I got my test tarp made except for the tie-outs. I was wondering how to make the tie-outs. I've noticed that some options are grosgrain, webbing and webbing with a "D" ring. Are there other options?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type? I assume weight is one consideration, but besides that, what makes one system better than another?
Grosgrain ribbon is probably the easiest and lightest, but adding D-rings adds a measure of abrasion resistance for not much weight penalty. I used flat shoelace to attach Linelocs to my tarp, and wouldn't recommend it. The Shoelace gets narrower when it's tensioned, and puts all the weight on one edge of the Lineloc slot. I haven't had any failures, but grosgrain ribbon's cheap. I highly recommend Linelocs, they're awesome, and in the off chance that they do break, you still have a loop of grosgrain to tie off of.
Hope that helps,
Acer
It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Formerly known as Acercanto, my trail name is MacGuyver to some, and Pucker Factor to others.
It's not procrastinating, its proactively delaying the implementation of the energy-intensive phase of the project until the enthusiasm factor is at its maximum effectiveness. - Randy Glasbergen
Acer's got it re: grosgrain and d-rings. Grosgrain is cheap and easy to work with, strong enough, and light weight.
--Scott <><
"I fish because I love to; because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful... because, in a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing things they hate, my fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion; because trout do not lie or cheat and cannot be bought or bribed or impressed by power, but respond only to quietude and humility and endless patience...." --Robert Traver
Aussie military hootchie tarps use a tape similar to grosgrain and without D-rings. I have never had a failure in over 20 years.
If it's of any use - here's what I'm currently using on Backwoods Daydreamer tarps, all sourced most easily from OWF:
200D Oxford Nylon, PU coated - for reinforcement patches
3/4" Nylon webbing - Flat Weave.
- 6" strip, folded in half w/D-ring for all outside edge tie-outs. Double box-stitched
- 7" strip, done same way - for ridgeline tie-outs. Double box stitched w/ three bar tacks
3/4" D-rings (I like how these look and function, and if they ever do break you still have a rugged webbing loop tie-out).
DIY Gear Supply - Your source for DIY outdoor gear.
Seems like grosgrain is lighter than webbing but it is strong enough. Can be used with or without "D" rings but the rings help with abrasion. Is that it?
That sounds about right.Originally Posted by SweetLou
One thing to keep in mind, however. Not all Gross Grain is the same. I wouldn't trust the gg from Walmart for my tie-outs. If you don't mind the shipping - the gg from OWF is very high quality.
That said - since you're doing this yourself, you'll be more than able to do repair work.
If you use the Wallmart gg, I recommend doubling it up, at least on the ridgeline tie-outs.
DIY Gear Supply - Your source for DIY outdoor gear.
I don't know about that.I'm kind of learning as I go. I am getting better though. My hammock and tarp are tests. First to see if I like this and second to see if I can sew.
Are the plastic "D" rings from OWF strong enough? Or should I get metal ones or find some other material, like nylon?
Anyone know if the plastic ones are strong enough for a tarp?
They can be broken.
That said, it was my fault...it was on a ridgeline, I was using a Figure Nine, and tried to stretch it too tight.
Dave
"Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self."~~~May Sarton
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