Splicing my standing rigging

                                                        Splicing wire is difficult!

I spent the first two weeks of April trying to get my improvised rigging vise working efficiently, as well as waiting for materials and practicing the 7x7 eye splice. I did 10 splices in 5mm  and 5 splices in 8mm all 7x7 construction with galvanised wire. It was quite easy to pick up with a little study, and much easier once I had made up the right tools, and I was producing very tidy looking splices by the end of the two weeks. I took some to get tested and they broke at just under the wires breaking strain, proving my work!!

A very welcomed visitor

Practise done, I got my measurements, cut the wire to length, and begun renewing my whole rig. I had 12 splices to do in 5mm and 6 in 8mm, and decided to do over sized eye splices. This way I can repair any damage to the thimble or service. I did it all in the traditional method, worming, parcelling and serving the wire to protect it from corrosion.

Costs,
Wire £170.   Bronze bottle screws, £500.   Tape,twine,tar,lanolin £100.
Time,
2 weeks prep/practice.  2 weeks renewing rig.
So it is worth it cost wise, but not time wise.
But I have learnt a new skill.

                                                    So lets hope it all fits tomorrow :-)