12 strand and the brummel splice

[rtbates]

On another forum I mentioned switching my mainsheet from double braid to 12 strand single braid. I was asked about splicing and mentioned the brummel and the mobius brummel splices as outlined in 'The Complete Riggers Apprentice". I got a repsonse from a fellow member and a quote from Brion stating that the 'standard' brummel is a temporary splice. As I am new to brummels I didn't even know there was a 'standard' brummel. My take is this splice has ONLY the tail passing through the standing part several times. I could see this splice being handy if one can not get to the far end of the standing part and needs something quicker, less complicated than the mobius splice. Am I on track so far? I also understand that both the brummel where the tail passes through the standing and visa versa and the mobius brummel are permanant splices. I called the former splice a regular brummel. Are my observations and terminology correct?

My initial reaction is that 12 strand is a far better line for sheets than bouble braid. At least as it concerns my mainsheet. It runs so much easier through blocks, doesn't kink and feels great and is so much easier to grip. Becasue of this grippy nature I do feel like it may chaff easier.

[Brion Toss]

Hi there,
I have no idea what the context or nature of that quote was, but I'm having a hard time thinking why I'd call any kind of Brummel "temporary". Let's start with definitions, and maybe it'll all clear up.
An "S" Brummel is one in which the end simply slaloms back and forth through the standing part. It is a good friction-inducer, and an acceptable substitute for the real thing, in circumstances where you can't do the real thing. It won't lock, though.
A standard Brummel has the end and standing part going through each other, one time each.
This form locks, and therefore can't possibly pull out. It is made by passing the respective ends. With a long rope, passing the standing part end can be time-consuming, and in some applications it is impossible.
That's why we have what I call the "Mobius Brummel", in which the locking form is made using only one end. The McDonald Brummel is a recently-evolved version of this, that allows multiple locked Brummels to be formed; the original version, for obscure topological reasons, only allows one.
An "S" Brummel, even one with multiple passes, should only be a preface to a bury of the tail. It is not meant to stand alone. Rather, it provides initial, low-load security, until the splice can compress on itself.
A true Brummel, made by whatever means, accomplishes the same thing, though in a failsafe kind of way.
The McDonald Brummel done multiple times, offers the option of a stand-alone terminal, with no need for a bury, though at the price of some loss of strength. You can accomplish the same thing by multiple passes with both ends.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss