Note: This procedure consists of two types of splice. The first is an internal. The second is a joining
splice. The internal splice is used when there is minor damage to the line but the line is still intact.
The joining splice is used only when there is not sufficient line available to affect a full replacement.
In an emergency, used line can be used to make the splice. This type of repair is not acceptable for
repairs on certificated canopies.
1.0 DISASSEMBLY:
1.1 Lay out the canopy and straighten the lines.
1.2 Inspect the line to determine the damage.
2.0 REASSEMBLY:
2.1 For an internal splice, take a piece of line approximately
12" longer than the damaged area.
2.2 Using a finger-trapping needle or wire, finger-trap a section
of line inside the damaged area so that it overlaps the damaged
area a minimum of 3" in each direction. Make sure the
ends of the line are cut on a taper [Figure A].
2.3 Use the zigzag machine to overstitch the damaged area a
minimum of 1" on each end [Figure B].
2.4 For a joining splice, mark each end of the separated line with
two marks. The first mark is made at 10" from the end and
the second mark is placed at 16" from the end. Trim the ends
with a hot knife.
2.5 Next take a piece of line for the splice approximately 36"
long. Trim one on an angle with the hot knife. Mark one end
of the line at 10" and 16".
2.6 Using a finger-trapping needle or wire, insert the end of the splice line into the main line at
the 10" mark on the main line and out at the 16" mark. Pull the splice line up until the two
10" marks align [Figure C]. Pin the splice with a safety pin to prevent movement.
2.7 Next take the end of the main line and finger-trap the end directly into the splice line approximately
.25" from where it enters the main line and then exit at the 16" mark.
2.8 Figure D shows the resultant configuration.
2.9 Take the blank end of the splice line and finger-trap it into the other end of the main line at
the 10" mark and exit at the 16" mark.
2.10 Have one person apply tension on the main line. Adjust the finger-trap tension to provide the
correct length of the line against the adjacent lines [Figure E]. The spliced line should have
slightly less tension to allow for the last finger-trap.
2.11 Take the running end of the main line and finger-trap it into the splice line approximately
.25" from the insertion point as was done with the lower splice. Exit at the 16" mark.
2.12 Pull the finger-trapped sections tight [Figure F]. Again check the length of the line against
the adjoining lines. If the length is correct, trim the excess lines so that they disappear into
the finger-trap.
2.13 Sew the finger-trapped sections with the zigzag machine set for 5-7 stitches per inch
[Figure G].
3.0 INSPECTION:
3.1 Check the length of the line against adjacent lines for trim.
3.2 Check the zigzag overstitch of the finger-trap sections.
