Does repairing a tarp make it weaker?

**Krow Hop** · 01-23-2016, 00:26

The plastic triangle ring on my ridge line broke while I was tightening down a CF tarp in cold weather. I have the option to send it back to Hammock Gear to get it repaired.

I'm wondering if the loop on the tarp itself that holds the triangle ring gets un-sewn and re-sewn, will it somehow make that area of the tarp weaker under load? Has anyone had a similar experience? Should I get another plastic triangle ring, try a different method or just tie a knot to the loop?

Just wanted to check out some opinions before I sent the tarp in on Monday. I guess I'm worried that if there is something too strong attached to the loop, the tarp may rip instead of a plastic ring failing.

Thanks!

**kev138** · 01-23-2016, 01:00

I'm just guessing here but, given the top rate reputation that hammock gear products have they would not make a repair that would be bad for the tarp. If it were me i would have the triangle replaced. Sounds like it did what it was suposed to do. The triangle gave out before damage occurred to the tarp. From what I've read that is the purpose of the tie out points, they give before the tarp does. Easier and cheaper to replace.

But that's just my 2cents worth. I don't have any experience personally with it. Hopefully one of the big guns will weigh in and know more.

**OutandBack** · 01-23-2016, 01:00

IMO those little plastic pieces are fuses from an over tightened condition. You could just replace the plastic with a small split ring like warbonnet superfly uses. Anything that is weaker than the tarp would work.
Good Luck. Colorado trees in the winter winds can act pretty weird moving in opposite directions and can put some very strong forces on your tarps RL.

**Dcolon13** · 01-23-2016, 07:34

This just happened to mine as well; glad to know it was designed to do that.

**Redoleary** · 01-23-2016, 08:44

I'm curious if it broke as a function of the cold or a function of the load. If cold was the critical factor and you typically camp in very cold weather then another option may be more desirable. As far as you original question, I do not believe the repair would weaken the tarp overall.

**TominMN** · 01-23-2016, 13:00

I'd go with the split ring. It will become the "fuse" and is always a DIY repair. A well-known tarp maker that I know will not put plastic stuff on the sewn loops, but I think having the split ring there is a great idea.

**WrenchBender** · 01-23-2016, 13:42

If your concerned with HG re-sewing the tab for a new plastic triangle or you have reservations about DIYing a split ring onto it why couldn't you use a split ring to attach a new triangle? Which ever is the weakest with give out if needed. Knowing HG and their customer service they may send you a replacement triangle piece free of charge, if you ask nicely!

WV · 01-23-2016, 18:05

I'm not wild about the idea of a"fuse". If anything breaks in a storm you risk getting cold and wet. I'd replace the broken plastic ring (and also the others) with soft shackles. HYOH.

**Redoleary** · 01-23-2016, 18:35

Also not one for fuses, but I made the tie outs on my wife's tarp with replaceable zing-it loops if by some series of unfortunate events that loop became worn or broken I could replace it quite easily. I'm sure you could splice in a loop onto the webbing that is on your tarp.

**Monkeyboy42** · 01-23-2016, 19:25

I replaced my triangles on my diy tarp after they deformed, and made zing-it soft shackles that prussik onto the tie outs. It's easily adjustable even without a CRL. I'm a big fan, and will see no need to go back to a hardware option.