DIY Marlin Spike

**Widerstand** · 02-23-2010, 20:42

Forgive me mods if there is already a DIY marlin spike thread.

So I have been using some bits of Oak for branch for my marlin spikes. I have been looking at 7-11's for those slurpee straws but I couldn't seem to find them anywhere.

Today I was at REI digging in there metal recycling bins looking for things that are neat and I found a Easton tent stake with with a loose head on it so I took it thinking it would make the perfect marlin spikes for my hammock setup. This is what I did.

(You will need a Sharpe, ruler, Easton tent stake, hack saw, and a file.)

(Measure out two 3" sections and cut them out)

(File the edges smooth)

**WarmSoda** · 02-24-2010, 03:37

I like it, very pretty toggles.

I wonder what other metal tubes would make good toggles that aren't as expensive as good stakes???

**russmay** · 02-24-2010, 07:34

thats a great idea. got to love the diy crowd.

**Mrprez** · 02-24-2010, 07:39

I was in Academy Sports and was eying their cheap aluminum arrows. You could get quite a few spikes out of one arrow. I was looking at the $5.99 ones....

**Trout** · 02-24-2010, 07:40

Thanks for tutorial. Nice job of DIY toggles.

**stoikurt** · 02-24-2010, 08:07

Hollow metal knitting needles make good marlin spikes. You can cut them easily with a tubing cutter. You will also have a larger selection of diameters (and colors) to choose from.

**Widerstand** · 02-24-2010, 08:24

Originally Posted by WarmSoda

I like it, very pretty toggles.

I wonder what other metal tubes would make good toggles that aren't as expensive as good stakes???

I found that same Easton stake on the REI site for $2.50, so that's $1.25 a toggle.

Originally Posted by russmay

thats a great idea. got to love the diy crowd.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Mrprez

I was in Academy Sports and was eying their cheap aluminum arrows. You could get quite a few spikes out of one arrow. I was looking at the $5.99 ones....

That's a pretty good idea! I would like to hear if you give it a shot.

Originally Posted by TroutEhCuss

Thanks for tutorial. Nice job of DIY toggles.

Thanks, already setup and hung with them and they work fine.

Originally Posted by stoikurt

Hollow metal knitting needles make good marlin spikes. You can cut them easily with a tubing cutter. You will also have a larger selection of diameters (and colors) to choose from.

I like the idea of having a lot of colors, thanks for the tip on the knitting needles.

**KerMegan** · 02-24-2010, 08:27

do not take them from a knitting basket...go buy some at local hobby/craft store.
(this public service announcement has been brought to you
by the Married Knitters Association of America. the marriage you save could be your own...)
KM

**Trout** · 02-24-2010, 08:42

I'm thinking about just using a spare whole tent peg - mine are painted (metallic red) gutter nails. Gutter nails are super light.

**oldgringo** · 02-24-2010, 08:53

Originally Posted by TroutEhCuss

I'm thinking about just using a spare whole tent peg - mine are painted (metallic red) gutter nails. Gutter nails are super light.

Gutter spikes are ring shank nails...they resist removal, by design. If you can unload the spike, it will work just fine. Otherwise, I'd look for something smooooth.