Paracord Needles (aka Fids)

[MiddleWolf]

Just found a good way to make my own fids for paracraft work. Credit goes to an unknown reply on the Instructables web site. There's an article about making your own fids that the cord screws into when sharpened properly as instructed by the Paracordist by burning and rolling across paper. (see his post). I pulled out an old 22 gun cleaning kit and did the "sharpening" according to instructions and tried screwing it into the end of one of the rods. It works great. I could tug on it to a reasonable amount and it stayed in without problems.

I would recommend cutting it down to about the recommended 4 inches or so ( if you use more you could make them different lengths). Also, according to what I read on Instructables after grinding to a point (not too sharp and a gradual taper) finely polish for a smooth surface to reduce drag through the knots and things when using it to make your projects. It appears to resemble exactly the various pictures in the posts I have read. And the threads in the female ends of the rods are much deeper then will ever be possible to screw all the way down into.

[crashdive123]

Good idea. Thanks.

[wholsomback]

Thanks for the tip

[Rick]

You might also consider a gripfid. It has a point but the tube is hollow. You insert the gripfid through the braid, insert your cord in the hollow shaft and pull it back through. Here's how to make your own.

[Old GI]

wow! haven't seen a fid in many, many years. Had to use them to pass maintenance phase of parachute rigger school.

[hunter63]

First time I ever seen or heard about them....very cool.......I use a couple of big needles that I think were from net makers....got'em at a sale....but never seen them since.
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Some good tips and ideas here, thanks.

[crashdive123]

I've been using perma lok needles that I picked up from Tandy, but there is a certain allure to making things rather than buying them (sometimes).

[hunter63]

I've been using perma lok needles that I picked up from Tandy, but there is a certain allure to making things rather than buying them (sometimes).

....or at least knowing how to make them....I agree.

[asemery]

Screw posts (Chicago Screw Posts)
aluminum_posts.jpg
available from hardware stores and hobby shops are hollow. Discard the male end and grind off the head of the post. Makes a nice lacing needle. Tony

[asemery]

hunter63
I believe those are sailmaker's needles (or perhaps tapestry needles). If you do a Google Image search you will find similar needles but not as nice as yours.
That being said such a needle would be handy for makng a net with a very small mesh where a traditional netting needle would be too wide. Tony