TUTORIAL – Making a splice with a friction ring: simple, strong and versatile

The friction ring has become a staple of modern rigging: lightweight, ultra-resistant and maintenance-free.
In this video, you will see how to splice a hollow HMPE/Dyneema braid with a friction ring to create a return system, barber hauler, or other versatile onboard setup.

Why choose a friction ring?

Unlike a classic pulley, the friction ring offers:

• Reduced weight – ideal for limiting inertia at the masthead or on a spinnaker arm.

• No moving parts – zero maintenance and maximum resistance to salt and UV.

• Exceptional durability – hard anodizing and virtually no wear.

• Affordable price – more economical solution than a high-end pulley.

The interest of the splice

Making a splice directly on the friction ring allows:

• A compact and secure assembly without knots that weaken the rope.

• Strength retained at more than 95% of the tip breaking load .

• Clean and aesthetic integration, easy to install and disassemble.

Common applications on board

• Halyard or sheet return to optimize the pulling angle.

• Barber-hauler to adjust the sail opening.

• Moving friction point on a spinnaker tackle or arm.

• Fine adjustments on dinghy, catamaran or habitable boat.

The necessary equipment

• 1 friction ring adapted to the diameter of your tip (anodized aluminum recommended).

• 1 length of HMPE / Dyneema rope (hollow braid) → [Link to our HMPE]

• A threader or a hollow needle (or even a homemade tool like Bic for troubleshooting).

• Scissors and lighter for finishing.

Manufacturing steps

1. Prepare the rope

   • Measure and cut the required length.

2. Pass the ring

   • Slide the ring over the end and position it.

3. Make the splice

   • Insert the end of the line into its own sheath (hollow braid) forming a loop around the ring.

4. Tighten and adjust

   • Pull to tension and smooth the braid.

5. Finishes

   • Sew stitches to prevent the splice from coming loose when it is untensioned.

In an emergency situation

Knowing how to make this splice can help out at sea if a pulley breaks or a return line comes loose.
With a friction ring and some HMPE rope, you can quickly recreate a reliable return point to continue your navigation safely.

The friction ring combined with an HMPE / Dyneema splice is a simple, durable and economical solution to optimize your rigging.
Whether it's for a return, a barber-hauler or a custom assembly, you can easily do it on board... and without complex tools.

🛒 Discover our range of HMPE / Dyneema ropes here

and our friction rings ic