Instruction videos

1.1 How to make an eye splice in a three-strand rope

This video shows how to splice a three-strand rope. This is the most traditional of all eye splices. On modern yachts this is still often used for splicing fender lines, anchor lines or mooring lines.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→P-Classic for mooring lines, anchor lines or fenderlines (black, navy and white)

→Classic twist for mooring lines, halyards and sheets on traditional boats (beige)

1.2 How to make an eye splice in a eight-strand rope

This instruction video explains how to make an eye splice in an eight-strand rope. The video shows how to work systematically with different tape colours for the right-twisting and left-twisting strands. This technique is commonly used for mooring lines and anchor rodes.

Try it yourself. This rope is spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→8 strand polyester for mooring and anchor lines

2.1 How to make an eye splice in double braid polyester ropes

This instruction video explains how to make an eye splice in double braid rope with a braided polyester core and braided polyester cover. The splice is strong, neat and ideal for splicing in a shackle. This technique is commonly used for cruising halyards, sheets and braided docklines.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→Cruiser XTS for halyards and sheets

→Dockline for mooring lines

3.1.1 How to make an eye splice single braided Dyneema basic method

This instruction video shows how the very basis of how to make an eye splice in single braid rope of Dyneema or Stirotex fibres. Basically, the length of at least 60 times the diameter of the rope is taken back into itself. Under tension, the inner part is clamped by the outer part of the line. Check out all our single braids and their best use in our Quick Core Selector.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→DX Core 78 Dyneema SK78 single braid for control lines, safeguards, backstays, shackles and loops

→S Core Stirotex single braid for control lines, safeguards, backstays, shackles and loops

3.1.2 How to make an eye splice in a hollow braid with grib fibre

This instruction video explains how to make an eye splice in a hollow braid with a grip fibre. The splice is strong, neat and ideal for splicing in a shackle or block. This technique is commonly used for dinghy sheets and control lines.

Try it yourself. This rope is spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→Dinghy race grip for dinghy sheets and control lines

3.2.1 How to make a locked eye splice in single braided Dyneema - both ends free

This instruction video shows how to make a lock splice, also called a Brummel splice, in a single braid rope. You can use this method when both ends of the rope are free. Check out all our single braids and their best use in our Quick Core Selector. This splice can be used for control lines, vang systems, backstays and also for Dyneema guardrails (DIY blog).

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→DX Core 78 -Dyneema SK78 single braid- for vang systems, cascades, guardrails

→S Core - Stirotex single braid- for vang systems, cascades, guardrails

→DX Core 78 HPS - Dyneema SK78 pre stretched- for running backstays, backstays and emergency rigs

3.2.2 How to make a locked eye splice in single braided Dyneema - one end fixed

This instruction video explains how to make a lock splice in a single braid rope, when one side of the rope is fixed. Check out all our single braids and their best use in our Quick Core Selector. This splice can be used for control lines, vang systems, backstays, lazy-jack systems and also for Dyneema guardrails (DIY blog).

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→ DX Core -Dyneema SK78 single braid- for vang systems, cascades, safeguards

→ S Core - Stirotex single braid- for vang systems, cascades, safeguards

→ DX Core 78 HPS - Dyneema SK78 pre stretched- for running backstays, backstays and emergency rigs

3.3.1a How to make an eye splice in double braided Dyneema without cover (method 1)

This instruction video explains how to make an eye splice in a double braid rope with a core of HMPE Dyneema® or Stirotex®. This is the easiest method and just as strong. The core of this rope carries the load (core dependent) and the cover is therefore not needed in the eye splice. This technique is ideal for splicing in a shackle for halyards and sheets .

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→S Cup for halyards and sheets

→DX Cup Grip for sheets

3.3.1b How to make an eye splice in double braided Dyneema without cover (method 2)

This video shows how to make an eye splice in a double braid rope with a core of HMPE Dyneema® or Stirotex®. This is slightly more difficult than 3.3.1a and equally strong. The core of this rope carries the load (core dependent) and the cover is therefore not needed in the eye splice. This technique is ideal for splicing a shackle into halyards and sheets on a sailing yacht.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→S Cup for halyards and sheets

→DX Cup Grip for sheets

3.3.2 How to make an eye splice in double braid Dyneema with cover

This instruction video explains how to make an eye splice in a double braid rope with a core of HMPE Dyneema® or Stirotex®. In this video we use both the core and the cover for the splice. This splice is more difficult than the ones above. For tight ropes we use a Soft Fid for milking back the cover. Use this technique for splicing a shackle into halyards and sheets .

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→S Cup for halyards and sheets

→TN Racing for halyards and sheets

→DX Cup Grip for sheets

3.4 How to make an eye splice in double braid Dyneema with intermediate cover

This video shows how to make an eye splice in a rope with a double layer cover with a HMPE Dyneema® core. The inner cover does not add strength to the rope and is merely a 'filler'. After the intermediate cover is removed, the splice is from thereon identical to a double braid Dyneema® as shown in our instruction video 3.2.2.

Instead of ropes with a double layer cover, we advise a double braid rope with HMPE core.

→S Cup for halyards and sheets (Stirotex® HMPE core)

→DX Performance for halyards and sheets (Dyneema® HMPE core)

4.1 How to make a Dyneema softshackle type 1

This instruction video shows how to make a Soft Shackle of HMPE Dyneema® or Stirotex®. Soft Shackles are strong, light and safe. They increasingly replace stainless steel shackles on sailing yachts. The video explains to take 85 cm length for a 4 mm rope. For thicker ropes, take 10 cm extra for every additional millimeter diameter. Splicing a soft shackle is very easy, only the diamond knot (video 4.4) requires some practice.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→S Core single braid of HMPE Stirotex®

→DX Core 78 single braid of HMPE Dyneema®

4.2 How to make a Dyneema softshackle type 2

This instruction video shows an alternative method for making a Softshackle of HMPE Dyneema® or Stirotex®. It is just as strong, light and safe as type 1. The video states to take 85 cm length for a 4 mm rope. For thicker ropes, take 10 cm extra for every additional millimeter diameter. Check out the instruction video for the diamond knot here: video 4.4.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→S Core single braid of HMPE Stirotex®

→DX Core 78 single braid of HMPE Dyneema®

4.3 How to make a softshackle integrated to the rope

This instruction video is for expert splicers and shows how to make a Soft Shackle integrated to the rope. With the HPME (Dyneema or Stirotex) core of the rope - of your halyard or sheet - you make the Soft Shackle. A good alternative is also our technique for a Soft Shackle that can be locked to a sheet or halyard: video 4.5.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→DX Cup for halyards and sheets

→S Cup for halyards and sheets

4.4 How to make a diamond knot for softshackle (softshackle knot)

The so-called diamond knot is used as a stopper knot in soft shackles. This instruction video shows how to make the knot in detail. Combine this instruction video with one of the instruction video's and make your own Dyneema® softshackles:

→ Video 4.1- Softshackle standard - type 1

→ Video 4.2- Softshackle standard - type 2

→ Video 4.3 - Softshackle integrated in the rope

→ Video 4.5 - Softshackle that can be locked to a halyard or sheet

4.5 How to make a softshackle that can be locked to a sheet or halyard

This instruction video explains how to make a Softshackle that can be locked to a sheet or halyard. This is ideal to replace stainless steel shackles for a strong, light and safe alternative. The video states to take 85 cm length for a 4 mm rope. For thicker ropes, take 10 cm extra for every additional millimeter diameter. Check out the instruction video for the diamond knot here: video 4.4.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→S Core single braid of HMPE Stirotex®

→DX Core 78 single braid of HMPE Dyneema®

5.1 How to taper a double braided Dyneema rope

This video shows step-by-step how to save weight on your halyard or sheet. Use a core dependent rope, with a HMPE core of Dyneema® or Stirotex® fibres. This instruction shows how to remove the cover on the part where you do not need the cover for grip. Tapered sheets or halyards can save you weight without losing the rope's strength. This technique can also be used for halyards where there is not enough space in the mast for a double braid rope with HMPE core.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→DX Cup for halyards and sheets

→S Cup for halyards and sheets

5.2 How to make an end-to-end splice of two single braided ropes

This is a great technique to improve grip on a thin, strong Dyneema rope. This instruction video shows how to join two single braid ropes. It has the same purpose of weight saving as with a tapered sheet (video 5.1), only here we combine strength and grip of two separate ropes. This technique can be used for a light weight sheet for a spinnaker or control lines.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→DX Core single braid rope of Dyneema® SK78 fibers

→Dinghy race grip single braid for dinghy sheets (mix of Dyneema® SK78 and Cordura fibers)

5.3 How to make an end-to-end splice of steelwire to double braided ropes

This instruction video explains how to make steel wire lead to a double braid polyester rope. Many - more traditional- sailing boats have this solution to hoist sails. For this kind of halyard you often also can use a single braid Dyneema® instead of the steel wire lead, check out our instruction video 5.4.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→Cruiser XTS for halyards

→Stainless steel wire rope 1x19 for the stainless steel lead

5.4 How to make an end-to-end splice of single braid Dyneema to double braided ropes

If you don't have enough space in the mast for a halyard, use a lead of steel wire (see video 5.3) or single braid HMPE (Dyneema® or Stirotex®) fibers. This video shows how to splice the single braid HMPE to a double braid polyester halyard. It is a lightweight and strong solution that leads perfectly through the mast. If your halyard has no polyester core, but one with HMPE fibers instead, taper the rope instead (video 5.1)

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→Cruiser XTS halyard with a polyester core

→DX Core single braid rope of Dyneema® fibers (HMPE)

→S Core single braid rope of Stirotex® fibers (HMPE)

6.1 How to splice an extra cover

This instruction video explains how to splice an extra cover over a rope. This can be either for protection of wear at critical points in blocks and sheaves. Or you can use this technique to thicken the ropes locally to prevent them from slipping in clutches, jammers and stoppers. With an extra cover the lifetime of halyards and sheets can double.

Try it yourself. These are our cover braids that can be spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→DX Cover Dyneema® cover for protection from chafing in blocks and sheaves

→Technora covers for better grip and durability in clutches and jammers

→PBO covers for extremely high grip and heat resistance on high load winches

6.3 How to make a strip and re-cover with Dyneema

This video shows how to replace the polyester cover of a double braid Dyneema® rope with a thin abrasion resistant Dyneema® cover. This splicing technique is often called 'strip and recover' and particularly popular for halyards on racing boats. The Dyneema® cover at the end is thinner, more durable and more flexible than the original cover. The instruction shows all steps from tapering the cover, splicing in the new cover to the eye-splice for a shackle.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→DX Cover Dyneema® cover for protection from chafing in blocks and sheaves

→Halyards with HMPE core suitable for strip and recover

6.4 How to splice an extra core

This instruction video explains how to splice in an extra core in a rope, often called 'beef up'. Use this technique if you want to thicken a rope locally, for example because a halyard won't hold in a clutch. Firstly, you take out the core from the cover. Secondly, you splice in an extra core throughout that length of core. It is important to taper the ends of the extra core before milking back the cores into the cover.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→DX Core 78 single braid rope of Dyneema® fibers

7.1.1 How to make an endless rope with equal thickness

This instruction video explains how to make an continuous loop - with equal thickness- from a double braid polyester rope. This technique is often used for sheets and furlers. Note that this loop is reduced in strength, because the core isn't spliced in itself. If equal thickness is not critical for a continuous loop, we advise to use the stronger method as shown in video 7.1.2.

Try it yourself. Thise rope is spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→Cruiser XTS for sheets and furler lines

7.1.2 How to make an endless rope with equal strength

This instruction video explains how to make an continuous loop - with equal strength- from a double braid polyester rope. This technique is often used for sheets with no or negligible purchase, also called German sheeting. In that case a single continuous loop runs through blocks and allows the helm to adjust the mainsail from either helm position. This video shows you how to make such a continuous sheet.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→Cruiser XTS for sheets - continuous sheet

7.2.1 How to make a basic Dyneema loop - from single braided rope

This video shows how to splice a loop from single braid HPME fibers (Dyneema® or Stirotex®) ropes. Dyneema loops are light and strong and are therefore very suitable for attaching a block to the deck. In many cases they can also replace strainless steel D-shackles. It is easy and fun, especially when you start combining loops with aluminum thimbles. Read all about Dyneema loops in this blog.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→S Core single braid of HMPE Stirotex®

→DX Core 78 single braid of HMPE Dyneema®

→Low friction rings make a great combination with Dyneema loops

7.2.2 How to make a Dyneema loop with cover

This instruction video shows how to make a very strong Dyneema loop with cover. This method allows you to decide on the strength and the size of the loop. For example, lashing the core four times in your loop will multiply the breaking load by about eight! The several lashes of the core in this method are then covered with a Dyneema cover. It is great to attach blocks anywhere onto your boat, for example using a dogbone. Read more about Dyneema loops in this blog.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→DX Cover Dyneema® cover for protection from chafing in blocks and sheaves

→DX Core 78 single braid of HMPE Dyneema®

→Dogbones of stainless steel

8.1 How to make a stitched whipping

This instruction video explains how to make a stitched whipping for braided ropes. This whipping prevents the core from slipping into the cover. Ropes with a braided cover will always need a stitched whipping as a common whipping will slide off too easily. A stitched whipping is also used to finish an eye splice. Check out our whipping twines in 15 colours: Polyester whipping twine and our super strong Stirotex whipping twine .

Try it yourself. These twines can be used for a stitched whipping.

→ Polyester whipping twine

→ Stirotex whipping twine

8.2 How to make a simple whipping

This instruction video shows how to make a common whipping. Is the easiest technique, but it has some disadvantages: it will slip off the rope quickly and it can easily break. We recommend to use a stitched whipping instead: video 8.1. If you have a three strand rope, use the technique as shown in video 8.3.

Try it yourself. These twines can be used for a stitched whipping.

→ Polyester whipping twine

→ Stirotex whipping twine

8.3 How to make a whipping for a three-strand rope

This instruction video explains how to make a stitched whipping for three strand laid ropes. This traditional method is not just very practical, it also looks great. This is the only whipping that will sit tightly on a three-strand laid rope. Check out our whipping twines in 15 colours: Polyester whipping twine and our super strong Stirotex whipping twine .

Try it yourself. These twines can be used for a stitched whipping.

→ Polyester whipping twine

→ Stirotex whipping twine

9.1 How to make a reeving eye - flemish eye

This instruction video explains how to make a reeving eye - often called a Flemish eye. This eye is made up only of the rope's cover. As the core is removed, there won't be any thickening. Please note that the eye is not very strong. It is used to feed a halyard through the mast.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→Cruiser XTS for cruising halyards

→S Cup for performance halyards

9.2 How to make other reeving methods

This instruction video shows various techniques how to reef a new halyard through the mast. It shows how to sew the old halyard to a new one. Another technique in this instruction is a reeving loop made of whipping twine.

Try it yourself. These ropes are spliced exactly as shown in the video.

→Cruiser XTS for cruising halyards

→S Cup for performance halyards

10.1 How to splice when you have limited space in a rope. Use a D-SPLICER Softfid!

In some situations there is just not much room to feed through a splicing fid. Soft Fids prove to be a perfect solution! Not only do they take limited space, but you can also apply force and pull through your rope. Once the soft fid is eased out, you can slide it off your rope and use it for your next rope splice. Our riggers use them all the time!

Try it yourself with our splicing tools!

→ D-SPLICER splicing tools are used by sailors and riggers around the world

→ Get started with our Rope splicing kits with tools and practice ropes

10.2 Tips and tricks for milking the cover

Sliding back the cover of a rope over a splice is also called 'milking'. This can be difficult sometimes. Our expert rigger shows you in this instruction video two methods how to milk the cover and shares his tips and tricks . The first technique is to use your weight with a climbing harnesss and the rope attached. The second method uses a winch. That can also be done on board of your sailing boat if you do not have a winch on your splicing bench as we have. Our D-Splicer D-Slack is a also great tool to use for milking the cover over a core.

→ Check out our Rope Splicing App and have all splicing instructions in your pocket!

→ Read all about ropes and splices in Handbook Splicing Modern Ropes available in 7 languages