When I began restoring my old Alberg 35, I spliced nice tight eyes in all the new halyards. It gave me something sailing related to do on the long rainy Winter nights in the Midwest. Now, on the Folkboat, I tie in a Buntline hitch, seize the ends if I'm feeling ambitious. It's easier to end for end halyards that way, and strong. I use samson xls. works fine