the final word on self tensioners...

**Tendertoe** · 02-09-2011, 18:08

Originally Posted by Roundtrip

Disclaimer: I'm a noob to this

Take a loop of shock cord and larkshead it to the tarp. Take a piece of guyline and larkshead it to the shock cord. Tie other end of guyline to stake.

Simple. light, no extra parts. Good idea? Bad idea?

-jeff

Not a problem at all. The only issue with it is there is no "fail safe". With most/all of the above mentioned methods, if the shock cord breaks, the guyline will engage and keep your tarp from flinging all around.

**Agfadoc** · 03-04-2011, 15:03

Originally Posted by Hawk-eye

Well, final word on Tarp Tensioners for me .... I've switched to this method exclusively. Quick, easy no brainer type solution that uses the Nite Ize Knot Bone. Besides the Knot Bone is a neat little gadget with a heck of a lot of uses.

Hawk-eye.. What an awesome device. I was looking around and found the Youtube and saw it was you which was all I needed.

These things are amazing.. I can't stop messing around with them. They have so many uses and I have their other tarp ties, but was always afraid it would poke the tarp. These things are so versatle I can't say enough about them.

Anyone have a source for 1/8" stretch cordage.. I can only find 1000' rolls..

**DiscoveryDiver** · 03-04-2011, 15:08

Originally Posted by Agfadoc

Anyone have a source for 1/8" stretch cordage.. I can only find 1000' rolls..

I always get mine off Ebay in 50 or 100 foot lengths...

**rjcress** · 03-04-2011, 16:10

Originally Posted by Tendertoe

Not a problem at all. The only issue with it is there is no "fail safe". With most/all of the above mentioned methods, if the shock cord breaks, the guyline will engage and keep your tarp from flinging all around.

That might be a good thing:
-Anything strong enough to break the tensioner could also rip the tarp (whether it be wind, a person, a critter, etc.). I prefer to make sure that my tarp line is the "weak link" so that the line breaks before the tarp. I can replace a tie-out line in the field easier than fixing a tear in the tarp. I worry about the shock load that would be put on the tarp if the elastic broke and got things moving quickly, then the line got taught and brought it all to a halt in a hurry. Might rip the tarp, might pull up the stake and shoot it at the tarp... who knows.

**Rob3E** · 03-04-2011, 16:26

I was thinking of just using ball bungees at the tarp with figure 9 carabiners attached to line that goes to the stake.

Maybe those little ball bungees will prove unsuitable, or maybe people wouldn't find them lite enough. For my part, I plan on doing some bike touring/hammock camping, and extra bungees always come in handy on the bike, so they could pull double duty.

**JohnSawyer** · 03-04-2011, 16:45

Originally Posted by Agfadoc

Hawk-eye.. What an awesome device. I was looking around and found the Youtube and saw it was you which was all I needed.

These things are amazing.. I can't stop messing around with them. They have so many uses and I have their other tarp ties, but was always afraid it would poke the tarp. These things are so versatle I can't say enough about them.

Anyone have a source for 1/8" stretch cordage.. I can only find 1000' rolls..

Find a store that sells climbing rope. they often have it by the foot. AHE has it, too... Joann's has 3/16" by the yard CHEAP. I find that 3/6" looped works pretty good...

**Tendertoe** · 03-04-2011, 16:59

Originally Posted by rjcress

That might be a good thing:
-Anything strong enough to break the tensioner could also rip the tarp (whether it be wind, a person, a critter, etc.). I prefer to make sure that my tarp line is the "weak link" so that the line breaks before the tarp. I can replace a tie-out line in the field easier than fixing a tear in the tarp. I worry about the shock load that would be put on the tarp if the elastic broke and got things moving quickly, then the line got taught and brought it all to a halt in a hurry. Might rip the tarp, might pull up the stake and shoot it at the tarp... who knows.

Interesting way to look at it.

I was more so thinking along the lines of a tarp swinging wildly in the wind catching on any limb above or near it and the catastrophe that would ensue not to mention the down/synthetic soaking rains coming down on you while your tarp is flinging about.

I do wonder how much force would build up if the tensioner would break considering the 2-3 inch difference between the shockcord and the line.

I also wonder how often I'll see winds that are going to be strong enough to actually do this.

HYOH as always.

The person comment above does scare the heck outta me though. A much more real danger to me at least (I'm clumsy as heck).

**weaver2469** · 03-16-2011, 15:41

Originally Posted by Agfadoc

Hawk-eye.. What an awesome device. I was looking around and found the Youtube and saw it was you which was all I needed.

These things are amazing.. I can't stop messing around with them. They have so many uses and I have their other tarp ties, but was always afraid it would poke the tarp. These things are so versatle I can't say enough about them.

Anyone have a source for 1/8" stretch cordage.. I can only find 1000' rolls..

I think this is what you are looking for. I assume 1/8" will fit just fine in the knot bone? They also have knot bones at REI.

http://www.rei.com/product/603003

http://www.rei.com/product/603003