What tools to use for splicing amsteel?

**snidetripod** · 03-09-2013, 19:55

It's been just over a month since I received 100 feet of amsteel 7/64 from Dutch, and I have succeeded in ruining most of it. I have tried TexasBushCrafts method of a number five knitting needle to open it up and running brake line down the core, but it only frays the cordage. A number five needle is too big to fit down the core. I have tried using tape, wire, and even coathanger, alas nothing seems to work for me. Help? I don't mind buying more amsteel, but my methods should be sound before I ruin another hundred feet. Thanks.

**stalker42** · 03-09-2013, 19:57

I just use a quilting needle. Its blunt and strong. I dont even bother opeing up the core. The needle slidles right through and does not tear up the amsteel on the way. $2.95 for 5 at walmart.

**Sidewinder** · 03-09-2013, 19:59

Floral wire and masking tape. Some sort of fid with a round bunt tip helps to spread the line apart.

S

**Nighthauk** · 03-09-2013, 20:14

I use a loop turner from Joann's . It works on both amsteel and zing-it/lash-it as well.

http://www.joann.com/dritz-loop-turner/prd2991/

**stameboat** · 03-09-2013, 20:17

I just took a piece of .032 wire, bent it in half and squished it together as hard as I could except for the very end I left enough space for the amsteel to fit if you smush it down. I sorta push the rope together a few times and it loosens the weave enough to slide the wire down the inside just take your time to stay in the center and dont catch any of the strands in the weave until you wanna come out.

**Nighthauk** · 03-09-2013, 20:39

I did this to for a while. The loop turned is MUCH easier to work with and faster too. I will not be going back to the wire.

**fallkniven** · 03-09-2013, 21:10

The g-string off a guitar folded in half.

**Cranky Bear** · 03-09-2013, 21:15

Dritz Loop Turner-

http://www.beverlys.com/loop-turner....FYtU4AodmkUAbA

http://www.joann.com/dritz-loop-turner/prd2991/

**craige** · 03-09-2013, 21:28

I also use a small knitting needle and a piece of wire folded in half, got it from a picture frame hanging kit I had lying around, the wire isn't great and it cuts my hands if I don't wrap them with something but it works fine, even with the 1.5mm dyneema that I have.

I put the needle through the line and compress it as much as possible between my fingers to open the weave up. Basically the same as aaviator kid but with the line on the knitting needle.

**gmcttr** · 03-09-2013, 21:38

Look at your technique, not the tools.

Another vote for a Dritz Loop Turner (or a wire folded in half works the same) used like this...https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...1&postcount=19.