splicing versus knots

[ezwicky]

hi all,

is there any benefit to splicing loops into lines versus just tying knots?

for example, i made several prusik loops using fishermen's knots and it went really quick. same with tarp pull-out lines for my superfly... i made a surgeon's loop on one end, and a slipped buntline hitch for the second tie-out, then a lark-headed sugeon's loop on the single piece that is held tight by a stick and then is staked down at the far end.

those are just some examples, but i see a lot of guys doing splicing and i wondered what the benefit is.

i totally get the "craft" aspect of it, and i did buy a splicing hook from dutch so i can mess around with it myself, but for practical purposes, is one really any better than the other?

thanks,

-eric

[MAD777]

The two advantages of splicing are better strength than knots and more athletically pleasing than knots.

[dehler]

Depends on what type of line you're using.. with Amsteel (Dyneema) for example a spliced lines retains most if not all of its tensile strength where if you tie a knot it will actually weaken the line at the knot.. I think it can actually lose upwards of 60%.

Depending on the application you can get away with knots, like the triple fisherman on the prusik or tarp pull outs the line strength required is not severe, Amsteel is 1600lb .. your tarp tie outs needs no more than 50.

I would recommend splicing for any load bearing applications like suspension components... Anywhere you're going to really load the line.

[12trysomething]

I do it just cause it looks prettier...

[Bannerstone]

Splices tend to be less tangley, for looped ends and stopper knots especially so. Looped end don't require tying a knot to a stake.

David

[matjbrown]

I have a touch of ocd and so I splice. I like clean look.

[pgibson]

It absolutely depends on the material and the intention of its use. For example amsteel as many of us use to varying degrees in suspension for hammocks is made to be spliced.....aka it was never made or intended to be used with knots, knots and amsteel are a no-no

Ropes made for climbing are made to be used with knots. Totally different kind of materials in use and different intent in the manufacturing there of.

Keep in mind just like everything else in life: The right tool for the job. A Ferrari is great for picking up chicks , but useless as a moving truck. Not much space for the couch, fridge and bed. Amsteel has no use to a rock climber, climbing rope has no use to a hammock camper....that has not stopped some but still it stands.

[Scalz]

I feel it is necessary to know how to both tie the appropriate knots for our hammock tradecraft and to learn how to splice. Some times they work in conjunction with each other as in a soft shackle. It's probably the most pleasing and practical thing I ever made with a piece of amsteel.
http://www.animatedknots.com/softsha...matedknots.com

[ckmaui]

ditto material knots are not so good in some material and cant think where knots are stronger ?

having been and worked on boats most my life where knots are a common thing you do daily a lot when sailing etc..... I think knots are nice when you need to take something on and off or adjust a lot and splicing is a way when it does not need to be as mentioned less to tangle get in the way etc.......

[GoatHanger]

It absolutely depends on the material and the intention of its use.

^That's it right there.

Hollow braid, I splice. Solid core, I tie knots. That's my rule of thumb.