Hammer trick?

[RANDY10]

Anybody use a plastic or rubber hammer to loosen the fibers up before finishing a splice? I never did that trick before and would know how! What type of hammer does the job? Thanx.

 

[Worthaug]

I would think rubber would be more appropriate, no sharp edges or seams = less damage. Any hammer will do as long as it's clean.

 

[JeffL]

I was shown a 1" diameter piece of steel rod about a foot long, and had a nice wrap handle made out of some type of yarn or twine. Same idea, just a hard, heavy piece of something to beat on the splice with.

I just use a 3lb mini-sledge. :-D

 

[banjo]

I've used a meat tenderizer, a branch, and a ball peen hammer. Not usually on the same day though.

 

[evo]

I've used a ball-peen, axe handle, chunk of wood, or the handle of my hammer too..

 

[SingleJack]

For what it's worth - yet another method that seems to work well:

Squeeze with 'channel-locks' --- tape the serrated jaws. Good 'feel' for how much pressure is being applied & less likely to damage any fibers.

Also works really well for loosening a jammed knot.

 

[NickfromWI]

When necessary, I use the fattest aluminum tubular fid I have (I think it's 3/4" diameter).

I've also clamped down on super tough splices in my zyliss vise. I guess that's sorta like SingleJack's channel-lock suggestion.

love
nick

 

[rangerdanger]

I use a rubber mallet on double braid splices to get the fibers loosened up when I'm running it all home. Works fairly well.

 

[FlashD]

If all else fails, I just throw a towel over the rope and beat the heck out of it with a regular hammer. Gerenally try to use the rubber mallot when I can.

 

[NickfromWI]

Out of curiosity, on what % of your splices do you guys find yourself using the hammer trick?

 

[Blinky]

I use a rubber mallet usually.

[ QUOTE ]
Out of curiosity, on what % of your splices do you guys find yourself using the hammer trick?

[/ QUOTE ]

All double braid lifeline and hitch splices. Haven't needed it on rigging rope or 16 strand.

 

[RANDY10]

Same as Blinky . I really found it useful on 32 strand rope splices for that last inch. Thanx for sharing guys!