Samson Fids
Samson Fids: Precision Splicing Tools from a Rope Industry Leader
A clean, strong splice starts with the right tool. Fids are the essential hand tools used to open rope strands and guide one section of line through another during splicing — and when it comes to sourcing fids matched to professional-grade rope, few names carry more authority than Samson. As one of the most respected rope manufacturers in the marine, arborist, and industrial sectors, Samson designs its fids to work in direct harmony with its own line constructions, ensuring accurate measurements and clean, load-bearing splices every time.
What Makes a Fid — and Why Size Matters
A fid is a traditional, hollow, or tapered tool used to open rope strands or pull a cover through a core, typically used for larger diameters or 3-strand and double-braid ropes. A different sized splicing fid is required for each size of rope. Samson takes this principle seriously: these fids are designed to splice all Samson ropes according to their splicing instructions, and measurements are determined in "fid-lengths," so it is important to get the right sized fid for the rope being spliced.
The science behind this sizing system is precise. The "fid length" for a rope is calculated as 21 times the rope diameter, and as the rope diameter increases, so does the fid length. Samson's tubular fids are 100% scale, meaning that the overall length of the tool is equal to the actual fid length for the corresponding rope diameter. This consistency eliminates guesswork and helps ensure that bury measurements are accurate from the first pass.
Samson's Fid Product Lineup
Samson offers several distinct fid options to match a wide range of rope diameters and splicing applications:
- Small Aluminum Fid Kit: The Samson Splicing Kit comes with 5 aluminum tubular fids allowing you to splice rope sizes from 1/4" to 1/2" in diameter. This kit comes in a handy storage tube and includes a pusher for pushing your fid through your line and instructions for eye splicing.
- Large Aluminum Fid Kit: Samson's Large Fid Kit has six tubular aluminum fids ranging in size from 1/2" to 1" in diameter, and is especially useful with 12-strand ropes like Amsteel and Tenex.
- Selma Fids: Made from highly polished stainless steel and patented worldwide, the Selma Fid may be used to splice hollow braided lines from 1/8" to 9/16", double braid yacht line, and 3-strand rope or twine up to 1-1/8" diameter.
- Individual Aluminum Fids & Pushers: Samson fid pushers are used in rope splicing to push the tubular fids attached to the rope through the rope to complete the bury. Individual fids and pushers are sold separately, giving experienced riggers the flexibility to build their own toolkit.
Engineered to Work with Samson Ropes
These tools are especially useful when splicing 12-strand ropes like Amsteel or Tenex. Whether you are working on a running rigging project, building arborist lines, or servicing marine dock lines, the ability to rely on fids that are dimensionally matched to the rope you are splicing means fewer errors and stronger finished splices. This splicing fid kit, made by Samson, is useful to splice ropes of many designs.
For those new to rope work or looking to expand their skills, Samson also offers a comprehensive Splicing Manual, which pairs directly with these fid kits to guide users through the full splicing process. Browse the complete Samson brand catalog or explore all available fids and splicing tools to find the right kit for your ropes and rigging needs.