6 Tools That You Might Need When Working with Rope

Renco Nets are proud to bring you a range of ropes in different diameters, materials and colours. There are various ways of working with these ropes in your workplace and garden. Here are six useful tools that will help you achieve the best results.

Eye Splice

This tool is essential when splicing and finishing your rope into an ‘eye’, or loop. It helps you finish the end of your rope so that it doesn’t fray. A rope’s eye can be looped around mooring stumps and used to pull objects.

The eye splice technique places relatively little strain on the rest of the rope. Indeed, the University of Strathclyde have revealed that “splices average 25-40% of rope strength decay”; a figure that is lower than the strongest of knots. This makes having an eye splicing tool essential for those who need to create attractive, well-constructed ‘eyes’ or end loops.

Fid

Traditionally made from bone, but now widely available in aluminium, plastic or steel, a fid is a (hollow) cone-shaped tool that holds your rope open. It separates the lays (aka the strands) of the rope to prepare it for splicing. Many modern versions come with measurements to guide your craft.

A grip fid is one type that can make the art of ply-split braiding much easier. It helps you to return the cord through the opening that you have already split using the pointed end. Thankfully, you won’t lose your place, as the cleat keeps everything in place.

Pulling Needles

Available in different sizes to suit the diameter of your rope, an aptly named pulling needle helps you clamp the very end of your cord. You can then pull the rope’s jacket and core over itself. This splicing device is similar to a fid, but will quicken the process when working with ropes with a core and cover.

They look like any needle but have a chunkier eye that is ideal for use with rope. Indeed, pulling needles can be used with ropes of all thicknesses. Just be sure to seek out the right size range for your project.

Splicing Tape

Suitable for a range of applications such as fixing rigs and rope, splicing tape can make it easier to use pulling needles. Simply fix some tape to the cord on your needle to keep it in place or bind the rope before cutting to ensure the different lays do not come apart.

Splicing tape is hardwearing yet flexible, ideal for a range of purposes. It is manufactured to save you time and frustration when using and finishing rope.

A Sharp Knife

Creating a sharp cut will pay dividends when preparing a piece of rope for splicing. After marking your measurements with a marker pen, the core, cover and strands should not fray (unlike with scissors).

The ends are also less likely to unravel before you have finished working on your intended project.

Sail Makers Needles

With a triangular-shaped tip, these reliable needles are tough enough to pass through a rope. Traditionally used by sailors, today the finest quality versions are made from forged steel. They continue to be used for decorative rope stitching and encasing metal rings or grommets.

Many craftsmen purchase a seventh tool – a leather and metal sail maker’s palm. Worn on the hand, this accessory protects your palm when pulling the exceptionally sharp needles (and other tools) through a rope.

Get in Touch

Has learning about these tools encouraged you to work with rope? Call our friendly Lincolnshire office on +44 (0) 1469 575 804 or email netting@renco.co.uk to see how we can meet your rope supply needs.