I bought a couple of the 2" long sized posts($1.08ea) and the 1"
extensions($.80ea), in case a longer lacing needle is needed. It's a
little bit larger in diameter than the Jumbo Perma-Lok lacing needle that I usually
use with paracord, but still a good size for working on Turk's head knots, weaving/woven paracord projects, and such... 
The posts already have internal screw threads, compared with the DIY lacing needle projects requiring you to drill/tap your own threads or do without. The threads allow the needles to grip and hold onto paracord as you work, so to modify the posts you just have to remove the top section of the post and grind/sand it down to a shaped point for use.
I used tin snips to clip off the flat top section(hacksaw also works), a bastard file to take off the sharp edges, and then used my Dremel tool with stone disk and sanding drum attachments to shape the tip.I smoothed out most of the rough edges with a diamond file, but using a fine grit sandpaper would probably get it polished up smooth if desired. You don't want to leave any rough spots to catch and snag on your paracord when working with the needles.
Did some googling and found an instructable for making these too. More info and links in the Comments section of this blog post... ;)
turned brass ones at Lee Valley as well!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?p=40051&cat=3,41306,41311
rock on & keep up the good work
I made mine to. I used an aluminum Doyle knitting needle from Walmart then cut it to length. Drilled a hole threw then end then threaded it with a screw. It works great. Here is the link I used to build it. http://uniqueropecraft.blogspot.com/2012/03/diy-paracord-lacing-needle.html?m=1
ReplyDeletei made a video of how to make these:
ReplyDeletehttp://youtu.be/yID0dQ3BKSM
they work great! love your videos. they have helped me start a new hobby.
I followed the tut about 3 weeks ago, and then used a file to flatten the tip (filing two sides toward each other). It works great, and way cheaper than Tandy, since there's no store near my house. The next set I make I'll use my Dremel, since I don't have a grinder, and using a hand file took a while.
ReplyDeleteWhere are these located in Lowes? Near the screw / nails and such?
ReplyDeleteI make my version of the paracord lacing needle by chucking the Chicago screw into a drill press (you could also use a hand drill secured in a vise–or a lathe) and shaping the point with a file, then polishing it using fine sand paper. Takes about two minutes per needle and produces a very consistent point.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous, They were located in the hardware aisle with the screws/nuts/bolts, in a section of pull out drawers.
ReplyDeleteThe first Lowe's associate didn't know what I was asking for, but the second went straight to the drawer where they were located, for 'threaded aluminum posts'.
I made my fid from 1/8" brass brazing rod. I have to trim the cord down and shape to a point to thread it in the end, but the smaller rod makes it much easier to work into my paracord knots.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, I have placed some unique information on my Tied In Knotz website, about how to size a bracelet to a given wrist measurement. I've not seen this info anywhere else on the internet, and thought maybe you would be interested in placing it in a blog post on your site. It is located at: http://www.tiedinknotz.com/the-secret-to-making-a-properly-sized-paracord-bracelet/
I took your write up and did one of my own due to the inspiration.
ReplyDeletehttp://floridahillbilly.com/?p=1602
Thanks for what you do...
db
Made mine by simply chucking it in a cordless drill and spinning it while shaping the tip with a file. Would be faster to pre-shape with a bench grinder but using the tools at hand it only took a few minutes and turned out great.
ReplyDeleteKilted1
enjoyed the monkey's fist tutorial video on youtube. Suggest maybe you add a comment though that weights inside the knot make the monkey fist dangerous when thrown.
ReplyDeleteI did not have the tools to shape mine however I also do a lot of work with miniature models so I had some 2 part epoxy putty lying around and used it to shape a needle tip once i cut the screw part off
ReplyDeleteI used some old brass gun cleaning rods. I cut them to length, put it in a drill, and shaped it on a grinder. Works great. Perfect size for 550 cord that has been melted.
ReplyDeleteParachute riggers have been using fids for a long time. Most any skydiving outfitter should have these available. Para Gear in Skokie, IL for example has a set of 3 stainless steel fids (diameters 2.25mm, 3.5mm, and 4.5mm) all 3 are 3-1/2 inches long.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.paragear.com/templates/parachutes.asp?group=29&level=1
I am going to have to try this. I just bought the jumbo permalock needle on amazon and they shipped the wrong one. I made sure I was ordering the correct one too by reading the comments. Luckily the smaller one for amazon will work with the nite-ize reflective cord I have.
ReplyDeleteI'm going try this with some Chicago binding posts from McMaster-Carr, specifically 4" long stainless steel ones.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mcmaster.com/#chicago-screws/=l19jdx
By the way, I cannot express how much I love McMaster-Carr for stuff like this this. If only they sold decent cord.
Thanks for posting this idea...
Do you use lacing needles when your tying with 1.4 mm cord? If so, where did you get them?
ReplyDelete@Matthew, I use the small sized Perma-Lok lacing needles(#1193-01) with 1.4mm and 0.9mm cord. Some Hobby Lobby stores carry them and they can be found online on ebay, Amazon.com, etc... ;)
ReplyDeleteStorm...how would you remove old 1.4mm thread that broke off in the 1193-1 needle? I am having one he'll of a time...can't push it in and cannot get the damn thing out either. :-( please email me at AllentownBlogger@aol.com if you have any suggestions
ReplyDeleteHey storm, if I may, where do you get your micro/small diameter (1.4 mm) cord?
ReplyDelete@Moose, I've bought 1.4mm cord from a few different sources, including ebay(mowfugger), fixmyblinds.com, & RW Rope. Other sources are GPJ Rope and Nibrol.com. You'll find most of those in my blog's links list, down the left side of the blog. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, I've done searches on the web but haven't had much success. Again thank you and keep tying.
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