D-Ring, or not D-Ring

**Shotgunred** · 07-30-2011, 21:00

I am about to take a stab at making a sil tarp. I was trying to decide if I wanted to use d-rings or just loops. There is a small weight advantage not having rings I know,but I thought there may be some advantages to having them that I am not aware of. Any help or insight will be greatly appreciated.

**MAD777** · 07-30-2011, 22:21

I don't put D-rings on mine but, I am also careful when setting up such that I don't "saw" the loop with my guyline. I just use 1/2" grosgrain from Arrowhead or OWFINC (not Joanns or Walmart).

**Chicky** · 07-30-2011, 22:23

I guess if your going for SUL, d-rings would be extra. But I like the pro look and the durability of the d-ring over a loop. My personal preference.

chicky

**hippofeet** · 07-30-2011, 22:39

I switched from loops to d-rings after a few heavy winds and using whatever I had on hand (small string, fishing line ) without shock cords. I never cut a loop, but they looked bad.

**Skeetrock** · 07-31-2011, 01:31

Tonight i took 12 5" sections of paracord. On each 5"section i melted the ends together to make a nice strong loop. No knots! I just melted the ends with my zippo and stuck em together. They may not hold 550 lbs, but i promise they wont break while keeping your tarp nice and tight. I'm not familiar with D-rings (couldn't find plastic ones so I used paracord), but I would imagine they're lighter. Also (fyi), the 5" sections made right at 2.5" loops.

**utilisateur** · 07-31-2011, 06:56

You could tie in a rel. small shockcord loop and eventually a tubular fabric sleeve around it Either to save the shockcord but some rubbing between the sleeved loop and the tarp-tieout can still occur, or if the sleeve is open forming a U with the closed part at the tarp and you tie the tieout line directly to the shockcord the loop could just slide in the fabric sleeve prevent most of the abrasion on your tarps' tieouts

If you actually attach your tie-out line with a fixed loop instead of larksheading it, the fabric sleeve idea could work without the shockcord aswell, though on SilNylon you'll want some way to retension it in the rain anyway...

Although i suspect if you larkshead your tie outs their shouldnt be much movement/abrasion !

**Shotgunred** · 07-31-2011, 09:13

Tanks for the input folks. I will have shock cord larks-headed around tie outs so I wasn't too concerned about abrasion or cut through, although grosgrain pinched tight in larks head in windy conditions may not be best. I believe I will go with the D-rings for the better look and hopefully durability. Has anyone ever had any wear issues with D-rings on Grosgrain? I assume it would be minimal if any.

**Dutch** · 07-31-2011, 09:35

Hey I like d-rings for the ridge line. I had some cut out of titanium. These are not bent into a D shape they are cut from a sheet of titanium. If you like I will send you a pair of "Dutch rings" for your ridgeline. They are from my personal stash of DIY stuff and can't be bought anywhere. They weigh .2 grams and are really really strong. If interested pm me your address.

**Acer** · 07-31-2011, 09:52

I like the "D" rings,,just in case I car camp and hang the tarp using adjustable telescopic aluminum poles I have. They take the wear off the loops period. And,,if you take care of your gear,,and at some time in the future,,you break a D ring,,then you have the loops to fall back on extending the life of the tarp with no repairs..even if the D rings break,,you can fall back on super small beiners to place back in the loop. just my 2 cents.