The Splice
Often times in kiting we need to put a loop on the end of a line. Using a knot such as an Overhand Knot reduces the strength of the line by up to 50%. A great way of putting a loop in the end of a line without reducing its strength (not to mention giving it a much 'cleaner' look is to use a Splice.
It needs to be mentioned that there is a world of difference between a Splice and a No-Knot, the two are not one and the same. The No-Knot was trademarked by Rainbow Kites (Steve Eideken) for putting loops in Kevlar (the only non-stretch line available in 1986). Kevlar was so abrasive it would eat thru itself if tied in a knot. Hence, it was looped in a form of splice, then sleeved where the loop would cross the standing line.
Now, a true marlinspike seaman might not consider this a true splice, since it is not re-braided as in an eye splice in a 3-braid line. However, it is just as strong and reliable in most applications. This same splice is used in the 8-braid polyester line used for waterskiing.
In order to make a splice a splicing tool is necessary. I make mine from 32 (or 28) gauge brass or galvanized wire from any hardware store. Piano wire is great if you can find it. Guitar (electric top E or B) strings make great splicers until the nickel plating cracks. I make mine from 24" of wire bent in half and 18" of string. I splice a loop in the string, push the wire thru, then tie an Overhand to lock it in place. Looks like this:
I usually make my splices about 5" long, which means I make a mark in the line 5" from the end. Then bend the line at the mark, and insert the splicer about ½" beyond the end of the string.:
Push the Splicer up thru the middle of the braid and push it out of the braid about ½" away from the mark. Then put the end of the line thru the wire and pull it back thru the braid. If the end is a little stubborn about being pulled back in to the braid, then fray the end, undoing the end braid a bit.This makes it smaller when pulled into the braid.
Once the Splicer is removed from the end of the line, the loop can be pinched at the mark and the end pulled in for the completed Splice. How well a piece of line splices is a function of its weave, not its diameter. Some 50 pound line splices better than some 500 pound line.
Gary Engvall; The Kite Knot Page: http://members.aol.com/goodheavens/knots.html