This is my take on how to splice kite lines. I based my method on Andy's video:
As with Andy's video, I also used a 5 cm loop (2.5 cm legs) and a 100 cm tail.
Here are the two tools I used. One is a medium, Daho splicing needle from Green Hat Kiteboarding; https://greenhatkiteboarding.com/produc ... ing-needle. The other is an awl available at the hardware store.
As in his video, you start at the mark that is the farthest from the end of the line. You push the line together to pucker it then insert the needle. Make sure to center the hole.
I then use the loop end of the needle to widen the hole a bit.
Insert the awl into the hole and enlarge it a bit more. You don't need much here and you don't need to strain the line.
Here's the hole.
Push the end of the line through the hole.
Until the first mark goes through. Note: I also marked where the apex of the loop is. You don't have to do this but it helps me see if I am getting all my lines where I want them.
Use the splicing needle as before and then the awl. I like to align the second hole vertically as shown and similar to the main line.
Take your far end of the line and feed it through. I do this on 17m lines with no problems. The other end can also already have a loop. I have a photo of this next.
Inserting a loop instead.
This is what you get after pulling it through.
Make sure there are no twists. That's why I like this method. No twists. I use the awl to hold the loop end while I pull on the other end to snug up the loop. As Andy say, you are probably good to go now.
Now use the awl to open the tail (the bury). I pucker the line a little to make it easier then just draw the awl along the line to open it up.
Continuing the process to open it up.
I've finished opening the tail.
I used some Kevlar scissors to trim the line. Only a bit up near the left of the photo and tapering to the end of the line on the right.
Lay out the bury and mark about 25mm beyond or more.
I move the tail out of the way and insert the splicing needle into the main line just after the splice. You have to pucker the line of course.
Another photo of the beginning.
I've finished the process out to the mark.
Must have had two shots of this.
Position the taper into the loop. Sometimes I use spit to help with this.
I am pulling on the needle. You can see that the taper is being pulled into the center of the line.
I've almost pulled it through.
It is coming out here.
It's out. But notice the little bump just below the loop. We'll get rid of that next.
I use the awl to again hold the loop while I pull on the bury. This gets rid of the little bump.
Now just milk the line with your fingers over the bury and smooth it out. A finished loop end.
A look at the finished taper buried inside. Nice and smooth.
That's it. Let me know what you think.