Having a fid in one’s personal kit is not absolutely necessary but it is handy when one needs it. Traditionally a fid is a tool used for rope work, specifically to aid in the manipulation of rope such as in the case of splicing, canvas work, assisting with the production of grommets, and net making. When you use twisted rope having a fid to open the strands for splicing will save your fingers and possibly some frustrations. This is especially the case when your rope is damp or, most likely in the case of a winter deer camp scenario, your rope is cold and stiff.

Why would you need to splice a rope? Splicing is certainly one of those skills that should be added to your mental toolbox, when properly used is superior in strength to a knot. When choosing to use a knot or a splice your should ask yourself if the goal is to be permanent or temporary. A quality knot is determined by it’s purpose to accomplish the goal and the ease of untying it. Some knots will harm the integrity of the rope whereas others will maintain it’s usefulness for future applications. Any knots will compromise the overall strength of the rope whereas a splice will strengthen the rope.

There are three main splices you should learn: end splice, eye splice, and short splice but there are several others. These three will suit most of your needs. The end splice will replace the need for a whipped or fused end of the rope. Since the strands are braided back into itself the end is well protected and is very difficult to come undone. Eye splices are great for those times you want a loop that is readily available and takes the place of knots like the bowline. One can slip two ropes with an eye splice together quickly to extend the rope and easily “unfasten” them together by pulling them apart. Lastly the short splice is used for joining two ropes together and where they are joined will be the strongest part of the rope. To learn how to splice a short splice click my video link below and I will teach you!

Another use of the fid is to make a net. You will need a net needle as well which can be made easily enough out in the field, much like the fid itself. The fid is used to ensure even holes as the net is being made. If you make your fid with dual purpose in mind it will save you time when a repair needs to be quickly made or when you need to secure food for survival. When one thinks of a net, generally fishing comes to mind but you can also use them for storage and can make for a great hammock! If you have never had the comforting fun of swinging in a net hammock you are missing out on a great warm weather joy.

Lastly for our purposes of camp repair you can use a fid to prepare a hole in canvas for a grommet or eyelet. Often repairs on canvas are needed when the material becomes brittle due to rot but usually it is due to being stretched beyond what it is capable of handling and a tear occurs or eyelets and grommets get torn out. Having the knowledge and skills to make repairs will save you a lot of grief but just as important is having the appropriate tools to make a quality and lasting repair. In the case of a tear having extra fabric on hand, canvas needle, lump of wax or a candle, and linen thread will get you well on your way. A sailor’s palm can be rigged up from a spare piece of leather or the belt you wear and will save your soft skin from being pierced which will only lead to cursory words and further frustrations. An eyelet or grommet in the field can be repaired easily with the same tools and a fid will help to ensure a quality circumference by using the pointed end to help with trimming, stretching and as a handy tool to help with pulling the thread through the several layers of canvas. If you would like to add a beginner’s sailor’s palm to your kit and don’t want to break the bank I suggest the one here: https://amzn.to/3qiqPmE A nice fid to start out with can also be found using this link: https://amzn.to/34GD8R4

Any purchase made using my affiliate link helps support my ongoing work and I appreciate it. I hope you have a great time practicing your skills!

Bibliography:

Beard. “Do It Yourself; a Book of the Big Outdoors, by Dan Beard … with 306 Illustrations by the Author.” HathiTrust. Philadelphia and London J. B. Lippincott Company, 1925. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924051742140&view=1up&seq=70&skin=2021&q1=fid.