Blind Splicing
I blind splice every fly line (that has a core) to the backing. It's the best connection. The best. This splice works because of the Chinese Finger Toy Principle, I'll try not to let this get any more technical than that.
Tools:
A bodkin or sewing needle.
12" of .10 piano wire, folded in half. Make yourself a handle if you intend to do this often. Nail polish remover or Acetone
Instructions:
1. Start by soaking 6 inches of flyline (the end that goes to the REEL) in nail polish remover. Three minutes is usually enough. Remove the plastic coating off of the end of your flyline to expose its Core by stripping the line between your fingernails. Wash the Core to remove any nail polish remover.
2. Using the bodkin unbraid the Core at its end. Just a little is enough.
3. Insert the folded end of the piano wire (which I'll now refer to as a Splicing Tool) into the Flyline Core at the very edge of the plastic coating of your flyline. Use the bodkin to get it started. Work the tool down the Core toward the unbraided end for about 3 inches (halfway) and gently push it out the Core wall.
4. Using the bodkin unbraid the Backing at its end. Just a little is enough.
5. Insert the end of the Backing into the loop of the Splicing Tool and gently pull the Splicing Tool back through the Core of the Flyline (and the Backing with it). Pull out a few extra inches of backing.
You're half done, really.
6. Insert the Splicing Tool into the Backing about 3 inches from where it now enters the Flyline Core. Work the Splicing Tool down inside the Backing and push it out at the point where it enters the Flyline Core.
Insert the Exposed end of the Flyline Core into the Splicing Tool. Pull the Flyline Core into the Backing by carefully removing the Splicing Tool.
Almost done.
7. Holding the Splice, pull gently on the exposed end (surplus) of the Backing where it Exits the Flyline Core. The Splice should compress and expose more of the Backing from inside the Flyline Core. Trim the Backing a little short so that it will tuck back into the Splice when it is allowed to expand. Do the same for the exposed end (surplus) of the Flyline Core.
You should now have a Blind Splice.
This should be reasonably clear if you have the materials in front of you. You can practice by splicing backing to backing. (Many applications, too!) Do it a couple of times before you start on flylines. The first time was a headache for me, but now it's pretty easy and the connections have never failed me...if done correctly blind splices test out the same as your backing (100%). Good luck. I'll look to see if I can find my illustrations for you visual types (myself included).