[Brian Duff]

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...