Splicing Tools Preferences

**LowTech** · 12-19-2020, 23:46

Started collecting my splicing tools, and that had me wondering which ones people were preferring.

So far I have a 10" loop turner and some splicing needles (that I had from my years of leather working). I'm also thinking of ordering the small set of hooks from Dutch, just not sure how much i would use them.
And I would like to find the one that looks like an overly long needle eye.

So what is your preferred tools?

**Clisbyclark** · 12-19-2020, 23:48

I've never spliced anything other than ZingIt which I believe is 1.75 mm or so. I bought the splicing hook from Dutch but it was too big for that. Instead, I used some guitar wire folded in half which worked wonderfully.

**knightshade** · 12-19-2020, 23:58

I picked up a set off of Amazon for a few bucks that has worked well for me

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**iceman857** · 12-20-2020, 01:52

Making a specific size of hole using an awl or other similar tool that can accommodate different sizes of holes is the main thing that I've spent money on.

**Trail Runner** · 12-20-2020, 02:10

I use a set of upholstery needles. Click here to check those out. I was fortunate enough to get a tour of the Dream Hammock operation a few years ago and Papa Smurf turned me onto to the needles. The smallest one works well for 1.75mm cordage and the largest one works great with 7/64th Amsteel.

**Baka Dasai** · 12-20-2020, 06:08

Originally Posted by Clisbyclark

I've never spliced anything other than ZingIt which I believe is 1.75 mm or so. I bought the splicing hook from Dutch but it was too big for that. Instead, I used some guitar wire folded in half which worked wonderfully.

Yep, I like guitar wire too. It's thin, but I find it a bit "grippy". I prefer the wire that fisherman use (tracer wire?). It's coated in some slick stuff. It tends to be a bit thicker, but the slipperiness outweighs that for me.

Loop turners don't seem very useful to me. An awl is great for making a hole in the cord.

**chapinb** · 12-20-2020, 07:37

Driz loop turner is my primary tool for amsteel. The kit that dutch sells i use for smaller stuff.
For long buries, >12" i use thin gauge wire.

**cmoulder** · 12-20-2020, 07:50

#30 floral wire for Zingit, and #24 for Amsteel. A knitting needle for spreading the braids.

If I were going to do it for a living or for a side job I'd get some proper tools.

**Geocodyrgia** · 12-21-2020, 19:57

I use some thin metal wire i found in the bead craft aisle at Michael's. Works really well and can be as long as I want it to be. Something like 30 ft for $5, I'll take it. For making holes for brummels I use the marlin spike on my pocket knife (https://www.camillusknives.com/6-5-f...lin-spike.html) and it works like a champ. Both of these easily go with me on every hike.

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**MagicPaddler** · 12-22-2020, 07:05

I have found that small thin wall tubing makes an easy way to get a bury in place. All but the smallest knitting needles are hollow and I cut the back end off of them. For the smallest sizes I have some steel tubing from McMaster Carr. Like others have said wire is useful and hook turners are not.