splicing fid -cheap

[dlymn]

I was annoyed by the high price chandlers want for splicing fids, but I have found a solution. Go to a haberdashers ( US notions store) and buy a pair of aluminium knitting needles a little larger than the line you want to splice. I was doing Dyneema lifeline and so I bought a pair of 8mm needles. Cut off the knob on the end and there you have it, a nice long hollow tube with a pointed end and all painted in slippery epoxy. wrap some tape around the line or just push it into the fid until it jams into the point and feed away. $4 instead of $30.

[ozskipper]

Great idea
.. Thanks for sharing

[dlymn]

Got mine at Lincraft but they're also at Spotlight

[UNCIVILIZED]

Unscrew a ballpoint pen, & use the front half in the same manner. Or if not using Spectra, just firmly tape the line's core onto a pencil.

Both are items which you always have onboard.

That said, you're WAY better off getting a pair of Brion Toss's Splicing Wands. Along with making up a bunch of extra tip loops for them.
Compared to fids, they like a bicycle vs. a Ferrari. And the coin which you save bye Easily being able to splice Any line with them, will quickly recoup their cost.

[ZipTie]

There is a CF member called Cotemar that made some really nice Fids

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by dlymn

I was annoyed by the high price chandlers want for splicing fids, but I have found a solution. Go to a haberdashers ( US notions store) and buy a pair of aluminium knitting needles a little larger than the line you want to splice. I was doing Dyneema lifeline and so I bought a pair of 8mm needles. Cut off the knob on the end and there you have it, a nice long hollow tube with a pointed end and all painted in slippery epoxy. wrap some tape around the line or just push it into the fid until it jams into the point and feed away. $4 instead of $30.

Great IDEA for the small ones. I make all of my own larger ones using copper tubing. I turn a piece of hardwood to be the point and epoxy in place. I have also made a few odd sizes of aluminum bar stock on the lathe at work. If you are patient, you could make these by hand with a belt sander & polishing wheel.

I agree - the We$t Marine and $amson spikes are ridiculous. You can find the dimensions on line for full, short etc.

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by ZipTie

There is a CF member called Cotemar that made some really nice Fids

I have a set similar to this with the exception that the hollow end is threaded. Makes it easier to splice, you still tape up the end of the line but then you can thread the fid onto it, making the operation of pushing the cover or core through easier. I bought mine 20 years ago. youreally only need 3 sizes ( maybe 2) 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch. you can use these three sizes on line up to 3/4 inch line.