Fid (paracord lacing needle)

A fid is a special needle used for lacing paracord.  It comes in handy for complex knots like the monkey's fist or Turk's head knot.  The hollow threaded end screws on to the end of your paracord.  You can buy one of these, but its cheaper and more fun to make it yourself. 

You just need a 2" aluminum threaded binding post and 1" extension.  They are used for holding together albums and scrapbooks and other purposes.  You can find them in the specialty hardware section or in craft stores.  This should only set you back about a buck or two.

Fid with paracord attached.

2" threaded aluminum post.  Discard the small male piece.

1" extension.

Chuck the 2" post into your drill and grind the head off on a file.  Works better it you put the file in a vise.  Put a taper on the end to a dull point (like a knitting needle).

Wrap sandpaper around the tip to put a finer finish on it.

Screw on the extension and use the drill and sandpaper to smooth the junction between the 2 pieces.  I used a drop of thread locker on the threads, but that is optional.

Finished fid.  

You can select a special color or pattern of paracord and use it to replace the drawstrings on your camping gear.  This usually works best if you remove the white inner strands (guts) from the paracord.  A fid makes this much easier.  I have done this with all my gear and I can quickly differentiate my stuff from other people's.