Fid is the name of a traditional splicing tool commonly used when splicing natural twisted fiber rope, and Fid-O is the name of this tool that will splice both natural and the newer synthetic twisted fiber rope. Unlike the old fid, the S size Fid-O is also well suited for splicing 3/8" hollow braid (water ski rope).
It's registered trademark shows the shape of the spike or fid, how the hollow handle holding up the strand becomes the "O" in the mark.

 


     To those of you learning about this tool for the first time, an instruction sheet is provided with every tool for it's use. From the 'simple' over and under splice taught beginners, to the smooth laid 'strand wrapping strand' of the sailmaker.
     Because as much time was spent demonstrating at County Fairs and Stock Shows to folks wearing pointed boots, and youngsters in 4H, as was spent at Commercial Fisherman Shows and Boat Shows, the instruction sheet shows both uses.
     How to tie and splice a 'fancy working knot' that resembles raw hide braiding from the past, can be found. Even the little bit of patented rope work of the inventor is included.
     The S Size Fid-O splices both 5/8" and smaller twisted rope, and 3/8" single braid (water ski) rope, so the instructions cover several ways to use it as well. At a Livestock Show, making a small animal halter out of the 3/8" water ski rope in less than a minute always drew a crowd and splicing a 'double loop eye splice' to a ring with six inches of the same material in even less time, was always a crowd pleaser at a Boat Show.
     The M Size Fid-O....Not too many boaters splice 3/4" to 1 1/8" Diameter rope, but if you live on the ranch and want to make 'twist out stock halters' it and the instructions are worth while.
     Any car owner in Canada that prefers to carry a long tow rope instead of 'tire chains' will find this tool a money saver. Splicing 4 strand, new or used granary synthetic elevator rope doesn't require strong thumbs.
     If you own a copy of Ashley's and have struggled getting some of the strands doubled or tripled up even on a simple 'wall and crown knot', an S Size Fid-O could help you. Unlike a Swedish Fid, it's spadepoint doesn't snag, and when the handle is in place, and the point is removed, there is nothing in the way of the working strand.
     If you are doing 'big knot macramé', not only would the Fid-O help you tie the knot, add extra strands to a knot, but it would eliminate most the loose fibers from coming off your lap.