Splicing twisted line

[Tuckahoe]

While reading over the forum, I have often read folks making a distinction between braided line and twisted rope. These are usually followed with cautions that what folks want is braided line, because it can be spliced, while also stating not to use twisted line becuase it can not be spliced.

I have to ask where does this belief come from, because that is simply not true. Any multi-ply twisted line can be spliced, and I have colleagues who make such splices on a daily basis.

Is it a more accurate statement that its much easier for those not experienced with rope work to splice braided line with tools, than it is for them to splice twisted line?

[bowl-maker]

I agree that you can splice twisted line, but I think that the majority of people stick to braided line because it is easier. Not only is running the line back through the middle of a braid much easier than the tucking necessary for twisted line, but the diameter of the line we use on hammocks makes such tucking even more challenging.

So...yes, I think your final statement is correct.

[Bubba]

For hammock purposes, the hollow braided line is desirable for whoopie slings, UCR's and making locked brummels. Don't think these can be done with twisted line so we get lazy and say that twisted line is not spliceable which of course is not true.

[goobie]

After using twisted line a while, it becomes....untwisted. No point spending time on a line without the longevity necessary for this application.

I used to use mason line on the plastic spool, like this
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crown-Bol...7#.UgPJZZK1G8A

Sooner, rather than later, the line untwists and is pretty much useless. Braided, obviously, lasts much longer.

[Mountnman]

We are hammockers, spicing twisted rope is to much work and I would never get it done because I would get bored and go lay in the hammock and enjoy some Zzzz's while hanging from my whoopies that took me 10 minutes to make but you are correct, I have spliced larger diameter twisted rope, it can be done

[pizza]

Splicing aside, braided is way better quality and more durable. In my experience twisted is a poor choice.

[DemostiX]

Here's the explanation: No Dyneema / Spectra or any other ultra-high performance fibers are used in any twisted line on the market.

Clark hammocks come with usable twisted polypropylene line, which I have spliced by the standard recommended methods. But, only to learn how. Cheap and cheerful, and bulky and banished.

BTW, I suspect that most respondents who have spliced braided line have done it with hollow core line, not kernmantle / shielded stuff, which can be a whole different challenge.

[Tuckahoe]

Thanks for the answers guys, thats what I was thinking. The whole can't splice twisted line just left me scratching my head.

Hammock Forum has been a great resource, allowing me to learn all that I can before I bought my hammock. But as a beginner, it seems that the one area that could be improved is the information on line for hammocks and tarps. No so much what to use, but why. Yep, I grew up being that kid that always asked, "but why."

Its not enough to hear or read, use amsteel, dynaglide, or zing-it, but what is it that makes these lines superior to other and often cheaper lines.