Recommended Needle for Lock Stitch

[toddbrsd]

I am honing my newfound skill of creating an eye-splice for my double braid rope. Most recommend sewing a lock stitch to secure the splice. So I purchased a leather palm and some "Repair Needles" like the ones pictured.

So far, I have bent the the 2-larger needles and broke the eye of a smaller needle. Based on a Google search, the repair needles I purchased look to be fairly common and are made in China.

I need a needle, made a little stronger to withstand the pressure of pushing it through the line. Any recommendations? Tried searching this Forum already, but my apologies in advance if this has been discussed, which I am sure it has

Are the needles in the other picture what I need?

[forsailbyowner]

The best ones Ive had were high carbon needles with a triangular shape. You could tell the high carbon from the dull grey finish. Couldnt really tell what the sail repair needles looked like inside packaging. Sometimes with the really heavy stuff it pays to take an awl and make the hole first.

[thinwater]

A. Sometimes, when sewwing line it is easier and safer to press the needle against a magazine on a table top. Better control than a palm.

B. Use twine about the same size as a cover strand, or about 8-10% of the line size.

C. Yes, the green bottle.

Good luck.

[toddbrsd]

Originally Posted by forsailbyowner

The best ones Ive had were high carbon needles with a triangular shape. You could tell the high carbon from the dull grey finish. Couldnt really tell what the sail repair needles looked like inside packaging. Sometimes with the really heavy stuff it pays to take an awl and make the hole first.

OK...looks like I might be on the right track. These look like what you are describing and on Ebay right now.

New from Old Stock Store Sail Needles Made in England | eBay

[sparrowhawk1]

Since I bought my sewing awl I have not used my palms or needles.

I've used awls with the spool inside the handle and outside the handle. I highly recommend the one with the spool outside