Advertisement

How to Make an Eye Splice

Step-by-step instructions for making an eye splice.
  • Updated: December 7, 2012
Count 16 “crowns” from the end of the line and wrap with masking tape. Unravel the strands up to the tape. Wrap tape around each of the three strands, forming points.
Form an eye to the desired size and mark the closing point with a felt-tip marker. Lay the unraveled end next to the standing part of the line. Place the center and left strands over the standing part in preparation to begin. Leave the right strand alone for now.
Tuck the center strand under any strand on the standing part. Tuck the left strand under the upper (toward the loop) adjacent strand. Tuck the right strand under the lower adjacent (toward the end) strand from underneath.
Continue with four more tucks, always placing each strand over the nearest strand and under the next strand of the standing part of the line — ergo “under standing.” Snug up the tucks as you go to keep it tight and tidy.
Trim the excess taped length of each strand and seal with a hot knife, butane or propane torch or a lighter. Be careful of hot ends and dripping nylon. Once the ends have cooled, rub the finished splice between your palms to even it out.

You can save a few bucks by making your own dock lines, but the real win in learning to make an eye splice comes from personal satisfaction, and the ability to tailor line length and loop diameter to your liking. It’s a great off-season project that comes down to “under standing.”

null

Now that you’ve mastered the eye splice use our video below to create your own rope-to-chain splice.

null
Advertisement

Email Newsletters and Special Offers

Sign up for Boating emails to receive features on travel destinations, event listings and product reviews as well as special offers on behalf of Boating’s partners.

By signing up you agree to receive communications from Boating and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time.

More How To

Advertisement

Read More

SUBSCRIPTIONS
ABOUT US
FOLLOW US
BONNIER BRANDS

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Boating may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2023 Boating. A Bonnier LLC Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.