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djarrak · 27-01-2013, 22:16

I want to splice a new thimble in my 14mm nylon 3 strand snubber, which is about 8 years old but still very serviceable. The problem is that it has become very stiff over the years and difficult to splice. Does anyone know of some method to soften the rope sufficiently to enable it to be spliced effectively. Buying new rope is the obvious one and I also have an alternative snubber. The issue is that this one and I have shared a few experiences and there is an emotional component to the issue. Any suggestions?

**Wotname** · 28-01-2013, 03:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by djarrak

I want to splice a new thimble in my 14mm nylon 3 strand snubber, which is about 8 years old but still very serviceable. The problem is that it has become very stiff over the years and difficult to splice. Does anyone know of some method to soften the rope sufficiently to enable it to be spliced effectively. Buying new rope is the obvious one and I also have an alternative snubber. The issue is that this one and I have shared a few experiences and there is an emotional component to the issue. Any suggestions?

Welcome aboard with your first post in 2+ years

.

Sorry I don't have a magic solution although perhaps some others might. Best I can suggest is to soak it for awhile before trying to splice. Nylon absorbs water and becomes somewhat elastic (and weaker) when wet. It might also swell and make it more difficult but it can't hurt to try it.

**Cotemar** · 28-01-2013, 04:22

Wash it in you washing machine. That will remove all the salt and soften it up.
I do mine once a year

SailFastTri · 28-01-2013, 04:24

The fact that the snubber has shared a few "experiences" is sufficient reason to replace with new. If it's that stiff it probably has suffered UV damage. It probably has been weakened by fatigue also. Replace.

I replace my mooring bridle every 3 years, even if it looks good. Cheaper than replacing the boat. Don't want to find out the hard way in a storm.

**Wotname** · 28-01-2013, 04:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Wash it in you washing machine. That will remove all the salt and soften it up.
I do mine once a year

I have heard of using fabric softener as well, have you any experience to share one way or the other?

SailFastTri · 28-01-2013, 04:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wotname

I have heard of using fabric softener as well, have you any experience to share one way or the other?

If you do this, make sure your ends are properly whipped. 3-strand might unlay. Wash it in a mesh bag, regardless.

I still say "replace".

Hydra · 28-01-2013, 14:43

Welcome to CruisersForum, djarrak
I would begin with rinsing thoroughly the rope in plain fresh water, to remove the salt. Then, if the snubber is supple and smooth again and if the inside of the strands is clean, it is worth trying to splice. But if it's still stiff of fuzzy (meaning fiber abrasion), the material is aged and it's time for replacement.

One missing bit of information is the displacement of your boat, because it is related to the safety margin remaining. According to standard ISO 1140, the breaking strength of a *new, dry* 3-strand 14mm polyamide rope sould be at least 40kN (4 tons), reduced by 10% by splicing. One generally considers the safe working load as one-third of the breaking strength.

Alain

barnakiel · 28-01-2013, 16:49

Sometimes lines stiffen when overloaded. Make sure this is not the case.

b.

Bash · 28-01-2013, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Wash it in you washing machine. That will remove all the salt and soften it up.
I do mine once a year

Good advice. But even then, splicing old line is for the birds. Everyone tries it once, few try it a second time.

**Jim Cate** · 28-01-2013, 19:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by djarrak

...
The issue is that this one and I have shared a few experiences and there is an emotional component to the issue. Any suggestions?

Mate, if you insist on using what is obviously degraded line for your snubber, you will likely soon have some more shared experiences. Not necessarily pleasant ones so that the new emotional component may not be a nice one!

Seriously, once nylon has stiffened like that it is time to replace it. All the washing and Downy Soft in the world will not renew the original suppleness and strength... especially the latter.

Lash out and buy some new line and splice that onto your hook.

Cheers,

Jim

Jammer Six · 28-01-2013, 19:44

I've read that when nylon (dacron?) rope gets stiff, it's worn out, and will not hold to designed strength.

jackdale · 28-01-2013, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jammer Six

I've read that when nylon (dacron?) rope gets stiff, it's worn out, and will not hold to designed strength.

Nylon and Dacron are different. Nylon stretches which is why it is used for anchor rode and dock lines. Dacron resists stretching which why it is used for sheets and some halyards.

Brian Toss will not splice old line. He might if it has been washed.

It is way easier to put an eye splice in Nylon than Dacron.

captain58sailin · 28-01-2013, 22:22

If it is nylon and stiff, it is usually due to overstrain, I would replace with new and if it has sentimential value, get a new hook as well and hang the old one on the bulkhead, maybe put it in a frame, and it can make a good conversation piece and not endanger your vessel at a time when you need it most.