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UK Sailing, Sail Cruising
and Yachting Guide

How to make a Warp to Chain Splice

A chain/warp splice is the only safe way to connect anchor warp to anchor chain.

Two types of splice are described here. The first is used to splice three-strand rope to chain, the second to splice square line (8-strand) rope to chain.

Tools Required:

  • Two coloured waterproof markers
  • One roll of adhesive tape
  • One knife
  • One reel of waxed thread for constrictor knot
  • If possible a hot knife

1: To Splice 3-Strand Rope to Chain:

  1. From the end of the rope count twelve turns down the lay and mark the twelfth. (Pic 1)
  2. Make a constrictor knot with the waxed sail twine just after the mark and separate the stands up to the constrictor knot
  3. Insert the first strand (blue) into the first chain link
  4. Insert the second strand (red) into the first chain link from the opposite side of the first strand. Draw up the two strands tightly to keep the constrictor knot snugly against the first chain link.
  5. Insert the third strand (white) into the second chain link
  6. Insert the first strand (blue) into the second chain link from the opposite side of the third strand.
  7. Insert the second strand (red) into the third chain link.
  8. Insert the third strand (white) into the third chain link, from the opposite side of the second strand. Draw each strand up tightly at each pass and continue on the same way until you reach the end of all the strands and finish whith a small constrictor knot. Seal the end of each strand with the hot knife.
warp to chain splice with 3-strand rope - step 1
warp to chain splice with 3-strand rope - step 1
warp to chain splice with 3-strand rope - step 3
warp to chain splice with 3-strand rope - step 4

2: To Splice Square Line (8-Strand) Rope to Chain:

  1. From the extremity of the rope count twelve turns down the lay and mark the twelfth. Mark S-strands (red) and Z-strands (blue) with coloured markers. (see pic A)
  2. Make a constrictor knot of waxed sail twine just after the mark
  3. Separate the strands up to the constrictor knot.
  4. Separate "S" strands from "Z" strands (see below) and tie the extremity of each strand with adhesive tape
S-strands and Z-strands
  1. With the end of the rope facing you, place the "S" strands on your right side.
  2. Insert a pair of "S" strands (red) in the first chain link. Draw the two strands up tightly to keep the constrictor knot snugly against the first chain link.
  3. Insert a second pair of "S" strands (red) in the same link but from the opposite side, being careful to alternate strands.
  4. Continue by inserting the first set of "S" strands into the third chain link and so on until all strands are be spliced into the chain.
  5. Make a small constrictor knot at the base of each pair of strands and cut with the hot knife about 5 mm from the constrictor knot. (see pic F)
warp to chain splice with 8-strand rope - step 1
warp to chain splice with 8-strand rope - step 2
warp to chain splice with 8-strand rope - step 3
warp to chain splice with 8-strand rope - step 4
warp to chain splice with 8-strand rope - step 5
warp to chain splice with 8-strand rope - step 6