Does anyone know where I can get a fid for splicing loops into lines?

I watched the excellent guide at the WindofChange website as well as this one on the KiteRacing website.

I managed to get some loops installed yesterday using some sewing needles, but it was a pain.

Also, when the loop part is about to enter the inside core of the line, it creates a thick bulge that is hard to insert. I loosened the line yarn, but it was still hard to get started. I even inserted some needle nose pliers into the opening in the attempt to ream the opening larger.

Are there any other tricks to accomplishing this aside from trying to cut some material off as shown in the Flysurfer website here?

-joedy

Proper splicing tools can get spendy:
http://www.knotandrope.com/Store/pc/Splicing-Tools-fids-spli...


It might be cheaper for you to make a wire fid for yourself:

• Homemade splicing tools?
  
• Wire fid

ATB,
Sam

Make one out of a guitar or piano string.

Susan (npw goddess)

Quote:

Originally posted by kitemaker4 Make one out of a guitar or piano string. Susan (npw goddess)

Yep, this is the non expensive way. Works great.

I use a guitar string and it works fine.

You can make your own micro fids for a couple $. Go to the local hardware store and get some brass hobby tubing. http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13213... Use a dremel or hack saw to make an angle cut for the length you want. Smooth the edge with some fine sandpaper.

For thin single braid, you can "nest" smaller diameter tubing (fit sizes at the hw store). Lead the narrow tubing fid in the center of the braid to open it up, then slide in the outer fid around it to run the line.

I made bridles for all my chargers with 7/64 amsteel. They work and look great!

Some good brummel splicing vids:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiOzEELTWp4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU1b1iYgdgw

Joedy -

Here is aniother thread on the locking brummel splice with pics of a welded fid by Kami and the music wire fids I make and use all the time:

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=16175&p...

I pretty much follow the technique in the KiteRacing link you reference, but my fids are simpler and work fine for single braid from 3/16" Amsteel to 50# spectra fishing line, provided you use an approptriate gauge of music wire. Be sure the cut your tails at a taper to make for a smooth bury.

krumly

Thank you for the help, everyone.

Sendit: Your advice to make my own micro fid using hobby tubing is a good suggestion. With the right sized micro tubing, I should be able to make a micro push fid.


One more question, everyone: Does the brummel splice eliminate the need to sew the ends of the loops? Will the brummel splice maintain shape and form when there is no line tension?

-joedy

Locking brummel splices http://www.neropes.com/SPL_12Strand_EyeSpliceBrummel.aspx do not "need" to be sewn as the splice can't pull out but can be sewn to keep the buried tail in place. Handsewing some locking stiches is easy enough and won't hurt the integrity of the splice or the braid. The locking brummel will maintain its shape under tremedous load if done properly.

Don't need to sew.

I like the Macdonald or Macmillan or Macintosh version of the Brummel - the technique is a teeny bit different but requires less inverting of the line and is much easier to do, and doesn't fur the line up so much...

http://www.animatedknots.com/brummelmcdonald/index.php?LogoI...

Quote:

Originally posted by krumly Joedy - Here is aniother thread on the locking brummel splice with pics of a welded fid by Kami and the music wire fids I make and use all the time: http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=16175&p... I pretty much follow the technique in the KiteRacing link you reference, but my fids are simpler and work fine for single braid from 3/16" Amsteel to 50# spectra fishing line, provided you use an approptriate gauge of music wire. Be sure the cut your tails at a taper to make for a smooth bury. krumly

I didn't weld it - just use a propane torch to heat the tip of the needle so I could bend it easily around the ring a few times. It's good down to 2 or 3 mm dyneema but then I used guitar strings too If I could get a needle with a bigger eye, though, I'd make a smaller one too...

On a Brummel splice, what is the point of inverting the bury into its own fid-hole once the first loop has been made?

-joedy

I got some latch hook fid's in stock that work excellent for 90# to 200# line. You may be able to do some line larger but haven't tried it myself. Cost is $1.50 each plus shipping.

Kent,

I sent you a U2U.

-joedy