How to Splice Rope Directly to Chain

Today we are looking at how to construct a rope to chain splice. There are a few techniques out there but we feel this one gives the neatest and strongest finish and is the one used by professionals. Modern anchor winches can often handle chain and rope combinations, though the use of a thimble and shackle to join them is precluded. If this is your case or you just want to learn a new skill, this video is for you!

We also give some insight into the use of stainless steel chain.

We are working on more instructional videos for you that will address rope skills and marlinspike seamanship, among other subjects. This is the first of them and we hope you find it useful in your adventures, no matter where they may be.

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[peterhaan]

It would seem to me that you have reduced the inline tensile of your rope by 2/3's plus another 50% by doubling the robe back as it goes through the chain link.

[whyme]

Great info! Working with that hot knife over your leg kept me on edge.

[peterchristis]

I bet you weren't expecting this many comments on your video. Thanks, I really enjoyed the video and it helped me splicing rope to chain. Something to think about, the strength of a system like this, rope spliced to chain, comes down to the strength of the weakest spot in the system. Prior to all these comments, i would have guessed the weakest spot was the rope strands passing through the chain. But now I have convinced myself that it is probably too complicated to predict without test data. So i will be silent on that topic. My wife and I were in Australia in Oct and Nov of 2018. I am slowly working my way through your video episodes. Hope you are still having great adventures :-)

[trumpetmano]

Another high quality Video! Thanks! Lines and Knots are so interesting. Especially when you explain it so well. Really can't tell you how long I've waited for some great tying video from you.

[kf]

God it is good to see see someone who actually knows whats what, and knows how to explain it.

[opsecchief]

Outstanding teacher Troy. Thoroughly enjoy watching Free Range Sailing. You and Pascale put out great content.

[OleNavy]

Back to my marlin spike seamanship days... I got quite handy at splicing 3-strand, then when I transferred to the Signal Bridge, we were told we had to use double braid for our halyards... We acquired nylon Samson-braid and a fid kit, then went about learning to splice all over again... Your hybrid long/short splice reminds me a bit of that, as it involved removing some of core... I’ll add your technique to my mental library of neat things learned!!! Great video kids!!!

[TheNWaite]

In that 15:19 vid I think I learnt something more useful than I did in 4 years of primary school French. As always I tip my cap to your seemingly immeasurable fountain of knowledge.

[spetruck]

I don't have a boat or even care about rope....you're just fun to listen to. (I was trying to learn about jewelry making....but here I am.)

[kymholbrook]

I watched this yesterday. Within 24 hours the mysterious algorithms showed me some other clips of this method of splicing.

Gotta say your presentation technique is much better and easy to follow.

Great work.

[MsSdgasg]

I really like these how-to videos you've been doing lately.

[wdbx]

Awesome video! I love the down to earth way you explain all of the practical subjects you cover. I have already been through the impellor on my outboard, following your explanation. Pascal will be one of the most learn'ed 1st mates on the ocean blue.Cheers team.Wade.

[matthewlawson]

I’ve watched several videos on the subject but this has been the most useful and convincing. Many thanks

[Garryck-]

Many thanks for both the demonstration and the discussion showing that in this case, two strands does not weaken the splice.

[clhand]

That looks much nicer, and way more slim than my last splice to a chain. Nice job!

[sawingate]

Great easy to understand lesson. Deft use of hot knife without singeing leg hairs! Always learning from your videos. Thanks.

[DFDuck]

Very nice indeed. In the late 1970's and 80's I was a commercial salmon fisherman out of Northern California. Besides doing my own rigging I would teach some of the other fisherman how to splice rope. Rope splicing was used a lot back in the days when ski lifts were just pull ropes. You needed good clean splices so the rope would go through pulleys without binding.

[ezezezy]

Once again thank you for this video ..enjoy your videos as there always interesting..unlike some others that focus on the ladies in tiny out fits..

[mrkgaming]

Hi how are you both beautiful people..Thank you for showing us how to spice a rope.You are very creative and handy.I hope you both will be safe always on the waters.We love you both ❤️..God speed

[tommyboy]

Very nice I love it when you teach us I always learn something and you have become very trusted by us groupies thanks