Finding a Fid?

[millergear]

I'd like to try my hand at making Soft Shackles & Whoopies. I know I need a "Fid", but where/how can I get one? What size(s)? Could a Cable Tie be used?

[Cali]

Try a loop turner, amazon has them pretty cheap.

[lustreking]

I also recommend a loop turner. I just got one from Joann's

http://hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=57153

[Fish<><]

Steel wire .020 inch diameter is what I use. I get it from work for free. Works really well. Old guitar strings will work too

[millergear]

Try a loop turner, amazon has them pretty cheap.

Thanks! There was even a review about using one to splice 7/64th width hollow braid Amsteel.

[raiffnuke]

Steel wire .020 inch diameter is what I use. I get it from work for free. Works really well. Old guitar strings will work too

+1 to a thin wire. It has worked well for me.

[Popeye 62]

I couldn't find a loop turner small enough at our local fabric shop or our crafts store, so I grabbed that green wire that is used for floral purposes. Worked great along with a knitting needle to open everything up.

[mountainhanger]

yep loop turner got one at micheals a craft store 2 bucks i think! excellent once i got that it was easy as pie :)

[doogie]

You can also use stainless steel fishing leaders, but I prefer old guitar strings.

[hppyfngy]

FWIW, The Dritz Loop Turner is fantastic for 7/64 or larger, but for anything smaller, the hook on it doesn't fit.

Absolutely get one, (or 3...they can get lost in the sofa... damhik.) The wire trick for smaller stuff. Fold wire in half and I like to "pinch" the tip with pliers to make it fit better and hold better.

[Acer]

I use a very large 3 inch sewing needle dulled on the point end,,good for anything 7/64 and smaller.

[XSrcing]

I use the ink cartridge of a cheap ball point pen and a small piece of tape.

[Brute1100]

I have not done this just asking those that know... At Walmart I have seen these silver shishkabob skewers in the kitchen section... They are the mainstay brand, white packaging... They look like that loop turner mentioned above but I don't know...

[XSrcing]

I have not done this just asking those that know... At Walmart I have seen these silver shishkabob skewers in the kitchen section... They are the mainstay brand, white packaging... They look like that loop turner mentioned above but I don't know...

Those won't work as they are not flexible. The loop would not be able to pass through the cordage.

[Acer]

a fid doesn't have to be flexible..least not when I am using it,,I use 16 ga. wire in 1/8 in amsteel however.

[gmcttr]

I have not done this just asking those that know... At Walmart I have seen these silver shishkabob skewers in the kitchen section... They are the mainstay brand, white packaging... They look like that loop turner mentioned above but I don't know...

The loop turner has a small hinged hook on the end. A skewer just has a point and would have little use in splicing.

[SwinginIt]

22 gauge uninsulated wire from radio shack is what I use, works great, even on 1.75mm zing it.

[SweetLou]

I've used a few things. The inner wire of coaxial cable works well with 7/64 amsteel. If I am working on something skinnier, I will use one strand of wire from a bicycle brake cable. I am a bike mechanic, so I get a lot of old ones for free.

At first, I tried to just bend the end of the wire to hold onto the rope. This didn't work too well for me. Now, if I want a "fid" that is 10" long, I will use 20" or more of wire and fold it in half. This prevents any sharp edges that can catch on the rope.

[SwinginIt]

Now, if I want a "fid" that is 10" long, I will use 20" or more of wire and fold it in half. This prevents any sharp edges that can catch on the rope.

That's how I do it too.

[lustreking]

FWIW, The Dritz Loop Turner is fantastic for 7/64 or larger, but for anything smaller, the hook on it doesn't fit.


I don't know, I didn't have any trouble using it on 1.75mm stuff.

[XTrekker]

I just used 18 Gauge galvanized wire from local hardware store. It's smooth so it passes through the Amsteel without snagging and can be folded to crab the end to be spliced. It works so well i can make a spice in just a few seconds.

[smartc]

Loop turner......Walmart sewing department. Couldn't believe how easy it was with one of these. Just squeeze the Amsteel to open it up.

[alrany187]

I don't know, I didn't have any trouble using it on 1.75mm stuff.

Same here. No trouble at all with smaller cords with Dritz Loop Turner (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Dritz%28R%29+Loop+Turner).

Ellis

[old4hats]

Same here. No trouble at all with smaller cords with Dritz Loop Turner (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Dritz%28R%29+Loop+Turner).

Ellis

FWIW, I have two Dritz loop turners, and one is a good bit smaller at the hook than the other, so shop around, perhaps Joann's or similar has them in both sizes.

[hppyfngy]

I don't know, I didn't have any trouble using it on 1.75mm stuff.

Hmm... I'll try that again. Maybe my original was different. I have several now but I would have sworn they were big for 1.75mm.

I have been known to be mistooken! :laugh:

[Bondo]

I use .025 welding wire from my mig welder. Works great!

[olddog]

The craft section of WM has anodized craft wire. Use it in my model railroading and just had it on hand. 24"+ folded in half works great, just used it on rigging my mini spreaders. Also carry a piece in the pack, just never know when you might need it. There is enough in 1 pkg to last a lifetime or at least the rest of mine.