Tarp lines

[john30563]

I know this is here somewhere, but who here that is a member/supplier has the nest tarp lines out there? I have a 8x10 wth 3 tie outs down each side and the tie outs on each end of the rigdeline, for a total of 8. Thanks guys!

[angrysparrow]

I know this is here somewhere, but who here that is a member/supplier has the nest tarp lines out there? I have a 8x10 wth 3 tie outs down each side and the tie outs on each end of the rigdeline, for a total of 8. Thanks guys!

Speer No-Tangle (http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/Supplies.htm) (scroll down)

It's the best for the weight. He sells it in 100ft lengths.

[east_stingray]

Brandon sells some yellow dyneema which is pretty good too. I don't have the Speer stuff, so I can't really tell you how it compares, but I've been happy with it.

[animalcontrol]

braided mason line available at any big box hardwear store...approx $3 for 300' is what I use.
And fun colors to choose from!

[DuctTape]

I use 1.8mm spyderline I get from Westmarine. approx $20 for 100'. Has good breaking strength too, so it can be used for other things.

[Peter_pan]

JRB Self Tensioning Lines (STL) also come in 8 packs of two ridge lines and 6 STLs... Scroll down here... http://www.jacksrbetter.com/STLs.htm.

Pan

[ricegravy]

braided mason line available at any big box hardwear store...approx $3 for 300' is what I use.
And fun colors to choose from!

Man you ain't lyin'!

http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/071514/071514027616md.jpg (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=66490-258-071514027616&lpage=none)

[KerMegan]

Man you ain't lyin'!

http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/071514/071514027616md.jpg (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=66490-258-071514027616&lpage=none)

yes! that is what I got- on the theory that the "guys" would not run off with my gear if it all had pink lines tied to it! (had to really search to find the braided cord- mostly the twisted stuff was on the shelf.)


got some pink 4mm cord for the ridgeline too!:lol:
KM

[BlackGoat]

I just noticed that Paul from Arrowhead is offering guy line kits. One already setup for the ridge line and 50ft sections for the actual guy lines. The pictures he has on the site, make it look a lot like the Mason line, however, I am sure the mason line won't hold 400lbs as he says his line will.

http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/apps/webstore/products/show/994223

http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/apps/webstore/products/show/994110

[john30563]

I have mason lines now. They tangle up something horrible, and aren't very strong AT ALL!!

[john30563]

BTW I picked up the Zing It from Redden this morning. Paul's line looks like zing it to me. May not be though. Zing it is 1.75MM.

[beep]

I've switched my tarp lines completely to the Speer no-tangle lines. Bright orange for visibility, stiff enough to avoid most tangles, and stronger than mason's twine.

[ricegravy]

I love a tout-line hitch, but it doesn't seem to work well with mason line. Any other suggestions? I want to use it for tarp guy-lines and I want it to be adjustable like my Ed Speere no tangle in a taut-line hitch, but with mason line.


-Ricegravy

[pgibson]

I love a tout-line hitch, but it doesn't seem to work well with mason line. Any other suggestions? I want to use it for tarp guy-lines and I want it to be adjustable like my Ed Speere no tangle in a taut-line hitch, but with mason line.


-Ricegravy

The line I have has a feel like a heavy mason line, but yes way stronger. It will hold a knot very well, taunt line hitch, prussic, you name it. It is not as bad as mason line for tangles but not as stiff as the line Ed has. Kind of a compromise in between. :cool:

Paul

[ricegravy]

Well I guess I am trying to see how I can put this mason line to use. It sells at Harbor Freight for $1.00 per 100ft (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97284), while your line is $30 per 100ft (http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/apps/webstore/products/show/994110).
I know that your line is much stronger and looks like it would tangle much less. :D:D:D

For those who use Braided mason line, How do you use it? What type of knots work with it is what I am curious about.

-Ricegravy.

[animalcontrol]

Well I guess I am trying to see how I can put this mason line to use. It sells at Harbor Freight for $1.00 per 100ft (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97284), while your line is $30 per 100ft (http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/apps/webstore/products/show/994110).
I know that your line is much stronger and looks like it would tangle much less. :D:D:D

For those who use Braided mason line, How do you use it? What type of knots work with it is what I am curious about.

-Ricegravy.
I use a bowline (as a larks head) to attach to the tarp and another bowline (for a permanent loop) on the other end.
If I need adjustibility, I would use a marlin spike hitch with your stake as the spike...it won't slide but sure is easy to tie and re-tie if you need to re-tension your tarp. (think whoopie sling here)
As far as strength, I had a plastic D ring on the ridgeline fail (break) during a storm on my last trip...now, no mason line on the ridgeline but the mason line tie outs didn't break during the same storm! :thumbup:
30 to 1 cost? I'll keep my mason line. :cool:

[BlackGoat]

Well I guess I am trying to see how I can put this mason line to use. It sells at Harbor Freight for $1.00 per 100ft (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97284), while your line is $30 per 100ft (http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/apps/webstore/products/show/994110).
I know that your line is much stronger and looks like it would tangle much less. :D:D:D

For those who use Braided mason line, How do you use it? What type of knots work with it is what I am curious about.

-Ricegravy.

I have tried a number of knots with the braided mason line and don't really love any of them. I did use a taughtline hitch with 2-3 extra loops and found it worked well. In the end I stopped tying any knots with the mason line and actually just do a locking wrap on my stakes. This makes life really easy for me. To keep the mason line from tangling during storage, I wrap them around the grosgrain that holds the d-ring on my OES tarp. I have bought a large amount of glo-cord that I am going to switch over too, it is much stiffer and is stronger.

dg

[pgibson]

Well I guess I am trying to see how I can put this mason line to use. It sells at Harbor Freight for $1.00 per 100ft (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97284), while your line is $30 per 100ft (http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/apps/webstore/products/show/994110).
I know that your line is much stronger and looks like it would tangle much less. :D:D:D

For those who use Braided mason line, How do you use it? What type of knots work with it is what I am curious about.

-Ricegravy.

Understandable, before I put it up I did a lot of comparison shopping for other similar lines and I am beating most all of them on price and color choices (yes only 2 a the moment) but I am working on some other colors and this really fits in a different category than mason line due to its much higher tensile strength. And if need be my line can be used for other things like tying up a 100 pound great dane, or hanging a bear bag or things where you need some strength but would not want to carrie a heavy line. Mason line has is uses of corse and it is cheap, I have been looking at a source for it in stealth like colors (I may have found it in a spruce green) but some companies just do not reply to their emails. :( Different battles different weapons. Most mason line is nylon or at best a blend so in the rain it can stretch and leave your tarp needing to be re-tensioned, my line is a Dyneema and will not stretch no mater the amount of tension put on it, at least up to the break point.

Paul :)

[oldgringo]

The best knots for seine (mason) line are the ones it forms itself when stowed...they are like pitbulls on 'roids.:(

[koaloha05]

Enclosed are photos of the set up I use on the OES DeLuxe Spinn. Yellow guy lines are AirCore. Overkill for strength, but very light. Ridge tie out line are JRB. Both are relatively tangle free. Found out an advantage of white line locs over black last night. Able to set up under the full moon. The Locs were visible without the need of a lamp. Cold evening. MiniLoc made it quick and easy to set up with light gloves on. Gusty winds reaching +20mph.

1st photo is the line almost at max length, 3rd photo is almost at the shortest length. Didn't follow the directions that came with the locs. The fixed loop at the tied end allows wider range of line length.

[gargoyle]

I did the same as animal control with the bowline -larkshead, fed the eye of the loop thru my webbing loops on the tarp, then pulled the entire length thru the eye, with another bowline loop at the end. With six feet of cord on each tie out. I can use it at six feet, or slide both loops together for three feet, as terrain/trees dictates. If needed I can do the marlin spike on the stakes as well. Simple.

For tangles, I found a few minutes of time spent during takedown saves trying to untangle the birds nest later:cursing::mad:. My next tarp will have little hairties (elastic circles) sewn to the webbing tie-outs. Presently I make a nice wrap around my fingers and tuck it in the webbing loops. Then roll up the tarp.

I figured if the line is so strong that my tarp breaks (that would not be good)or webbing and stitches are ripping out, I would make the line the weak link. I carry a little extra cord with me anyways, I can just tie on some more. Mason line is cheap, defintely not heavy, and bright for clumsy people.:eek:
On the ridgeline I use paracord, in a different color than my outside tie-outs, makes set-up less confusing. I haven't noticed any excessive stretching, again it gives some, which I think is a good thing. My tarp stays tight on a weekend hang, without having to re-tie. String is cheap. Tarp is expensive.

[john30563]

Enclosed are photos of the set up I use on the OES DeLuxe Spinn. Yellow guy lines are AirCore. Overkill for strength, but very light. Ridge tie out line are JRB. Both are relatively tangle free. Found out an advantage of white line locs over black last night. Able to set up under the full moon. The Locs were visible without the need of a lamp. Cold evening. MiniLoc made it quick and easy to set up with light gloves on. Gusty winds reaching +20mph.

1st photo is the line almost at max length, 3rd photo is almost at the shortest length. Didn't follow the directions that came with the locs. The fixed loop at the tied end allows wider range of line length.

I like those line locs ,where do you get those?



My next tarp will have little hairties (elastic circles) sewn to the webbing tie-outs.


Hey, I like that idea. Couldn't you just larkslead the hair tie to the tarp and then bowline your twine or rope to the hair tie? I wonder about the strength, but that is a good idea to keep the tarp taut.

[ikemouser]

If you wanna see a neat way to run the tarp below your ridgeline, use only 1 small fig 9 as your only piece of hardware, keep water from running onto you from the tarp, check out my thread KNOT INFO. I use 2x sliding prussics, 1 permanent bowline, and a small fig 9. Credit Teedee

[ikemouser]

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=10115&highlight=knot+info

[Walking Dead]

I like those line locs ,where do you get those?


Hey, I like that idea. Couldn't you just larkslead the hair tie to the tarp and then bowline your twine or rope to the hair tie? I wonder about the strength, but that is a good idea to keep the tarp taut.

I bought the same line locs from ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/MLH-Black-Micro-Guy-Line-Guyline-Tent-Tensioners_W0QQitemZ250517208844QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a53fd3f0c
Warning: there are 6 to a pack so when you put in the quantity that's per 6 pack. How do I know, I bought 6 of what I thought was locs and got 6 packs of 6. If you PM me I'd be happy to send you a pack.

[animalcontrol]

I bought the same line locs from ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/MLH-Black-Micro-Guy-Line-Guyline-Tent-Tensioners_W0QQitemZ250517208844QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a53fd3f0c
Warning: there are 6 to a pack so when you put in the quantity that's per 6 pack. How do I know, I bought 6 of what I thought was locs and got 6 packs of 6. If you PM me I'd be happy to send you a pack.

Been there, done that too (different product!) :rolleyes::lol:

[KerMegan]

Ditto that, but it was a fabric purchase- the offer was buy one get one, so I ordered what I thought I'd get, and they went and doubled the length instead of halving the price...sigh. gotta read the fine print. KM

[john30563]

I bought the same line locs from ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/MLH-Black-Micro-Guy-Line-Guyline-Tent-Tensioners_W0QQitemZ250517208844QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a53fd3f0c
Warning: there are 6 to a pack so when you put in the quantity that's per 6 pack. How do I know, I bought 6 of what I thought was locs and got 6 packs of 6. If you PM me I'd be happy to send you a pack.

PM sent!!............

[Rat]

For those who use Braided mason line, How do you use it? What type of knots work with it is what I am curious about.

-Ricegravy.

I use a Slipped Buntline Hitch (http://www.animatedknots.com/buntlineboating/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com) to my trap loops and a Rolloing hitch (Taught Line Hitch) (http://www.animatedknots.com/rollinghitchboating/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com) for adjustability. It doesn't slip. I use the mason line from Home Depot that is braided not twisted, if your Taughtline Hitch is slipping either you are tying it wrong or you need to make another turn or two before finishing it off. Like I said, it holds fine for me.

To keep it from getting all tangled up I put a rubber band on the tarp loop with a Lark's Head Hitch (http://www.animatedknots.com/girth/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com), then I roll the mason line up and wrap the rubber band around it to keep it rolled up. I wrap the tarp line around my fingers in a figure eight pattern and it comes undone pretty easy.

I have thought about using shock cord instead of a rubber band and using the shock cord for my tensioners as well, but I haven't done it yet; just an idea so far.

[drewboy]

I just got a hammock hex tarp from Mountain Laurel Designs that includes built-in LineLocs on every tieout loop. What a fantastic idea. I'm replacing my ridgeline figure 9's with micro biners to attach the tarp line to the tree, and just tension the line right at the tarp. No worries now about where to position the figure 9's on the line. For the side tieouts I put a bowline loop on one end of the line to attach to the stake and again just tension it up right at the tarp. Nice and simple.

You can find a picture of what the MLD integrated tensioners look like here (picture down at lower left):

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=32&osCsid=bec3a2ba97abda3a6e86e767430e1042

A full review on the MLD cuben tarp to follow in another thread when I get it out in the field a few more times. Other nice features such as integrated hanging hooks along the ridgeline. Man, I sure love new gear!



I bought the same line locs from ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/MLH-Black-Micro-Guy-Line-Guyline-Tent-Tensioners_W0QQitemZ250517208844QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a53fd3f0c
Warning: there are 6 to a pack so when you put in the quantity that's per 6 pack. How do I know, I bought 6 of what I thought was locs and got 6 packs of 6. If you PM me I'd be happy to send you a pack.

[JerryW]

I just got a hammock hex tarp from Mountain Laurel Designs that includes built-in LineLocs on every tieout loop. What a fantastic idea.

FYI - Quest Outfitters (http://www.questoutfitters.com/plastic.htm#Acetal%20Fasteners) sells those separately. Scroll almost to the bottom of the page - "TENT GUY LINE ADJUSTER- Lineloc 3". 45 cents apiece.



Jerry

[drewboy]

Thanks for the useful link Jerry, and good to know. I have some other cuben and spinn tarps that I'm tempted to retrofit. I wish there was a way to attach those without undoing the grosgrain loops.


FYI - Quest Outfitters (http://www.questoutfitters.com/plastic.htm#Acetal%20Fasteners) sells those separately. Scroll almost to the bottom of the page - "TENT GUY LINE ADJUSTER- Lineloc 3". 45 cents apiece.



Jerry

[koaloha05]

I like those line locs ,where do you get those?


Hey, I like that idea. Couldn't you just larkslead the hair tie to the tarp and then bowline your twine or rope to the hair tie? I wonder about the strength, but that is a good idea to keep the tarp taut.

BackpackingLight.com and ultralightdesign.com are the only two sources I know of. bpl only has a kit with the AirCore lines. Bit expensive. ultralight sells a 6 pack for ~$4. UV and temp tolerant based on the manufacture web site. Last year the locs held in winds exceeding 30mphs. Cold temps have not made the plastic brittle. Supposedly good for line down to less than 1mm. Realistically for strong grip and easy release 1.5-2mm. I use the JRB tensioner on the SWT silnylon tarp. No need for tensioner on the OES Spinn. Fin posted a DIY O-ring tensioner made from some sort of plumbing gasket. Inexpensive, light, simple, easy to replace. Should work nice.

[john30563]

BackpackingLight.com and ultralightdesign.com are the only two sources I know of. bpl only has a kit with the AirCore lines. Bit expensive. ultralight sells a 6 pack for ~$4. UV and temp tolerant based on the manufacture web site. Last year the locs held in winds exceeding 30mphs. Cold temps have not made the plastic brittle. Supposedly good for line down to less than 1mm. Realistically for strong grip and easy release 1.5-2mm. I use the JRB tensioner on the SWT silnylon tarp. No need for tensioner on the OES Spinn. Fin posted a DIY O-ring tensioner made from some sort of plumbing gasket. Inexpensive, light, simple, easy to replace. Should work nice.

I just had a brain fart here. Thinking of the hair ties mentioned earlier and then the orings mentioned here. Why not larks head an automotive oring similar to this (http://aaelasting.com/catalog/images/orin/oring.jpg) to your tie outs, and tie off your lines to the open end of it. The rubber in the oring SHOULD keep the tension on the tarp.

[animalcontrol]

I just had a brain fart here. Thinking of the hair ties mentioned earlier and then the orings mentioned here. Why not larks head an automotive oring similar to this (http://aaelasting.com/catalog/images/orin/oring.jpg) to your tie outs, and tie off your lines to the open end of it. The rubber in the oring SHOULD keep the tension on the tarp.
great idea John..
similar idea here (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7801) using a plumbing O ring...works very well too

[john30563]

great idea John..
similar idea here (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7801) using a plumbing O ring...works very well too

Yes, exactly.

[E.A.Y.]

Well, since you've found the answer (Speer) to your original question, and it seems folks are chiming in on their own favorite line - here's mine!

I buy a mini-spool of Marlow 1/12" line (http://www.apsltd.com/p-22546-mini-spool-2mm-112.aspx) from Annapolis every time I buy more Amsteel line from them.
I don't know if it is the best price/foot but I like it a lot. I am the queen of tangling lines and I've never had a problem with it.

[john30563]

Well, since you've found the answer (Speer) to your original question, and it seems folks are chiming in on their own favorite line - here's mine!

I buy a mini-spool of Marlow 1/12" line (http://www.apsltd.com/p-22546-mini-spool-2mm-112.aspx) from Annapolis every time I buy more Amsteel line from them.
I don't know if it is the best price/foot but I like it a lot. I am the queen of tangling lines and I've never had a problem with it.

Why do you pay their outrageous shipping??

[E.A.Y.]

Why do you pay their outrageous shipping??

At the time I first bought Amsteel from them, their price was lower (even with the shipping) than other vendors.
I've just picked up a spool of Zing-it with my current order of Amsteel from Redden Marine. So I'll see how that works out.

[TeeDee]

I just had a brain fart here. Thinking of the hair ties mentioned earlier and then the orings mentioned here. Why not larks head an automotive oring similar to this (http://aaelasting.com/catalog/images/orin/oring.jpg) to your tie outs, and tie off your lines to the open end of it. The rubber in the oring SHOULD keep the tension on the tarp.


great idea John..
similar idea here (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7801) using a plumbing O ring...works very well too

Has anybody used the O-rings in freezing or sub-freezing conditions?

I wonder about the effect on the material used. Some are rubber, but I remember when I used them in the lab, the O-rings I used were not rubber.

If rubber, I know that rubber doesn't hold up to well under UV light. It tends to weaken and fall apart. What I don't know is how long that takes. If it takes less than a season of hiking/camping then always check for degradation. Of course the O-rings are easy and inexpensive to replace.

If the O-rings aren't rubber then the effect of the UV is probably an unknown.

That's the main reason I stay with the polyester covered shock cord, the polyester cover protects from UV and shock cord has been used in freezing and sub-freezing conditions for a long time in other applications that groundlings are familiar with.

[slowhike]

Good points Tee Dee. I've been using the same shock cord "line tensioners" on my tarp for several years now.
The O-rings are not a bad idea at all... just may need some real world testing.