Enclosed Thimbles
 

Had no luck searching so I will ask here. I am trying to locate an enclosed thimble for my anchor rode. I have 3/4" nylon 12 strand going to about 20' of 3/8 chain. The existing thimble was a nylon one of poor quality and did not hold up well. I want to replace the thimble and wish to use an enclosed thimble of either stainless or galvanized steel. I believe an enclosed thimble will prevent the line from slipping the thimble out but do not see them available in the more common chandleries. Is this something you make your self by welding tabs over an open thimble?

Hi there,
We call them "keeper thimbles", and can get them for you, assuming that you come up dry at commercial fishing outlets. A splice, properly done, is better still.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

My plan was to redo the eye splice in the 12 strand but also to install a thimble that could not come out. I have not seen these in any stores. I have seen enclosed thimbles for sailmakers use but they dont seem to come any bigger than about 1/4". I thought of taking a stainless 3/4" thimble and cutting some 3/4" id stainless tubing to weld straps onto the thimble to make it enclosed but was hoping to be able to buy one. Thoughts?

A loose splice on a enclosed thimble is likely to chaff on the eye. A tight splice over a welded thimble that is served or whipped will hold the line on the thimble and protect the line from chaff.

Jake

Can elaborate on the "welded thimble"? I was planning on making the splice a tight as I can get it. Again I was really hoping to be able to buy a stainless or galvanized 3/4" thimble that was enclosed so it could not pop out.

Options...
 

It sounds like Brion's shop can help you with a keeper thimble -- a metallic version of the nylon ones that are commonly available. I'd give them a call at 360 385 1080. I am sure you find the experience enjoyable and the price fair.

As you said, you want the splice as tight as possible, and service at the throat can help tighten things further.

With that said, Brion and many others have a preference to splice the rope directly to the chain. They have found the chafe to be lower, security to be higher, and the splice runs over windlasses and bow rollers far easier. Brion has covered this well in The Rigger's Apprentice -- though in three-strand -- I am sure Brion or others would be willing to consult on how to perform this splice in 12-strand.

Bob Pingel

Chain to road splice
 

We did the same on our last boat and I liked it quite a bit. We did the Shovel splice. Seperating the strands into quarters and passing through in opposing pairs over about 2' of chain. We used oversized 3 strand that was easier to hold onto and this splice allowed for a clean transition into the chain whereas a tucked splice back into the line wouldn't have.

pg 92 of The riggers apprentice

Jake

I dont have a windlass but it is starting to sound like a splice may be an easier way to go than fabricating an acceptable thimble. My friend who would probably help with the fab work may be able to do the 12 strand to chain splice. If not I can probably find a local rigger to so it. I am just getting started with splicing and don't think I'm quite up to this one just yet...

Splicing
 

Not being one to push goods, however picking up a copy of the riggers apprentice would be worth your money. The shovel splice, line to chain, would be a fine first splice. Other than being time consuming it is very easy to do. The book is a worthy tool for future projects and you can always bring questions back the source, the author is the host.

Jake

shovel splice
 

Has anyone done any load testing on the shovel splice ? I have completed quite a few from braided line to chain that have given fine service (at least as far as I am aware), but never having done it on my own gear I wonder about the longevity and strength. I have always covered the whole 'sh-bang' (what else can one call a shovel splice?) with service of sorts to protect all the individual yarns.

It seems like getting even tension on all yarns in the rope is near impossible with the shovel splice. With a tucked or buried splice around a thimble , a very percise job can be done. This will of course only work if you have a large anchor roller and no windlass, like Ted.

Maybe the shovel splice is just as strong and secure as a large thimble and bury or tuck splice. Anybody KNOW ?

I would call Brion and order one of his 'keeper thimbles' if this were my problem...