WIRE SPLICING.
In splicing wire, great care should be taken to prevent kinks getting in the rope or strands.
With steel wire, always before working it, put a stop on at the place to which you intend to unlay, and also put a good whipping of twine at the end of each strand.
Steel wire is six-stranded right-handed, and has a heart of hemp. Flexible wire has a heart of hemp in each strand.
Crucible wire is made in the same manner, except that the strands are wire throughout.
Crucible wire is used for standing rigging and flexible wire for purchases, etc.
In splicing wire all tucks are made with the lay of the rope.
In making an eye splice the rope is handled better if hung up in a convenient position so that when standing up the eye will be at about the level of the chest of the person working.
A long tapering steel marline-spike is required, and after placing it under a strand do not withdraw it until the tuck is made and all the slack of the strand drawn through.