Farmer's Splice

[AaronS]

I was introduced to a wire splice today that was called a "Farmer's Splice". Brion, I was wondering if you had any information, or experience with such a splice. The co-worker who demonstrated it has been in the crane and rigging business far longer than I have been on this earth and really knows his stuff. He started with a bare piece of 1/2" wire (7x19, I think, if that's possible) and divided the wire into two strands for a length of about 2 feet. He then formed both pieces into the shape of an eye, and starting at the top of the 'eye', and moving down each side, began to weave one piece into the other, so that the ends terminated just past the throat of the splice, and were woven back into one piece of wire. When he was finished, the wire in the eye was indisinguishable from the standing part, with just a short piece of 'rewoven' wire at the throat, along the standing part. The splice is finished with a single cable clamp at the throat, and according to my friend, has 85% of the strength of the wire.

I know this would be useless, and too ugly, for proper sailboat rigging, but it was an extremely handy piece of knowledge for use in the field and possibly for jury rigging or emergency procedures. Since it only requires basic tools and a cable clamp, and a pair of strong hands (no vise!), I was impressed with it's utility. Any comments on strength or by those who've used it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Aaron

[osteoderm]

The above-described splice is also known as a "Molly Hogan". The numbers describing its strength are in The Apprentice; if i recall correctly, it's weaker than a "proper" splice, but a deal stronger than cable clips alone.
i've used them for some quick-and-dirty applications where maximum strength was not paramount, and with a little finessing of the core strand they can come out surprisingly fair and flexible, with a little service on the throat in lieu of a bulky clip.

[Tim Stewart]

They are also known as ' flemish eyes' in the UK.

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
Without seizing at the throat (with cable clamp, or service, Constrictors, etc.) the splice won't get much past 70%, and is very liable to slip at lower loads. Properly seized, it can approach 100%, but then you are counting on the seizings not chafing away. The cable clamp is indeed ugly, and the fact that it localizes load (i.e. crushes the wire) is why it can't get to optimal; but you can put a swage on there, which is commonly done industrially, to get a 100% terminal that is fairer than bringing the end around as for a nicopress. Anyway, yes, it's a great field expedient, and there's even a way to do it with 1x19.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[AaronS]

Doh!

Sorry Brion, it was right there in front of me in the Apprentice. I've been playing with line for some time now, but I'm getting more and more interested in splicing wire rope. Although not often used in industrial applications any more, (we farm all of our rigging/splicing out to a commercial wire and rope company, since it must be certified) it's an art that few people in my industry remember how to do.

Proper service or seizings would be much more aesthetic than the Crosby clip. I guess I've got something to practice during our northwest winter. Thanks for all the responses!

Aaron