of a sailor's pocketknife, which is used to separate strands of rope from one another. They can range in size anywhere from 3 inches to 5 feet long, with a round or flattened point. A pulling fid is often used for smaller diameters of braided ropes. Also a Softfid is a great tool when dealing with tightly braided ropes. See also References External links David Steel, Explanation of the terms used in rigging (1794), The Maritime History Virtual Archives A. Hyatt Verrill, Knots, Splices and Rope Work from Project Gutenberg Eye splice instruction with braided rope, ropeloft.co.uk Grog's Rope Splicing, Animated Knots by Grog Teufelberger Splicing Guides PremiumRopes Rope Splicing Instruction Videos Ropes