What is a splice that finishes a rope end by braiding its loose strands back on itself called?

A splice that finishes a rope end by braiding its loose strands back on itself is referred to as a back splice. This technique involves taking the individual strands of the rope and interweaving them into the body of the rope to create a secure and finished end. The back splice not only prevents fraying but also maintains the rope's strength and integrity, making it suitable for various applications in rigging and hoisting.

Understanding the back splice's structure is key; it provides a smooth and tapered finish to the rope end, helping to avoid snagging and damage. This is especially important in applications where the rope may come into contact with other objects or where a clean endpoint is necessary for efficient handling.

In contrast, other splicing methods like the crown, whipping, and short splice serve different purposes. For instance, a crown splice is intended for creating a loop at the end of a rope. Whipping involves binding the end of a rope with a smaller line to prevent fraying, whereas a short splice joins two lengths of rope together without tapering. Each of these techniques has its own specific application and advantages, but for finishing the end of a rope by braiding the strands back on themselves, the back splice is the appropriate choice.