Anchor rode to chain...........

[SV Papillon]

This topic came up on the WBF on dealing with old stiff line rode and the various options of connecting it to chain rode. I posted in the other thread that I was a fan of the shovel splice. Many different opinions were put forth from various individuals experiance and preferences.

So.........

Some thoughts on this subject. I'll start with what I percieve as the benifits of the shovel splice over other options, these are in no way proven.

1.Of the various options you have other than a back splice or shovel splice all deal with additional hardware, shackles thimbles etc.

2. The loading point, and chaffing point of all splices other than the shovel splice is at one singe point, IE end link or thimble.

3. As there are no hard bends in the strands, the loading capacity of the splice may be higher, similar to a spelter socket vs. eye splice

That said, has anybody ever done destructive testing on the various ways to splice line to chain?

It would be interesting to compare, proper by the book splices of various methods, poor versions of the same. etc.

Jake

[Brion Toss]

Hi,
Some time ago I did a few destruction tests on the Shovel Splice, as well as other rope/chain techniques. As I recall, no Shovel sample tested much above 70% efficiency; apparently it is just difficult to generate sufficient friction from weaving rope through chain. I tried making extra tucks and Constrictoring the strands in place. No help. This is a shame, as this splice is the easiest one to construct -- you just weave through the links.
Of course,there are lots of boats with this splice that have never had one pull out, but then loads in excess of 70% of break are extremely rare. But as most other splices, the point is to get ultimate efficiency.
As for the "drawback" of hanging onto only one link, this is exactly what is happening at every link.
I used to worry about chafe, and took great pains to seize tightly to the chain link, but never saw evidence of chafe on that radius; apparently it is easier for the chain to swivel on the next link than on the rope.
If you use 3-strand rope, the relative radius for each strand is quite large, assuming you put them through the link separately. From our tests, an actual Crown through the link is a bit stronger than simply passing two strands through one way, and one the other.But efficiency is usually no more than about 85%. The only 100% results we got were for the "Traditional Irony" splice, which is also the most compact one. And the most difficult to do well.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[SV Papillon]

Originally Posted by Brion Toss

Hi,
Some time ago I did a few destruction tests on the Shovel Splice, as well as other rope/chain techniques. As I recall, no Shovel sample tested much above 70% efficiency;

Did they strands seperate or just pull out of the chain?

As for the "drawback" of hanging onto only one link, this is exactly what is happening at every link.

Poor wording on my part I do understand the concept of a chain, was refering to the line chaffe on the single link which in your expieriance seems to not be a issue

I used to worry about chafe, and took great pains to seize tightly to the chain link, but never saw evidence of chafe on that radius; apparently it is easier for the chain to swivel on the next link than on the rope.

The only 100% results we got were for the "Traditional Irony"

What is that? Is it in the Apprentice or the big book of knots, can't remeber the name I have a copy at home.
Brion Toss

Thanks

Jake

[SV Papillon]

Ok nevermind,

Google is your friend, I see this subject has come up several times on several diferent forums with the same replies, and answered most of my questions.

ABOK# 2858 ("The Link or Chain Splice")
(Brion Toss' book refers to this as the "Traditional Irony Chain Splice", on p89)

Who knew there was a "International Guild of Knot Tyers Forum"???

If only the Ashely book and apprentice were here instead of 1500 miles away on the boat!!