Finishing the end of a rope is important for a number of key reasons. From decoration and durability to identification and functional performance, most of the time you'll be simply finishing a rope to prevent fraying and to create a professional finish that protects the rope in a practical sense. However, the subject of rope finishing is a much broader discipline, and you need to know exactly what finish is needed to suit your exact marine, industrial, commercial or DIY job.
At Rope Warehouse, we currently provide 5 different high quality rope finishes to choose from. These include, Heatshrink, Whipped, Backsplice, Soft Eye Splice and Hard Eye Galvanised Splice. Each finishing option has its own individual benefits and characteristics that make it suitable for your area of expertise or your favourite hobby.
Our immaculate rope splices will allow you to keep your rope clean and tidy, prevent fraying, make use of a permanent eye loop at the end of a rope or create a strong attachment point that reduces wear and tear.
When you order from Rope Warehouse, you can finish the left end or the right end of your rope - or both! Our experienced and talented team will then craft your rope finish of choice in-house and to the highest professional standards.
So, with this in mind, allow us to introduce you to our strongest, most practical and elegant rope finishes to make your latest rope project complete.
Heatshrink
This rope finishing method involves the application of a strong, durable, 'heat-shrinkable' rubberised band on the end of the rope. A heat gun is then professionally applied to the band to shrink it, sealing it firmly and securely in place to prevent fraying and to keep the rope end clean and tidy.
Ideal for marine applications where watertight seals are required. Heatshrink can also be used in outdoor environments where the rope is regularly in contact with surfaces or harsh conditions that would ordinarily cause the rope to fray, abrade, corrode or degrade due to moisture. This finishing method is also suitable for any other conditions where wires, metal cables or work tools are in contact with the rope which will cause wear and tear over time.
Whipped
This is the standard way to finish all marine ropes. A strong, fine twine is applied tightly to the end of your rope to prevent fraying and unravelling which gives it a smart, practical and elegant finish. Ideal for extending the lifespan of sailing and rigging lines, for employing in climbing or outdoor activities, or simply strengthening any rope end by adding a firm, tightly crafted structure. Whipped rope can also be used to streamline your rope to make handling easier as well as making the process of feeding ropes through pulleys a more effortless process.
Backsplice
A backsplice gives a permanent finish to the end of a three strand rope to prevent it from fraying or unravelling. Creating a backsplice is a technique that involves turning the end strands of rope back on themselves and splicing them back into the rope to create a tough, chunky yet smart end finish.
The thickened end is now ideal for improving handling and pulling, or making it easier to grip the end of a rope. It's ideal for halyards, sheets or mooring lines and also looks fantastic in nautical crafts, home decor and more classic ropework applications and artistic purposes.
Please note, a back splice will increase the diameter of a rope by about 33 percent.
Soft Eye Splice
A strong, permanent yet flexible spliced rope loop or "eye" is created at the end of the rope without a metal thimble. The soft eye, that doesn't have a metal component, allows the loop to be flexible and can be applied to most ropes, including three-strand, braid on braid and even Dyneema. A shackle or fitting can also be securely fitted.
Most typically used on yachts as a halyard, the soft eye splice is also perfect for mooring, docking, rigging and lifting purposes. Elsewhere our soft eye is ideal for fishing or trawling, as well as more general towing or securing requirements, such as preparing goods or easily attaching equipment.
Hard Eye Splice
A hard eye splice is created the same way as the soft eye splice with the addition of a metal thimble being spliced in to create a rigid loop. This gives a stronger reinforced attachment point and reduces the chance of chafing or wear and tear, making it suitable for more demanding applications than the soft eye. The presence of the galvanised metal thimble adds an additional layer of corrosion resistance and durability that's suited to salty marine environments and harsher outdoor climates.
The thimble can either be galvanised steel, stainless steel or a lightweight nylon. To ensure the thimble does not slip out of the eye splice we always ensure it is whipped onto the rope for the very best finish you're aiming for.
Ideal for marine mooring, anchoring, lifting, rigging, towing and hauling or general heavy duty purposes where you're looking to reduce the impact of friction and damage.
