Rope Splicing Tools

[SEMIJim]

Our whisker/spinnaker down-haul line is in need of replacement. (It's still mechanically sound, but it got left out in the rain too long, one too many times, and has taken on an unsightly green cast that won't wash out.) I figure this is an excellent excuse to learn how to splice rope . I'm going to be wanting to make eye loops, mainly, in various kinds of braided and stranded rope, for securing shackles, making dock lines, etc.

I'm wondering if anybody has a favourite make/model of fid they've found particularly handy, and what other tools might be needed/useful. (I already have sharp knives.) Here's what SailRite carries, for example: http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Splicing-Fids

What would be the advantage to the Fid-O, for example? Should I get the Super Snake Splicing Tool or equivalent? What about a Splicing Wand?

Thanks,
Jim

[wind_magic]

Originally Posted by SEMIJim

I'm wondering if anybody has a favourite make/model of fid they've found particularly handy, and what other tools might be needed/useful. (I already have sharp knives.) Here's what SailRite carries, for example: http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Splicing-Fids

Hi Jim,

Not much help to you here, but I ordered my fids from Bainbridge via Port supply. Seem to be good qualilty, Bainbridge has a lot of interesting things like that, it's also where I got my roping and seaming palms and other sail making supplies. Might check it out to see what they have. Bainbridge won't sell direct to us nobodies, so you have to go through someone else to get at them.

[jboatjack]

We use a large screwdriver and a sharp knife; works great and keeps the tools to a minimum.

[hazmat17]

No advice on particular fids (I've got a basic plastic one) - but I will say that most of the rope makers have splicing directions on thier websites, just in case you (or someone else reading this) needs a reference. Chapmans also has a small "companion" book on knots that has good instructions IIRC.

[Gary M]

To do a few eye splices in double braid line you do not need any thing that fancy. I bought a basic set by Samson many years ago. It consists of three alumnium fids and one pusher. It was much like this one.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|118|311417|314168&id=33532

I have never used anything else so the fancier ones may work better, but I have good results with these. I only do them occasionaly and it takes me about 30 minutes for an eye splice. Don't think I could make a living at it.

There are probably some tricks, that maybe someone here can share, to get the core to slide through the cover or vice versus. That is the hard part.

Gary

[jerryrlitton]

Jim, I am not a sailor (yet) nor do I play one on TV but I did use this site

http://www.animatedknots.com/splice/...matedknots.com

and learned to splice line. Hope it helps.

Jerry

[sailaway21]

Jim,
Depends on what you are splicing.

If you're messing about with the 2in1 yacht braids you'll need the appropriate size fids (hollow) and hooks. I'd rec. getting a pre-packaged kit as mentioned above. And they are size dependent. You can spend upwards of $200 for a complete kit for most all regularly used sizes. I recommend gearing towards the sizes only that you commonly use.

If you are working with laid line the list is shorter. Knife-I like a straight blade. Marlinspike. Sail twine and a block of beeswax. Sail needles and palm. I have both a right and left handed palm, start with just the one for your dominant hand. A roll of electrical tape for twentieth century, or temporary, whipping of line. A flat blade for your soldering gun cuts synthetic line well and prevents it from immediately starting to unlay. A small wooden or rubber mallet comes in handy on occasion for shaping splices up. Ideally, it would be a serving mallet but that's quite a distance down the road I'd expect. A larger fid than your marlinespike, usually wood is used. This will enable you to open strands wider and it's easy to make one out of a piece of 1-2" oak-last you a lifetime.

The Ashley Book of Knots will also recommend to you. I believe you have it, IIRC. If not, get it. It will be your most excellent guide to all lines laid or twisted.

I recommend a six foot length of 1/4"-1/2" manila for practise, much easier to learn on than synthetic and lays up well.

Also, make or buy a canvas ditty bag to keep this gear in. It's the type of stuff that disappears to unknown locations, or get's tossed cause someone thought it unvaluable. Believe me, when you need a sail needle nothing else will do and Susie's Sew-So Shop probably ain't gonna have 'em.

[sailingdog]

I would get a Toss Splicing Wand... I've used the regular fids, and the Splicing Wand is much simpler to use.

[capn_dave]

The Brian Toss Splicing Wand is probably about the best thing going. Allot better than using the fids.

Fair Winds

Cap'n Dave