Stainless Rope Splicing Needle (Fid) with Wooden Handle (174 mm, for up to 12 mm rope)

This stainless steel rope splicing needle (also known as a “fid” or marlin spike) is a tool that greatly facilitates working with marine ropes. It is designed to help “open up” a rope’s strands – when you want to perform a splice (for example, an eye splice at the end of a rope or a long splice to join two ropes), the first step is to unlay or separate the rope’s strands. That’s where the fid comes in: with its pointed, smooth tip, it inserts between the rope’s fibers and gently pries them apart without cutting them, creating space to feed through the rope’s end or individual strands. Without the proper fid, this task can be tedious – people resort to using screwdrivers or other improvised tools that can end up poking or damaging the fibers. A specialized splicing needle ensures you can make the splice cleanly and professionally.

Construction: The fid is made of stainless steel throughout its 174 mm length, and tapers from a sharp point up to a wider base, reaching a maximum diameter slightly larger than that of the rope it’s meant for (so it can widen an opening enough for up to 12 mm rope). The surface is very smooth and polished, so it slides easily into the rope with minimal friction. The stainless material guarantees that even when working with wet or tarred ropes, or in saltwater conditions, the tool won’t rust or stain your lines. The handle is crafted from hard wood, shaped ergonomically to fit your palm. Wood not only gives a classic look, but also provides excellent grip – unlike metal or plastic, wood won’t slip easily even if your hand is wet, and it allows you to apply force comfortably (the metal spike won’t dig into your hand because the wooden handle spreads out the pressure). The handle is firmly attached to the steel spike (glued and riveted), so you can work with confidence and leverage.

Specifications & Compatibility: The 174 mm length is optimal for working with ropes up to ~12 mm diameter – the fid is long enough to go through a significant portion of the braid of such a rope, yet still manageable for smaller lines (like 6–8 mm). For very thin cordage (below 4 mm) you might not need a fid or might prefer a slimmer one – but for most sailboat sheets, halyards, and dock lines on small to mid-sized boats, this size is ideal. Note: For three-strand ropes or very large-diameter lines on bigger vessels (say 16–20+ mm), you’d use a larger fid – keep that in mind if you work on heavy rigging. However, for standard yacht ropes and most general applications, this fid has you covered.

Uses & Techniques: The primary use of this tool is rope splicing – for example, creating a permanent eye at the end of a rope (to attach a shackle, thimble, etc.), in which the rope’s strands need to be woven back into the standing part of the rope in a specific pattern. With the fid, you can quickly lift the necessary strands and feed the tail through the opening – with no struggle. This allows you to achieve a strong and neat splice that retains about ~90% of the rope’s strength (versus knots which reduce it much more). Aside from splicing, the fid is invaluable for loosening tightly jammed knots – its sturdy, pointed end can dig into the heart of a knot and lever it apart, where fingers alone can’t do the job. Additionally, if a rope’s end has a hardened coating or melted end from previous cutting, the fid can be used to pick out or remove that hardened plug before attempting a new splice.

For sailors who enjoy decorative ropework (marlinspike seamanship arts) – such as wrapping rope handles, making monkey’s fist knots, decorative coverings – this tool is a key assistant. Even on land (camping, climbing), a splicing fid can be used to repair ropes, rig hammocks, or any situation where you work with braided lines. Its compactness means it stows easily with sewing needles and thread or in your boat’s toolbox.