Splicing ArborMaster

[ATH]

I failed that class last night - badly. Used instructions off of Samson's site.

I thought I was crusing along nicely, but then I hit Step 5B. I could not pull the tail past "Mark C". I tried pulling, tried pushing (with hollow fid), tried inserting hanger going from D to B and from B to D. I tried gently working it in, pulling with all I could pull and anything in between.

Was most likely it because:
1) I was trying for the first time with used rope
2) Tools (I was trying to pull the end through taped to a hanger - I know one recommendation will be to get the Brion Toss tool, but shouldn't it at least be possible without that?)
3) It is hard rope for a new splicer to learn to splice on
4) I stink

Final ignorant question: Is a brummel an option with Arbormaster? (I tried that too, just because by 1:30 I was so frustrated...couldn't get the tail through the rope with the help of a 1/2" fid, but didn't have the energy/ambition at that hour to keep trying. Instead I logged on to Sherrill and bought 50' of Tenex so I can try to learn on an easier rope (I needed to buy a Rope Boss while they are still on sale for my incoming Bluemoon anyhow).

 

[ATH]

anybody?

(thanks)

 

[JeffL]

I've recently been attempting splicing on my own as well. Started with some Poison ivy, and then been trying some NE Hi-vee. I'm great right up to the point where I need to bury the tapered tail, can get it in until I have to get it past the core, then I'm stuck. Almost got it with the double braid once, but my wire fid busted as I was about an inch shy of getting the bury back out the jacket.

Said screw it and ordered the toss wand. Good luck to you. Did a few eyes and some back splices on some amsteel the other day, it seems almost effortless compared to trying to splice some 7/16" double braid.

 

[jefflovstrom]

Time is money, spend it and have it done.
Jeff

 

[ATH]

Just not sure that $100 is worth it to me for the Toss Wand . Like you said, time is money. I can spend $20 when I buy new ropes to have them professionally spliced and not have to spend any time doing it. That is 5 ropes...without counting the time. Maybe if spicing were easier (simply meaning I practice), I would do it more... I know this is something I need learn, was just hoping to learn it without spending more money.

Like I said, I thought it should at least be possible without the Toss wand. Any other tips are apprecitated (even if they are tips that will take more time - while time is money...I haven't found clients that want me working at 11pm...but I can play with my ropes then).

 

[pdqdl]

I don't have any arbormaster, so I can't advise you on that.

In general, I have found that the second splice is heaps easier than the first. A coat hanger is pretty big diameter; try some copper wire and just solder an eye into the end. Look up some posts by Moray on suggestions for how that works.

You don't do splices to save money, unless you are hard core cheap like me. Do the splices because you enjoy the challenge, and you hate being dependent on someone else. After the frustration is over, you have the satisfaction of having done it for yourself.

Every time I pull out one of my splices to use, I look at it, checking for problems. Then I think..."Damn I'm good. Look how pretty that splice is". If I paid someone else to do it, all I would think is "I wonder how long that $25 splice will last?"

The splices you do for yourself pay you back in satisfaction every time you use them.