18.5.4 Splices

There should be a minimum length of plain rope between the splices of 20 times the nominal rope diameter. This must be borne in mind when selecting slings for use where headroom is limited.

When selecting endless slings, the length of the splice may be restrictive in some applications. It must be remembered that the area of the splice will have a far larger bulk than the rest of the rope and will be far less flexible.

Three strand polyamide [nylon], polyester multifilament and polypropylene monofilament ropes are spliced with four full tucks, followed by a further tuck with not more than one half of the material cut out of each strand and a final tuck with not less than a quarter of the original strand material. Alternatively, they may be spliced with five tucks made with the full strand material.

Polypropylene fibrillated film, polypropylene staple and natural fibre ropes however are spliced with only four tucks of the full material.

In the case of endless slings, these requirements apply either side of the marrying point.

All splices should be made with the tucks against the lay of the rope. The type of splice where the tucks are made with the lay of the rope and the long splice should not be used, as this may undo if the rope is rotated under load.

Eight strand plaited ropes have different splicing requirements and the supplier should always be consulted with regards to these.