Traditional Irony
Hello, The only splice we have destruction-tested to anything like 100% strength is the one I call the "Traditional Irony" splice in the "Apprentice". It's also by far the most compact and chafe-resistant. And, unfortunately, very difficult to do well. So if you want to use it, hire it done by someone who can show you test results, or practice a lot and test your work. The next best is simply to crown the ends through and backsplice. Unfortunately your HT chain simply won't take the rope needed, or at least all three strands, through the end link. Score another one for the "Irony" splice, which only puts two strands through that link. You can check comparable strengths, but I believe you'll want 3/4" 3-strand, as 5/8" is a little weaker than your chain. If you aren't going to do the Irony, see if you can get the manufacturer to put an oversize link at the end of the chain. NOT a two-part link. The crown splice, properly done, should give you about 85% of rope strength. The worst splice to do is, I am afraid, the one linked to below. We've never seen or heard of these breaking much over 70% of rope strength, and they tend to bring up a lot of mud, which is why we call them "Shovel splices." This is also the least skill-intensive splice, and hey, when are you ever going to put that kind of load on your rode? The correct answer is, "I don't know." Fair leads, Brion Toss
