Really Quick Wire Rope Eye-splice.

This is a handy trick if you ever find yourself in need of an eye in a wire rope and you don't have wire rope grips (bulldog grips) or the time or know-how to make a proper splice.

This is what is known as a "Maori Splice". At least that was what it was called when I was a rigger on Sydney Harbour. I trust the name is not disrespectful to my Kiwi friends, I certainly don't intend it as such (I'm sure someone will let me know if I'm wrong). I've known plenty of Maori riggers and dogmen and they were all top blokes and good at their jobs.

This splice is not intended to replace a proper splice, but it's not bad to get you out of trouble.

• Simply split the end of the wire rope into as close to half as you can. For example a seven strand rope will split into three and four strands. See my pictures.
• Separate the two halves by untwisting them from each other. Separate them to about three or four times the length of the eye you want to make.

• Pass one half over the other as if you were starting to tie your shoe laces. Make sure you follow the direction of the the lay of the rope.
• You now have the start of your eye. Pull it to the size you require.
• Now grab one of the ends and lay it round the other part so it neatly fits into place. Feed it round and round until you  reach the point where the two halves meet. It should form a rope looking exactly like it started out. Look at the pictures if this isn't clear - I'm finding it very hard to describe with words alone.
• Now do the same for the other part.
• You should now have a complete eye with two tails sticking out.
• Twist these tails together so they form a neat rope.

A simple way to finish this off is to simply put a twitch of tie wire around the loose end and tie it to the main part of the rope.
Not incredibly neat, but it works.

I hope you enjoyed this simple Instructable. If you have any comments or questions please post them.