How to Make an Eye Splice in Three-Strand Manila Rope

Count back 14 "crowns," or twists in the rope from one end, and form an open loop in the rope at that point. Tape off the rope at both sides of the loop. The section of rope you counted back will be called the "open end" from now on. The other side is the "closed end."

Undo the open end of the rope so you have all three strands of rope free. You may wish to tape off the ends for greater stability, but that's optional.

Take your fid (a tool that looks a lot like a shoe horn with a pointy end), and pry up one strand of rope on the closed end, on the outside of the taping. Thread the center strand from the open end under and through this opening, and then pull the strand taut. Since the fid is shaped like a horseshoe, you can pull the strand right through its hollow.

Turn the rope over, and repeat Step 3 on the next crown up, using the left-hand free strand from the open end.

Turn the rope over again, and go one more crown up to repeat Step 3 using the final strand from the open end. All strands should be pulled taut, and now all should be interwoven with the rope strands on the closed end.

Repeat Steps 3 through 5, continuing on up the rope until there is about 3/8 of an inch of rope remaining.

Trim off the remainder of the open end strands with a heavy-duty pair of scissors. Friction inside the rope will now hold the eye-loop in place.