Fid Lengths

[Amulet]

"The splicing handbook" by Barbara Merry and John Darwin lists fid lengths for different diameters and is a good book, if a tad finnicky. The Selma fids are consistent with the lengths given. I succeed with them. The snagging problem can be avoided if you orient the fid so that the slit is coatside rather than coreside. But I do covet the Samson Rope fids shown in the video. Available from West Marine in the USA as far as I can see. Trying to hunt down a supplier in the UK or Oz.

 

[nigelmercier]

The snagging problem can be avoided if you orient the fid so that the slit is coatside rather than coreside...

+1

And keep the core tight.

 

[Gwylan]

Try and google Ropeloft for info and material. Good guy, reasonable prices and can supply fids etc.

 

[angelsson]

Hi,

Is Fid length universal, or does it vary between rope manufacturers.?
so,
When buying rope, do you go for a particular manufacturer.?

Any recommendations for supplier of good rope splicing tools would be great.

thanks
Howard

Not difficult to make from brass tube (b&Q), also the wire ones to, make up to suit yourself.
Mike

 

[CET1]

Hollow plastic knitting needle work just fine

 

[aitchem]

This can get quite obsessional.!
I have run out of rope ends to loop.

 

[knuterikt]

This can get quite obsessional.!
I have run out of rope ends to loop.

Start looking at friends / neighbors boat - always plenty rope that need some proper termination..

 

[nigelmercier]

"The splicing handbook" by Barbara Merry and John Darwin lists fid lengths for different diameters and is a good book, ... Available from West Marine in the USA as far as I can see. Trying to hunt down a supplier in the UK or Oz.

Amazon UK have the latest edition, just ordered a copy: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1408141973/dolcetto-21

 

[Amulet]

Amazon UK have the latest edition, just ordered a copy: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1408141973/dolcetto-21

Ah, crossed wires - my search is for a supplier of the wonderful looking fids, not the book - I have the book.

 

[phanakapan]

https://www.whitworths.com.au/products/75065_lg.jpg

I used these solid fids plus pusher to eye splice some old, stiff, dirty braid on braid; however the fids are only about 6" long; I also had to use a long 'sewing needle' type of fid as well to pull rather than push the sheath through the core( in fact it was so stiff and tight, I had to sew the end of the sheath to the eye of the 'needle', like mousing rope, so that there wasn't a bulge): I also used an old fashioned pointy marlin spike to open up the sheath and hoik the core out. I use Swedish fids for opening up the lay when doing 3-strand splices. I have also seen splicing kits which only contain very long nose 'forceps'. I guess any combination of grabbers, pushers, pullers, needles, and pointy things can be used. You pays your money and takes your choice..... actually what annoys me is that all the proprietary kits ARE shed loads of money...