What is the Short Splice used for?

Joining two twisted (laid) ropes permanently and securely; Repairing a broken rope by rejoining both halves; Making towing and mooring lines that don't need to run through blocks; Making stopper knots and fixed loops in working lines; Joining ropes in nautical and pioneering activities where strength matters more than diameter.

How do you tie the Short Splice?

The Short Splice permanently joins two ropes by interweaving the strands of one into the other, producing a very strong join close to the original rope's breaking strength. In exchange, it thickens the rope at the join, so it won't run through blocks or narrow sheaves. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Short Splice hard to tie?

The Short Splice is rated hard, in the Bends category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Short Splice?

Won't run through blocks or sheaves because it thickens the rope; use a long splice for those cases; Works on three-strand twisted rope; it's not the right technique for double-braid line; Done poorly, the strands can slip under load; make the correct number of tucks.

Short Splice

Q: What other names does the Short Splice have?

It is also known as Short Splice, Costura corta, Ayuste corto, Empalme corto, Emenda curta, Ligada curta, Épissure courte.

Joins two ropes permanently by interweaving the strands; very strong but thickens the rope (won't run through a block)

Also called: Short Splice, Costura corta, Ayuste corto, Empalme corto, Emenda curta, Ligada curta, Épissure courte

What it is for

Joining two twisted (laid) ropes permanently and securely
Repairing a broken rope by rejoining both halves
Making towing and mooring lines that don't need to run through blocks
Making stopper knots and fixed loops in working lines
Joining ropes in nautical and pioneering activities where strength matters more than diameter