DIY: Tie A Full Bury Amsteel Climbing Stick Rope

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DIY: Make A Full Bury Amsteel Rope Mod for Attaching a Climbing Stick

A full bury rope means the entire length of the Amsteel has the other end passing through the middle. For 3/16" Amsteel, this makes the rope the correct spec for the cam cleat on a climbing stick like the Big B.O.B. It’s a great way to customize your gear for a secure, professional setup.

Materials Needed

Step 1: Measure Out the Amsteel

For roughly 7ft of usable line, you’ll need 17ft of Amsteel. Double the 17ft Amsteel over to make two equal lengths of ~8.5ft.

Offset one side of the Amsteel by 18″ to allow for shrinkage during the bury. Mark with a sharpie or piece of masking tape to keep track of the shorter end. [00:45]

Step 2: Make Your Loop

Loosen the Amsteel at the center of the folded length. This will be the point where you begin splicing. Using the splicing tool (a #13 or #11 knitting needle works well), pass through the center of the Amsteel being careful not to separate any threads. Place the shorter end of Amsteel into the splicing tool and push through the Amsteel forming a ~2” loop. [01:08]

Step 3: Lock In the Splice

Loosen the longer line of the Amsteel just below the loop. Push your splicing tool through the loosened area. Load the end of the shortened line into the splicing tool and pull through. This will form a figure eight and lock in the splice (Brummel lock). [01:46]

Step 4: Bury the Tag End

Using a large #11 knitting needle or an old arrow shaft, begin burying the length of the Amsteel in sections. You’ll have to work in sections because there is so much friction during a full bury. Pull the main line tight over the buried end ("milking" the rope down). If there is any excess on the buried end, cut it off so it cleanly disappears into the main line. [03:13]

Step 5: Bury the End

To prevent the mainline from unraveling, bury the end into itself. Bend the end over, loosen it at the bend, and use a #9 knitting needle to work the tail end back through the main line. This creates a weighted end that prevents fraying, acting as the equivalent of a whipping on the end of the line. [05:50]

Wrapping Up

That is all you need to do to make your own full bury Amsteel. It results in a very clean, high-strength rope that works perfectly with cam cleats for a secure climb.