I want to start splicing

C

craw

Hi all,
I'm looking to get into splicing. I'm really just wondering what the best approach is.
What do I need in the way of tools? Can I use wire fids for most things and can I use a coat hangar for a fid or is it just better to buy a proper wire fid? Do you need rigid fids (not sure on proper name) as well?
Would you say that most methods are covered online or is it worth getting a book like the Samson guide?
I'm looking to splice 16 strand, 24 strand, prussik cord, double braided lines, and lowering lines and the like.
Any input is much appreciated!
Cheers
 
I've never used purpose built tools. I mostly splice Double Braid and Hollow braid. I have made tubular fids by getting thick walled aluminum small diameter tubing (of appropriate size) and sawing the end off at a steep angle and sanding smooth. For wire fids I started with the coat hangers with loops on the end for a carabiner handle. My closet ran out of wire hangers from breaking them, so i made a better one where it's a piece of piano wire folded in half, with a wooden handle i made from a busted ball-peen hammer handle.
I use the wire fid for 90% of all splicing. You are going to need a burly sewing needle for whipping, or a sewing awl.
For the most part this has done me just fine, and has left me wanting very little tool wise other than a nice work area other than the coffee table.
 
Agreed on Evos remarks. I would start on hollow braid, move to double braid, and then branch out from there. 3 strand is fine if you use it, but it's more like braiding hair than other splices. The only thing store bought fids may better at is helping with proper bury depths and measurements. But you can cut your homemade stuff to the proper fid lengths too, just be aware of it. You can also just measure each dimension of your splices as you go but having the fids the proper lengths makes it faster. As for the rest, you kinda have to go through the headaches first before you'll know what questions to ask. :) Good luck!
 
I love the Brian Toss splicing wand, it saves so much time. Nick the moderator has a bench mounted rig that looks amazing.

I've found instructions for every splice I've ever wanted to do online.
 
I just started myself. I bought the wire fid from treestuff for $13. My first splice was a tachyon eye on new rope. Took about two and a half hours. Second splice with used tachyon about two hours. Next was an amsteel steel rings removable rigging sling. Last was a tech cord redirect sling. Did the last two in one night. Downloading the instructions from the rope manufacturer and nick from wi videos was all I needed.
I forgot to mention wipping ttwineand sailors needle was my later purchase.

Thanks Nick
 
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