[3] However, splicing usually results in a thickening of the line and, if subsequently removed, leaves a distortion of the rope.
A fid is a hand tool made from wood, plastic, or bone and is used in the process of working with rope.
Styles of fid designs include:[10] A marlinspike is a tool, usually made of steel and often part 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 (76 mm) to 5 feet (1.5 m) long, with a round or flattened point.
Also a Softfid is a great tool when dealing with tightly braided ropes.