end loops for dyneema

[smootz]

I have tied a simple overhand loop on one end of all my tarp guy lines (1.75 mm dyneema). While I am housebound by cold weather I thought I might change them to nice flat spliced loops. All the videos appear to show larger dyneema. Where can I get fids or needles to do the small stuff? Is it really worth the work or am I being OCD?

[Groundskeeper]

I use that green coated floral wire folded to hold the cordage and a slight twist along the length to hold it somewhat rigid. It should work on 1.75 mm I would think, but I haven't tried it.

[dscotthep]

I used green floral wire for all my splicing (1.75mm and 7/64") and it turned out great. I've seen comments from some who used guitar strings instead of floral wire with good success. Honestly, almost any thin, stiff wire will work. Good luck!

[cmc4free]

I always splice dyneema cordage. I enjoy it and I really appreciate the clean, finished look. No knot at the end also allows you to slip the loop through holes in certain items, which may not be possible with a knot (without untying and retying).

Green floral wire and guitar strings seem to be the most common recommendation. I use copper wire (24 ga. I believe) that I have a surplus of around the garage and that works just fine, too. I think anything in that ballpark size works just as well.

The trickier part with the smaller cordage is pulling out the strands to taper, and I do always taper (usually 3 strands). Dividing the cordage with an even number of strands on each side of the hole, without splitting any strands is also a little trickier on the small stuff than the larger Amsteel. All worth it though, in my opinion. Splicing is fun.

[SilvrSurfr]

I love splicing - any time I can avoid a knot, I will. However, I can't see splicing a loop on the end of my guylines. That's a level of complexity I can't comprehend. I also won't use hardware on guylines (Dutch Fleaz, linelocs, etc.). A marlin spike hitch, to me, is the simplest way to attach the tarp stake to the guyline. Also, the simplest way to attach the guyline to the tarp is, to me, a larkshead knot. My two cents.

[MiteyF]

The ones I use come from Joann Fabric. Nice and cheap too.

[commanderkeen]

Dutch sells a splicing kit on his site that includes latch hooks in a variety of sizes—one of which will be the right size for Amsteel, and one of which will be the right size for 1.75 Dyneema or similar. You can get the kits other places too, of course.


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