Needles.

[banjo]

What do the pros use and where do you get them? I found some hand made steel needles from somewhere in the U.K. in the past. They were awesome and lasted a long time, I just can't find them anymore.

 

[GregManning]

John can probably supply what you need:

John Hartenburg
Knot & Rope Supply
1650 Waters Edge Drive
Perrysburg, OH 43551
(800) 584-1586
John@knotandrope.com

Ciao for Now ! Greg

PS John is a Co-Sponser of the "SPlicing Symposium" series.

 

[Norm_Hall]

Wesspur has em.

http://www.wesspur.com/splicing/splicing-fids-pushers.html

13th item down. While yur at it, might as well get a 'sailmaker's palm', next item down. You'll be glad you did.

 

[JeffL]

[ QUOTE ]
Wesspur has em.

http://www.wesspur.com/splicing/splicing-fids-pushers.html

13th item down. While yur at it, might as well get a 'sailmaker's palm', next item down. You'll be glad you did.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll grab one at some point personally, for now I hammer the needle and pull it through with channel locks.

 

[banjo]

The ones at Wesspur look more "scalloped" than the needles I got before. Do you think that helps? I get the sailmakers palm, it just hasn't gotten along with me. I prefer to use an oak plank with knots and press the head of the needle against them. I will consider the Wesspur needles though, thank you.

 

[NickfromWI]

You want this one: http://www.knotandrope.com/store/pc/Heavy-duty-needles-p149.htm

I know you can get smaller 5 packs (instead of 25) but make sure you get this brand. I am just now getting to where I need to replenish my stock and I think it's from the splicing classes I teach not from me breaking them. I've only broken 3-5 over the years.

Rather than hammering the needle through- try this: push the needle as far as you can by hand. Now hold the splice with your left and right hand so that the needle is pointing sharp side up. Push down on a firm surface (a cutting board works well) so that rather than pushing the needle through the rope, you're pushing the rope ONTO the needle.

I like it. Let me know what you think.

love
nick

 

[banjo]

Thanks Nick. That's exactly what I want. It's the brand I was talking about! Do they have really big one too? You know, for 3/4 and bigger stuff? I had one but gave it up so my friend could sew up a pig for a pig roast. The needle was nice but the pig was better.

 

[Babberney]

I got the same thing at West Marine (I think--some marine supply). I'd happily support John et al if I were ordering on the internet, but if you have a WM in your town it might be easier to just go get some.