Historical information

This splicing tool is handmade on a forge. It is used for splicing in fibre and wire rope work to form a semi-permanent joint between two ropes, or parts of the same rope or steel cable. The rope is partly untwisted and then the strands are interwoven. Splices can be used to form a stopper at the end of a line, to form a loop or an eye in a rope, or to join two ropes together. Splices are preferred to knotted rope; a knot typically can reduce the strength by 20–40%, but a splice is capable of attaining a rope's full strength.

Significance

This homemade, handmade splicer is an example of a tool used to splice a cable or rope, a craft that was in much need onboard a sailing ship.

Physical description

Splicing tool; a spike on one end and a flat blade on the other, with goose-neck centre for leverage. Handmade.