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  1. #1
    Senior Member darkbyrd's Avatar
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    How to use a tarp key?

    I recently bought a WB edge from a member here, and he included a ridgeline with a carabiner and a bloomgorge tarp key. I've watched bloomgorge's video several times, but I'm just missing something, I can't figure out how to use it (correctly). Can anyone help?
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  2. #2
    Senior Member OneThing's Avatar
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    It's Hard to Follow

    It's hard to follow. I have one, & once you learn how to use it, it's very simple. I had my video cam out today and was doing a video on my tarp doors and a Pole Mod. I could have done a quick one on the key of how I use it if I saw this earlier.

    I have mine on a prusik knot close to the D ring on the tarp. I pull my line around the tree and back to the key. I put it in the small hook and twist the line so that it will hold. I then come around the larger hook one time. I come around the line three times, and do a half hitch knot. It's not the way he does it, but it holds fast. I can do it his way as well, but to me, it takes longer.

    I hope that doesn't confuse you more. If no one comes up with a better way to describe it, I'll get out the video tomorrow and film it from a few angles.

  3. #3
    Senior Member
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    Is this the video?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...v=OxwFxg1kz2Q#!

    Probably you will need to copy and paste the link.

    The only "trick" I see is twisting a simple loop into the line. Pinch a piece of line between your fingers and rotate your hand. A loop will form in the line. The end under tension needs to cross over the end to be clamped when the loop is put over the hook.

    I hope this helps. If not your answer might help us figure out what to tell you. ;-)
    YMMV

    HYOH

    Free advice worth what you paid for it. ;-)

  4. #4
    Senior Member JaxHiker's Avatar
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    I've never felt the need to lock my tarp. I've seen a few shifty looking bears eyeing it before but I hide my valuables.
    JaxHiker aka Kudzu - WFA
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  5. #5
    Senior Member Les Rust's Avatar
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    I use the tarp key in pretty much the way OneThing was saying. I leave it loose on the line so that I can set it where I want. Then I wrap the line around the notches, take it round the tree, and then I pull it taut around the smaller hook, wrap it around through the larger hook, wrap it around both lines and tie off a half-hitch. It sounds like a lot, but it's actually very quick and easy.
    Les Rust
    "My goal is to live long enough to become a character."

  6. #6
    Senior Member OneThing's Avatar
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    Video Coming

    I just made a small video. Let me edit it real quick and get it up on YouBoob. I'll have it there by the end of the day.

  7. #7
    Senior Member OneThing's Avatar
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    Tarp Key Demo

    Okay, so here's a quick demo of how I use the Tarp Key. As noted before, I use it on 1.75mm Zing It, and use a Klemheist knot which is like a Prusik Knot. It allows me to slide the key up and down the line.

    Bloomgorge, has it set up where the line comes thru the hole at the bottom of the key. You would wrap it around the little notches and that would hold it in place. He also uses a different method to tie if off at the end. For me, I found the way I do it works for me. YMMV.

    So, here it is. If you have any questions, as always feel free to ask.

    Last edited by OneThing; 03-11-2013 at 20:29. Reason: Spelling

  8. #8
    Senior Member darkbyrd's Avatar
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    Thanks One Thing, that sure makes sense now. I've got some zing-it, and I could make a prussic and try that. Thanks for the video, and the tips!
    The mountains are calling
    and I must go...

    -John Muir

  9. #9
    Senior Member OneThing's Avatar
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    Try a Klemheist Knot

    Quote Originally Posted by darkbyrd View Post
    Thanks One Thing, that sure makes sense now. I've got some zing-it, and I could make a prussic and try that. Thanks for the video, and the tips!
    I like using the Klemheist Knot on Zing It. Since it's the same diameter, you need a good knot that's not going to slip. Usually with the Prussic, you would want different sizes of cord for it to work.


    When I use the Tarp Key, it takes 10 to 15 seconds, if that, to tie it off. The more you do it, it becomes like tying your shoes. You won't even think about it. I do like the design of Dutch's Tarp Fly better, as it makes it even faster and easier to tie off.

  10. #10
    Senior Member darkbyrd's Avatar
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    Klemheist knot, got it. Like Prussic's mean older brother. I'm not sure what line it is that came with my tarp, but it looks like poly drawcord (but isn't), maybe 1.5mm. I have 1.2 zing it. Good candidates for this Klemheist knot?
    The mountains are calling
    and I must go...

    -John Muir

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