How is an eye splice formed in a cable?

An eye splice is formed by wrapping strands back onto the standing part of the cable. This method involves unraveling some of the strands from the end of the rope or cable and then interweaving them back into the main body of the rope, creating a loop (or "eye") that is secure and capable of bearing load. This technique ensures that the connection remains strong and flexible, which is critical in applications such as tree support and rigging.

The effectiveness of this splice lies in the way it distributes the load across multiple strands, thus enhancing its strength and reducing the likelihood of failure. Unlike other methods, such as crimping, tying knots, or welding, which can compromise the integrity of the line or create weak points, an eye splice retains the full strength of the cable and provides a reliable anchor point. Additionally, the eye splice can be untied and re-spliced if necessary, offering versatility that other methods typically do not provide.