Fid Size vs Rope Size

[Chiefwebb]

I'm putting in eye splices in new 5/8" Sterling Kraken double braid polyester cover/core rope. I have been using homemade fids for a while so I decided to purchase factory fids. First purchase was a Yale 5/8" fid from Rope & Knot Supply, a company I usually do business with and they claim their splicing department recommends and uses "Yale" fids. When I got the 5/8" fid I quickly noticed that it was too small for my rope that is sold as a 5/8" rope and was yellow as the photos of 5/8" Kraken as shown on Sterling's website and was sealed in a factory bag marked as 5/8". I then measured the diameter of the rope and it actually measures very close to 3/4" in diameter.

I then went to Amazon and searched for Samson Fids. I found a listing for Samson fids being sold through "West Coast Paracord Store". Their description stated that the 7/8" Samson fid was recommended for a 5/8" rope. I purchased it and received it today. This fid is stamped Samson and stamped as a 7/8" fid. This fid will work good on my 5/8" stated Kraken Rope that actually measures 3/4" in diameter when stretched out tight.

MY QUESTION: Taking the info above in to consideration, should I proceed as if I am splicing 5/8" or 3/4" rope. Also which fid lengths should I use, the 5/8", 3/4", or the 7/8" fid that I will be using.

Thank you in advance for your opinions.

 

[RyanCafferky]

Personally, I think a wire fid is way easier for most spices than a tubular fid. Pulling rope fibers is easier. Just use a tape measure for all the measurements.

 

[Brocky]

The cover and core are probably 50/50 of the diameter, a 5/16”, or 8mm tubular fid should work, use the smallest one possible as long as the core or cover, separately, can be stuffed inside the fid.

 

[evo]

For your question use Samson splicing instructions there is very little difference in fid length between 5/8 and 3/4. I can’t quite recall the spec’s but depending on manufacturer a fid is 21 (or 23?) times rope diameter. Also manufacturers measure diameter under tension and a new Samson DB rigging line is kinda mushy until it all settles in.
If using 3/4 measurements for 5/8 consider pre tapering and doing a super taper.. meaning cut your core bury long, pull strands and cut as they start to bury in the throat. Since your adding an additional 2.5” start your taper nearly like a 5/8 but a few picks up making a longer thinner tapered tail overall. The ‘meat’ is still there at the 5/8ths spec’s just longer more gradual tapers. But I wouldn’t worry about it and use 5/8ths fid lengths.

21 x 5/8 =13.125
21 x 3/4=15.75

+1 on using a wire fid the fid sticks are great as a measuring stick. The toss wand is also pretty damn good but $$

 

[ghostice]

For tuff to bury stuff I like the D-Splicer soft fids too - available in various sizes.

 

[SeanRuel]

Fid length is usually 21x nominal rope diameter as posted above

 

[Chiefwebb]

Thank you all. I followed Evo's advice today and the splice went well. I'm happy with it.

 

[flyingmosstreen]

For tuff to bury stuff I like the D-Splicer soft fids too - available in various sizes.

Thank you. Been looking for this tool in the medium size!

 

[evo]

Thank you all. I followed Evo's advice today and the splice went well. I'm happy with it.

Looks good. Is the eye a little baggy? Sometimes I’ll stretch it out between two trees with a 5:1 and bounce on it like a tightrope. This helps set the splice before whipping

 

[Chiefwebb]

Evo: No its good and hard. I did both ends of the 200' rope and after I thought they were both tight and not baggy I put them under tension between a tree and my tractor with the rope passing through a snatch block. I placed a chafe guard in the eye on the other end.

 

[Chiefwebb]

No whipping I just lock-stitched them.

 

[evo]

Sounds like you nailed it