Whipping double braid Class II line (UHMWPE core)

[Seaworthy Lass]

Am I the only one finding it difficult to get a good finish when heat sealing Class II double braid (core dependent strength) after whipping an end?

I have searched online, but have not found any tips on how to best to do this.

Can anyone see any problems with tapering the core before whipping? It then just leaves the polyester sheath with only a little of the core that needs to be sealed, giving a good finish. In addition it it also the easy to feed the slightly narrower end through a clutch.

This is how some of the ends look when cut with a hot knife, and how an end looks when the core is tapered before whipping and sealing:

[Benz]

The tidiest way I know, if you don't want a reeving eye, is to make a "duckbill," by removing an inch of core, cut off at an angle, then pinching the empty cover flat and cutting across it with a hotknife. Looks like the name, and you can sculpt the flattened end by pressing it with the hotknife blade like an iron, thus melting a little more securely.
It's a dandy for clutches. If you whip, which is not necessary, put the whipping on the rope where there's still core so it's nice and round.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Benz

The tidiest way I know, if you don't want a reeving eye, is to make a "duckbill," by removing an inch of core, cut off at an angle, then pinching the empty cover flat and cutting across it with a hotknife. Looks like the name, and you can sculpt the flattened end by pressing it with the hotknife blade like an iron, thus melting a little more securely.
It's a dandy for clutches. If you whip, which is not necessary, put the whipping on the rope where there's still core so it's nice and round.

Thanks. That would be much quicker.

I only have 10 of these to do for now, so with time on my hands in the evening I will taper and whip the rest as in the photo. With tapering the core I left a few strands in the sealed bit and there was more under the whipping. The whipping was nice and round. With a thin core it is very easy to do and I will go ahead with confidence given your comments.

SWL