Tarp Tie-outs

Hey again everyone!

Ive been working on a way to simplify the tie-outs for my tarp, and finally came up with this option...

I pushed a loop of the tie-out cord thru a cord lock.

I attached a small lanyard snap-hook to this loop.

I attached a very small (smaller than a dime) split ring (looks like a keychain ring) thru the hole in my Ti pegs.

I just snap the hook to the ring and adjust the tension on the cord lock.

Attached photo. It shows the cord lock real close to the snap hook... I dont normally have it this close, just for photo puroposes, so that some of the excess cord is taken up off the ground...

Does anyone use anything similar? What do you use? Any comments/modifications I can make to this set up? I did this looking for ease of set up/take down...
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...php?i=1940&c=3

Neat idea, but I can't imagine it being anywhere near strong enough.

I doubt the split ring or the snap hook holds 50lbs, and the cord lock probably more like 10-15 lbs.

I put more tension on my tarps just hanging them. If there's wind it can be way more. I've had wind on a tarp pull harder on a tie out than I can hold with a doubled line and the close to 2:1 mechanical advantage... Not sure how much that is but I suspect more like 70-100 lbs...

I just use a Midshipman's Hitch (Taught-line Hitch), and leave it tied all the time; just loop over peg and slide it tight, done.

I can't see using a gadget to replace a good knot. The gadget is usually heavier, easily lost, prone to failure, etc. IOW the gadget has to be an improvement overall for me to use it. Learn to tie a good knot and set yourself free from gadgets!

I like the pegs over the hook style... but found that unless I get a really steep angle when I drive it into the ground the cord slips the top... I dont want to waste time trying to thread the cord thru that tiny hole everyday... And Im not very talented when it comes to knots...

If you don't want to thread through the little hole tie a loop of line on there and thread through that. The loop can be as big or little as you want.

But a hitch like hogn8r suggests would be fine tied between the ridges of the top end of the stake. Then it wouldn't slip up or down too far.

Knots just take practice.