How long is a "fid length"
 

And whose fid? Most splicing instructions say "measure x fid lengths" but
seldom state it in inches or rope diameters. There are several makes and
different lengths of each but there are less fid sizes than there are rope
sizes so how would you define a "fid length"?

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

How long is a "fid length"
 

Glenn Ashmore wrote:
And whose fid? Most splicing instructions say "measure x fid lengths" but
seldom state it in inches or rope diameters. There are several makes and
different lengths of each but there are less fid sizes than there are rope
sizes so how would you define a "fid length"?

When I splice NE Rope with instructions from NE Rope, I use a NE Rope
fid to measure.

IIRC, the instructions are often given in terms of rope diameters.

How long is a "fid length"
 

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote:

And whose fid? Most splicing instructions say "measure x fid lengths" but
seldom state it in inches or rope diameters. There are several makes and
different lengths of each but there are less fid sizes than there are rope
sizes so how would you define a "fid length"?

The length of a "fid length" varies according to the diameter of the
line being spliced. If you have the proper sized fid for the line yo
wish to spice, the fid itself is the fid length.

How long is a "fid length"
 

Rich wrote:
"Glenn Ashmore" wrote:


And whose fid? Most splicing instructions say "measure x fid lengths" but
seldom state it in inches or rope diameters. There are several makes and
different lengths of each but there are less fid sizes than there are rope
sizes so how would you define a "fid length"?


The length of a "fid length" varies according to the diameter of the
line being spliced. If you have the proper sized fid for the line yo
wish to spice, the fid itself is the fid length.


Bingo! Well put.

How long is a "fid length"
 

That was my problem. I am trying to splice 1/4" Samson Amsteel Blue and all
they say is "two fid lengths". I use Brion Toss's snare type splicing
wands which work with any braid up to 1" using only two sizes as long as you
know the bury length. The NE Ropes Uni-Fid is also only two sizes so you
need to know the actual bury length there too.

42 diameters is about the same as single braid Technora. Now I wonder why
Samson recommends a simple stitched tuck for Amsteel rather than a locked
Brummel which would be a lot more stable.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Garland Gray II" wrote in message
news:asqPf.2524$3k1.2369@dukeread03...
That's not much help, as I'm guessing Glen doesn't have a proper size fid.
I certainly don't as there are better tools for splicing.
According to my worksheet using information from Samson, a fid length is
21 times the rope diameter.

"Rich" wrote in message
...
The length of a "fid length" varies according to the diameter of the
line being spliced. If you have the proper sized fid for the line yo
wish to spice, the fid itself is the fid length.

How long is a "fid length"
 

I wasn't familiar with the Brummel until I read the NER directions. That was
after I had already spliced eyes in Amsteel (actually in the stripped core
of Warpspeed) per Samson for my spinnaker guys.
I'm thinking that as long as there are no hard jerks on the line (hmm, that
doesn't sound right), it should be fine.

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:pvrPf.487054$0l5.279736@dukeread06...
That was my problem. I am trying to splice 1/4" Samson Amsteel Blue and
all they say is "two fid lengths". I use Brion Toss's snare type
splicing wands which work with any braid up to 1" using only two sizes as
long as you know the bury length. The NE Ropes Uni-Fid is also only two
sizes so you need to know the actual bury length there too.

42 diameters is about the same as single braid Technora. Now I wonder why
Samson recommends a simple stitched tuck for Amsteel rather than a locked
Brummel which would be a lot more stable.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Garland Gray II" wrote in message
news:asqPf.2524$3k1.2369@dukeread03...
That's not much help, as I'm guessing Glen doesn't have a proper size
fid. I certainly don't as there are better tools for splicing.
According to my worksheet using information from Samson, a fid length is
21 times the rope diameter.

"Rich" wrote in message
...
The length of a "fid length" varies according to the diameter of the
line being spliced. If you have the proper sized fid for the line yo
wish to spice, the fid itself is the fid length.

How long is a "fid length"
 

Glenn Ashmore wrote:
And whose fid? Most splicing instructions say "measure x fid lengths" but
seldom state it in inches or rope diameters. There are several makes and
different lengths of each but there are less fid sizes than there are rope
sizes so how would you define a "fid length"?

Interesting question. I can only guess but I think a fid length is
the fid you're using :) I suspect the variation doesn't matter except
how hard it is to make the splice!

Evan Gatehouse

How long is a "fid length"
 

Evan Gatehouse wrote:
Glenn Ashmore wrote:

And whose fid? Most splicing instructions say "measure x fid
lengths" but seldom state it in inches or rope diameters. There are
several makes and different lengths of each but there are less fid
sizes than there are rope sizes so how would you define a "fid length"?


Interesting question. I can only guess but I think a fid length is the
fid you're using :) I suspect the variation doesn't matter except how
hard it is to make the splice!

Evan Gatehouse

Check this link:


http://www.cbknot.com/splicing.htm

How long is a "fid length"
 

Right sized fid for rope spliced...

Rule of thumb. You gotta make allowances, and then pull it tight.

You gonna do it, or get someone else to?

Terry K

How long is a "fid length"
 

I do my own splicing and have gotten pretty good at it if I do say so
myself. For splicing double braid I usually take the diameter in 16ths, add
half again the numerator and bury that number of inches. For example 1/2"
rope is 8/16 and half again of 8 is 12 so bury 12". That is a little longer
than the 21 diameters so it works great but this is the first really high
tech single braid I have spliced and it is notoriously slick so I know it
needs more bury but "two fid lengths" doesn't help when you don't use that
manufacturer's fids.

Still think that a double Brummel would work better than a tuck and stitch
though. ;-)

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Terry K" wrote in message
oups.com...
Right sized fid for rope spliced...

Rule of thumb. You gotta make allowances, and then pull it tight.

You gonna do it, or get someone else to?

Terry K

How long is a "fid length"
 

I'm about to buy some New England Ropes Sta-Set replacement lines.
What should I buy for fid and where are the best instructions for
learning to make some eye splices?

--

Roger Long

How long is a "fid length"
 

The absolute best instructions and tools are at http://www.briontoss.com/
Buy the "Making Eye Slices" video for $30 and the medium splicing wand
(about $55). The video covers double braid, straight yarn with braided
cover (Sta-set) three strand and the high tech braided fibers. The wand has
a snare on the end that makes eye splices a lot easier than regular fids
and pushers. You can whip out a tight eye in Sta-Set X is 5 minutes with a
little practice. The really high tech stuff takes a minute or two longer.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
I'm about to buy some New England Ropes Sta-Set replacement lines. What
should I buy for fid and where are the best instructions for learning to
make some eye splices?

--

Roger Long

How long is a "fid length"
 

A "fid length" is "21 diameters" of the rope you are working on.

eg. a fid made to work 1/2" rope by convention should be 10.5 inches
(21 X 0.5) long.
eg. a fid made to work 10mm rope by convention should be 210 mm (21 X
10) long

so a fid length is not the size of the fid you are working with (in
case you're working with a too short or too long a fid; but, 21 X the
DIAMETER of the rope.

In article eMlPf.485322$0l5.467600@dukeread06, Glenn Ashmore
wrote:

And whose fid? Most splicing instructions say "measure x fid lengths" but
seldom state it in inches or rope diameters. There are several makes and
different lengths of each but there are less fid sizes than there are rope
sizes so how would you define a "fid length"?

How long is a "fid length"
 

Roger Long wrote:
I'm about to buy some New England Ropes Sta-Set replacement lines.
What should I buy for fid and where are the best instructions for
learning to make some eye splices?

You can buy the traditional (sort of) aluminum that have been around a
long time or try Brion Toss's "splicing wand". If it's Sta-Set X then
I have no idea.

New Englad ropes has a good set of instructions on their web site.

If you've never spliced double braid, buy some rope ends from your
local chandlery and do a few practice splices on some similar double
braid before trying it on a 80' halyard.

My hints: follow the instructions carefully. Even if they don't make
sense. I've made lots of splices and still get out the instructions
every time. Use only new rope. Use gloves to milk the core back into
the cover. Don't bother with less than 5/16" rope. Too much work.

Evan Gatehouse

How long is a "fid length"
 

Roger Long wrote:
I'm about to buy some New England Ropes Sta-Set replacement lines.
What should I buy for fid and where are the best instructions for
learning to make some eye splices?


Evan Gatehouse wrote:
You can buy the traditional (sort of) aluminum that have been around a
long time or try Brion Toss's "splicing wand". If it's Sta-Set X then I
have no idea.

New Englad ropes has a good set of instructions on their web site.


There's also some pages of splicing instructions in Chapman's.

If you've never spliced double braid, buy some rope ends from your local
chandlery and do a few practice splices on some similar double braid
before trying it on a 80' halyard.

My hints: follow the instructions carefully. Even if they don't make
sense. I've made lots of splices and still get out the instructions
every time. Use only new rope. Use gloves to milk the core back into
the cover.

What he said.


... Don't bother with less than 5/16" rope. Too much work.


Well, it can be done, and the results are nicer than knots
or parcel/served eyes.

I like to see some nice rope-work in running rigging. Makes
the boat look like it's cared for & eager to sail.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King