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The rigger's most essential tool

A tapered wooden spike called a 'fid' is the traditional splicing tool commonly used for splicing natural fiber twisted rope.  We know that it dates back at least to Roman times: examples of the device have been found in the ruins of Pompei, preserved under the solidified ash that entombed the town when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D.  The tool continued in use, virtually unchanged, well into the 20th century.  The traditional tool, however, does not work as well on synthetic fiber ropes introduced in the latter half of the century, so in 1972, James McGrew, a long-time Navy man, created the Fid-O© splicing tool, which works equally well for natural or synthetic fiber rope.
 
The patented Fid-O© splicing tool is a device for splicing twisted fiber ropes (manila, nylon, etc.) that resembles a 'sailmaker's pricker' made of Cycolac® ABS plastic.  Its tapered end has a special spade point that makes it easier to separate strands of rope without tearing the individual fibers.  The other end features a removable hollow handle that holds the strands of rope open.   Rope ends to be spliced are inserted through the handle, which is then removed, making it easy to splice even the stiffest line.  (The Fid-O logo, at right, shows the first step in making a simple splice.  Note how the hollow handle forms the "O" in "Fid-O".)
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Great for nautical, stock-handling and crafts uses.  Instructions included.
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Can be used with equal ease whether you are right- or left-handed.

The tool comes in two sizes, for splicing rope of various dimensions:

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Size S - splices 5/8" and smaller twisted rope and 3/8" hollow braid (water ski) rope.
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Size M - splices 3/4" to 1 1/8" diameter rope (used for stock halters, for example).
A Sample of the  Tool's  Many Uses

  1. The Fid-O Splicing Tool

  2. Quick-release becket

  3. Fancy button

  4. Quick-release becket

  5. Button with looped ends

 
Instructions Included

The Fid-O Splicing Tool comes  with a complete set of instructions for making many kinds of splices - no need to buy an additional, expensive book! The sheet included with each Fid-O tool features clear, well-labeled drawings with simple step-by-step instructions (see example below).

The booklet includes instructions for making many basic and specialized splices, including:
bullet Simple Eye splice
bullet Sailor's 'Flat Eye' splice
bullet Sailmaker's 'thimble-setting' eye splice
bullet Short splice
bullet Back splice
bullet Tree climber's back splice
bullet Crossover eye splice
bullet Splicing 3-strand rope to chain, snaps or rings
bullet Butt splice

It also includes some fancy work, such as:

bullet The button knot
bullet The Fid-O hitch
bullet The double loop eye splice
bullet The crow's foot
bullet Making large eyes in poly ski rope
 
All in all, this is a super value for an indispensable rope-working tool!
 
Click the links below to see more:
Uses & Examples Orders Super Snake
Fid-O/McGrew Splicing Tool Co. reserves the right to change its products, and their specifications, at any time, without notice or obligation.