laughed in a long time........
Heat shrink is brilliant but if you are cutting nylon or plastic heat it first till it melts/burns (mind your fingers) and then heat shrink it.
But I have to admit I do like the idea of dipping.................and whipping.......

AndrewH · 03 July 2006, 01:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Her and 3 friends got home late one night, burst in to my room, and poured the last of it where it was very difficult to remove.

Nasher.

Most yacht chandlers use a heated tool to cut rope and seal at the same time. I've found that you can do almost as good a job with a hot soldering iron.

Andrew

Limey Linda · 03 July 2006, 01:42

Put two wraps of electrical tape around rope about 1 1/2 times rope diameter apart before cutting. Cut with sharp serrated knife on a piece of wood between tape wraps. Then heat seal ends by your preferred method. I use a blow torch, but take it slow. Apply heat shrink leaving tape in place. Easy and quick.

Nasher · 03 July 2006, 08:37

My usual method is almost the same as Tideway.

Quick wrap of tape around the rope, then cut through the tape.

I then use a lighter to melt the end, and lick my thumb and forefinger so I can roll the end around between them to smooth it and tidy it up.
Then remove the tape.

I don't always bother with the tape depending on the rope I'm cutting, and if the wife isn't in I sometimes use the gas hob.

However, when I've gone to the bother of whipping the end of the rope properly with waxed twine it looks cracking and makes you feel good.

I've also been working out of a book lately to slpice an eye into the end of a couple of ropes which have worked out quite well. I've tried both 3 strand and braid on braid, and was surprised at how good a result is achievable with a little practice.

Nasher.