Jig Pro Shop 3 1/2" Type II (Mid-Sized /"Manny Method") Paracord Stitching Needles (Stainless Steel Master Set)

Used for paracord projects requiring a fid. Small enough to Manny Method 550 cord. I do have to cut the cord at an angle to get a taper to use with this fid, but once you know that, you're good to go.

I bought these solely to splice 550 paracord, per the manufacturers recommendation. I wanted to make some two-color cords for a local Scout troop to use to practice knot-tying. It works, but it definitely take a little trial and error.Let me start by saying these seem to be very well-machined and coated. In terms of fit and finish, I'd say these are great.Now, if you're using these to splice 550 (or anything else with 550), you should know that the screw-in opening on these are tiny. If it's possible to get 550 in, I couldn't figure out how to do it. What I ended up doing was pulling a little of the inner-core out, cutting it, and then pulling the outer sheath over it. That way, I was only trying to screw the out sheath into the needle. I also found that wetting the tip of the outer sheath just a little helped me "shape" it into a point to feed into the screw.Once attached to the needle, the splicing itself went pretty quickly, and having a thinner needle definitely eased the process.I would not recommend these if you're just need a needle to make 550 bracelets or whatnot, because "threading" the needle is a huge pain for something like that, and the narrowness doesn't help much. But if you want to Manny splice two cords together, this works great.My only gripe, since these are specifically advertised for 550 Manny Method, is that it would be fantastic if the manufacturer included some tips or instructions on how to thread the thicker 550 cord into such a narrow opening.

I have tried all sorts of ways to join cord using the Manny Method. Believe me, unless you have the right tool, it's practically impossible and a great, frustrating struggle usually ensues. This really is a buzz kill when it comes to the excitement of trying a new knotting techniques. This little tool is the only thing I've found that works, works well, and works every time. It's been a relief to find and a joy to use. Don't hesitate. Do yourself the favor. Get yourself one NOW. Hell, get a spare, too. You won't regret it.

After trying the manny method with my standard size fids, I realized I needed the smaller ones. Got these and I can connect paracord like a pro (but I sometimes just melt them together if the small lump doesn't matter). To insert paracord, just melt the end and shape into a point so it inserts easily.Before joining 2 pieces of paracord, I slightly melting the paracord ends first by inserting the tip of a larger fid into the paracord end and melting it around the fid to create a "straw". This works well to keep ends from fraying before joining them. The type II fid is the smaller diameter one on the left, compared to standard size that pops up in Amazon when you search.

Way better than aluminum! Super strong.

worked excellent