RL/Tarp line tensioner

**Redoleary** · 03-24-2011, 08:12

Got a chance to weigh it this morning at work and it weighs about 3.5 grams.
Also had a chance to do the "tie-off" wraps like Otter suggested, and that works better than the way I showed in the video. I'm gonna make another one with a mod or two and will test again tonight.

**Redoleary** · 03-24-2011, 08:15

Originally Posted by Mike_O

I like it. Have a cuben fiber tarp on order that I wanted to use 1.75mm but didn't like the way that the figure nines held. Thanks, I'll make some this weekend.

Thanks, be sure to show us some pix when you get it done.

Originally Posted by BlazeAway

The way to go. Excellent.

Thank you BlazeAway, its still a work in progress but I think its a good start.

**turtlelady** · 03-24-2011, 08:36

Looks like it will do the job. I would lose it in a heartbeat, though. I envision a small hole a the wing opposite the slot slide so that the cleat stays on the line but moves freely and is still able to accept your wrap pattern.

**RePete** · 03-24-2011, 08:53

Hmmmm im sure it would be a little more bulky but I wonder how well this would work in wood. I may have to try that. Cant wait to see what kinds of mods you have in mind Red. I may have to wait to try this until I see your improvements. By time the Hoosier Hang rolls around I will have the latest in high tech tarp tensioners. I love the simplicity of this tensioner and how part of its strength is in how you wrap aka attach it to your line.

**NickJ** · 03-24-2011, 09:08

That looks excellent Red. If it's ok with you I might have a go at making one or two using a similar design?

**Redoleary** · 03-24-2011, 10:36

Originally Posted by turtlelady

Looks like it will do the job. I would lose it in a heartbeat, though. I envision a small hole a the wing opposite the slot slide so that the cleat stays on the line but moves freely and is still able to accept your wrap pattern.

I'm gonna experiment tonight with a way to keep from loosing it, I kept mis-placing it while getting set up to make the video, so I know I'd loose it in the field.

Originally Posted by otter46544

Hmmmm im sure it would be a little more bulky but I wonder how well this would work in wood. I may have to try that. Cant wait to see what kinds of mods you have in mind Red. I may have to wait to try this until I see your improvements. By time the Hoosier Hang rolls around I will have the latest in high tech tarp tensioners. I love the simplicity of this tensioner and how part of its strength is in how you wrap aka attach it to your line.

I had considered making it out of some 1/4" plywood or something too, but I'm even worse at wood work than I am with metal!

Originally Posted by NickJ

That looks excellent Red. If it's ok with you I might have a go at making one or two using a similar design?

Yeah, tear it up man. I'd be interested to see what you come up with. I started this thread to share the idea with everyone and to see how it would evolve.

**NickJ** · 03-27-2011, 19:05

ok here we go. Round up the dimensions to whole figures. It's in CM despite the fact the diagram says M.

**Syb** · 03-27-2011, 19:23

And what are you guys using to cut this aluminum? I picked up a 48"x1.5"x1/8" piece of aluminum bar stock (thanks for the suggestion Dave41079) and now I want to play with this idea. Thanks.

**Mike_O** · 03-27-2011, 19:54

Originally Posted by Syb

And what are you guys using to cut this aluminum? I picked up a 48"x1.5"x1/8" piece of aluminum bar stock (thanks for the suggestion Dave41079) and now I want to play with this idea. Thanks.

Red said in his video that he "drilled" so I'm assuming a 1/2 drill bit for the center and 3/4 for the sides. Haven't had a chance to try them yet, maybe later this week.