Question 1715 Deck General

The correct answer is D) Short splice. A short splice is the least weakening method for joining two rope ends, as it maintains the full strength of the rope. The short splice involves interweaving the strands of the two rope ends together, creating a strong, seamless connection. This method minimizes the reduction in the rope's overall strength compared to other knots or splices. The other options are less ideal: A long splice is slightly more weakening than a short splice, a clove hitch creates a weak point in the line, and a square knot is also more weakening than a short splice. The short splice is the superior choice for maintaining the line's full strength.