The Back Splice

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Uses: The Back Splice (ABOK # 2813, p 462) provides a secure method of preventing the end of a rope from fraying.

Structure: The back splice consists of two parts: a Crown (on right) to redirect the strands back towards the standing end; and the braiding to tuck the ends into the standing strands. About three complete "tucks" are sufficient as no load is applied to a back splice.

Disadvantages: It makes a bulky end to a rope and usually prevents the rope's end from passing though blocks and pulleys. For most purposes, a whipping is preferred - see Sailmakers, Sailors, or West Country whipping.

Advantages: No additional tools or equipment are required and it is easily learned and quickly tied.

Splice the Mainbrace: History of Grog: Ashley's (Splicing Section p 461), explains that Splicing the Mainbrace meant serving Grog to all hands at the completion of some particularly arduous labor. He omits the explanation that Grog was named after its inventor Admiral Edward "Old Grog" Vernon so named for the admiral's waterproof Grogam coat (sometimes spelled Grogram). Grogam (or Grogram) is defined as a thick material which was a combination of silk, mohair and wool often stiffened with gum.