Ropework

Eye Splice

DIFFICULTY ●●●●

A permanent loop formed by unlaying a rope's strands and weaving each one back over-and-under into the standing part, at least three full tucks per strand.

splicepermanentboatingstrength
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Why it earns its place

The strongest eye you can put in a rope — a good splice keeps most of the rope's strength, roughly double what a knotted loop retains. The gold standard for mooring lines.

Where it fails

Three-strand rope only for this classic version; braided rope needs its own methods. Keep the strand sequence disciplined on the first row of tucks — that row decides everything.

Quick facts

TypePermanent loop splice
Strength~90%+ of rope
Tucks3–5 per strand
Best forMooring eyes, permanent loops

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