Splicing Dyneema

[Lojanica]

Hi All,

I did a search but didn't find what I needed. So...

I purchased some 13mm Dyneema Dux

Was planning on using for rigging, shackles, and tow lines on the boat etc.

Need a splicing kit. Which one and where? I watched some video but was wondering where those that have and do splice this item what tools they have?

Thanks!!!

[model 10]

I like the Samson tube fid kit. They all slide into each other for storage.

[barnakiel]

I use tools from various makes and eras.

I have one Marlow kit, then I have some odd fids, etc. A small vice, some tape, twine, a German hotknife, etc.

You can have fewer tools if you are working with one diameter only.

b.

[Dockhead]

The basic and absolutely usable splice kit for single braid dyneema consists of:

1. Ballpoint pen
2. Long piece of monel seizing wire
3. Very sharp pair of scissors
4. Roll of masking tape
5. Tape measure
6. Sharpie.

You could add something for whipping and seizing -- whipping cord, sailmaker's needles, etc.


I splashed out and bought the D-Splicer and the dyneema scissors from the same company.

I am very pleased indeed with these devices, particularly the incredibly sharp scissors, which go through dyneema like a hot knife through butter.


Are they worth $100 more than the Basic Splice Kit above? Hard to say. Not essential, for sure. The splicer is really nice but not fundamentally different from a ballpoint pen and piece of monel wire. The scissors are awesome.

[Lojanica]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

The basic and absolutely usable splice kit for single braid dyneema consists of:

1. Ballpoint pen
2. Long piece of monel seizing wire
3. Very sharp pair of scissors
4. Roll of masking tape
5. Tape measure
6. Sharpie.

You could add something for whipping and seizing -- whipping cord, sailmaker's needles, etc.


I splashed out and bought the D-Splicer and the dyneema scissors from the same company.

I am very pleased indeed with these devices, particularly the incredibly sharp scissors, which go through dyneema like a hot knife through butter.


Are they worth $100 more than the Basic Splice Kit above? Hard to say. Not essential, for sure. The splicer is really nice but not fundamentally different from a ballpoint pen and piece of monel wire. The scissors are awesome.

Who'd you get the scissors and D-splicer from?

[Stumble]

The best splicing tool is Brion Toss' wand. Brion Toss Yacht Riggers, Sailboat Rigging::Splicing Gear

But for large stuff like 13mm I would probably just use a large knitting needle with the line shoved in the end. The larger the line gets the easier it is to splice.

His book 'the Complete Riggers Aprentice' is also the bible of rope work and rigging work. He just published (2 weeks ago) and updated version with HM rope included.

He also has a DVD of splicing videos. I don't own it, but I would assume like the rest of his stuff it is top notch. But splicing dyneema is so easy I really don't see the need. Just do a search for 'eye splice dyneema' and you should have plenty of good videos.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Stumble

The best splicing tool is Brion Toss' wand. Brion Toss Yacht Riggers, Sailboat Rigging::Splicing Gear

But for large stuff like 13mm I would probably just use a large knitting needle with the line shoved in the end. The larger the line gets the easier it is to splice.

His book 'the Complete Riggers Apprentice' is also the bible of rope work and rigging work. He just published (2 weeks ago) and updated version with HM rope included.

He also has a DVD of splicing videos. I don't own it, but I would assume like the rest of his stuff it is top notch. But splicing dyneema is so easy I really don't see the need. Just do a search for 'eye splice dyneema' and you should have plenty of good videos.

Brian Toss is a treasure, and his books are a sheer delight -- some of the best sailing-related books I've ever read.

And even the old one which I have has quite a bit about dyneema rope in it!

Highly recommended!

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Lojanica

Who'd you get the scissors and D-splicer from?

A chandlery somewhere. They are widely available, or you can order online from the maker, I think.

[Benz]

I use the Samson kit, and for smaller stuff (1/8" and smaller) a piece of leader wire bent in half. For scissors I like the Vampire Tools ones, they have finely serrated blades that will easily cut Dyneema all day. But I would hesitate to use Dux for anything other than standing rigging. For shackles plain Dyneema is better--Dux is horribly stiff, and I'm not sure it's good for towing--if towing a dinghy, you need a little springiness so as to not rip fittings out of everywhere. (Side rant warning: there are people using Marlow MAX {their version of DUX} for mainsheets, thinking it'll make them go faster. And sure it might, but they manage to break 1/2" MAX rove 4:1, as well as destroy traveller cars, by the shock loads generated by a tack. Pretty silly, when a polyester sheet would be just the thing). Sorry for the derailment.
Ben
Zartmancruising.com

[Stumble]

The D-spliced is similar to Toss' wands. But I really prefer the wands. The downside is the wands cost more.

I don't use scissors much, I really prefer ceramic knives. Any set of ceramic knives will far out perform stainless blades. Metal doesn't handle the HDPE material well, it gets dulled very quickly. Ceramic however holds up far better, you just have to be careful not to chip the blades.

[Lojanica]

Wow. Awesome tips everyone. I think I'll buy Toss' book and get a knitting needle to start.

[Lojanica]

Originally Posted by Benz

For shackles plain Dyneema is better--Dux is horribly stiff, and I'm not sure it's good for towing--if towing a dinghy, you need a little springiness so as to not rip fittings out of everywhere.
Ben
Zartmancruising.com

So I was going to make the 2 point bridle out of polypropylene which will act as a bridle and snubber.

It floats, is springy and should dampen the peak forces.

I like the idea of using the dux as a towline and also as backup rigging too in the event of failure. Your point about using the dux for shackles duly noted. I'll get some other line for making soft shackles I guess. Which would you recommend?

Thanks again for the input.

[tenchiki]

https://briontoss.com/ and Soft Shackles are really good sources of information for splicing dyneema and relatives.

[UNCIVILIZED]

A couple of quality knives are your best bet. With one being a hardware store utility knife which you can set the blade for the depth of cut on. The sort where you snap off part of the blade & toss it when that section gets dull is the best type.

I'm not a big fan of ceramics in that my knives work great, & one out cut anything that was in Brion Toss's shop when I took their splicing class, including their ceramics. His crew severely lusted after one which I treasure! Just a good carbon steel blade.

However, do get a splicing wand. The shorter/smaller one, if your budget is tight. As it works on larger diameter rope as well. And get a bunch of extra end loops, or make them yourself from good quality braided fishing line or similar. The Spectra stuff rocks!
Splicing wands -> Brion Toss Yacht Riggers, Sailboat Rigging::Splicing Gear

For learning shackles, & other handy splicing creations. There are the reference books as already mentioned above, plus some instructionals on here. Look up some of Seaworthy_Lass & Estarzinger's posts on the subject. Plus there's www.L-36.com which is an invaluable resource site. That, or... seduce a cute rigger

Have fun!

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Stumble

. . . I don't use scissors much, I really prefer ceramic knives. Any set of ceramic knives will far out perform stainless blades. Metal doesn't handle the HDPE material well, it gets dulled very quickly. Ceramic however holds up far better, you just have to be careful not to chip the blades.

I think most people use knives.

However -- surgeons these days never use scalpels or other knives, whenever they can use scissors. I'm the same with cordage. I bet if you tried the awesome D-Splice dyneema shears, you might also be a convert to scissors.