the final word on self tensioners...

**dandeman** · 02-07-2011, 17:14

ok so i am looking to make some self tensioning guy lines, and i know that tests and results have been made for the different types. Ideally i would make one the same design as opie's, but i hear that some tubing doesnt work in the cold...which is a problem for me. basically i was wondering if someone could run through the different types of tensioners, and what their limitations are.
Thanks,
Dan

**Tendertoe** · 02-07-2011, 17:18

I made the ones in the third post here. Extremely easy to make and work like a charm.

Maybe someone else will chime in on this one, but, to my knowledge, anything stretchy will have issues in the cold.

The ones above are no exception so I use the non-tensioning side in the cold.

**optimator** · 02-08-2011, 23:31

Originally Posted by Tendertoe

I made the ones in the third post here. Extremely easy to make and work like a charm.

Maybe someone else will chime in on this one, but, to my knowledge, anything stretchy will have issues in the cold.

The ones above are no exception so I use the non-tensioning side in the cold.

Mine are the same as the ones in the original post of the above thread. The only thing I don't like about Shane's style is if something happens to that piece of shockcord, that corner of the tarp is left flapping in the wind..

**Hawk-eye** · 02-09-2011, 05:14

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.

**Roundtrip** · 02-09-2011, 17:54

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

**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...

**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...

**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