A method for splicing coated optical fibers (1). The outer coating layer of two coated optical fiber ends to be joined is removed from respective end portions thereof. The inner optical fibers so exposed are then coated with a layer of UV-curable resin (12). After the resin layer has been hardened by irradiating it with ultraviolet radiation, the coated portion may be securely clamped (24) without fear of damaging the optical fibers. The clamped end portions may then be moved toward one another in order that they may be fused together.
