Samson Rope Splicing Kit (Fids 1/4-Inch, 1/2-Inch)

Any sailor should have these on hand. This set is very good and works well with a little practice.

I have both the Samson and Selma kits and they are both very good. I used the Selma units to eyesplice up to 1 inch. I prefer the Samson units because they don't have the longitudinal split that can snag fibers, and the pusher is included and makes the process easier.

The 1/2" FID seems too small for 1/2" synthetic rope. I used a few inches of electrical tape to attach the rope to the fid when burying the taper. I was 100% successful on my first attempt, so this set worked for me.

This product is great! It seems well made, the fids are smooth, and the instructions are concise and quite clear.I needed a new spinnaker halyard, which is 3/8 braid. It needs a snapshackle spliced to its end. I first tried splicing with an old fid substitute called a "super snake". It snagged, tore fibers on the line, and finally broke (the tool, not the line) after two frustrating hours of trying to finish the splice.The samson double braid kit came today. I opened it, skimmed the instructions, got out my line and shackle and began. Less than 45 minutes later I had a very nice looking splice. The instructions were easy to follow and everything worked as it was supposed to. I actually enjoyed this (which was not the case the other day with the "super snake", nor the last time I completed a splice, 15 years ago) and I'm actually looking around for somethingelse to splice ;-)Only word of advice: when they say to use one thin layer of tape they are serious -- use as little tape as you can get awaywith and wrap it tightly. If it doesn't fit into the socket of the fid it won't pass through easily.

As far as I can tell this is the best splicing kit available. This kit contains is high quality aluminum fids and pusher in a nice package. The instructions a very good as well, although knot-work instructions are always difficult to follow. I recommend the youtube video posted by New England Ropes. Combine that with the included Samson instructions, and you should have not trouble with the splice. Pay close attention to exact measurements, and be sure your fid is correctly sized for the rope.Since these fids are aluminum they slide well within the rope. I doubt that the inexpensive plastic fids would work as well. The aluminum also holds up well to the stress required to work the fid through tight rope braid.The fids include the "short fid" mark for measuring the correct splice length. This mark is etched into the fid, and that mark actually binds on the rope sheath while working the splice. If that presents a real annoyance it may need to be filed down a bit to allow the fid to pass more easily.

Definitely a really good quality kit and it’s worth the money

Exactly as advertised

Brushed aluminum with small burs around the etched print causes snags, stainless steel would be much better