Has anyone measured tarp tension?

**SlothandFox** · 03-09-2019, 12:07

Has anyone determined how many pounds per square inch of pressure are put onto tarp tensioners?

**cmoulder** · 03-09-2019, 13:14

Hmm... I don't know how one would measure PSI on a cord or a bit of hardware.

Fergzampl, 1.75mm Zing-it nominal cross-section (it's a bit smaller when stretched!) would be 2.4 sq mm, which is .0037 sq inches. So if there's a 50lb load on it, the PSI would be ~13,500.

I would make a WAG that in 'straight-up' pounds the typical ridge line has anywhere from 30-80 lbs of tension.

**TrailSlug** · 03-09-2019, 13:37

Originally Posted by SlothandFox

Has anyone determined how many pounds per square inch of pressure are put onto tarp tensioners?

Curious as to why you ask. I just pull my tarp taught.

**jeff-oh** · 03-09-2019, 13:45

Strictly speaking tension and stress are two different things. The typical tension in a tarp is on the order of only a few pounds force.

**SlothandFox** · 03-09-2019, 14:38

Originally Posted by cmoulder

Hmm... I don't know how one would measure PSI on a cord or a bit of hardware.

Fergzampl, 1.75mm Zing-it nominal cross-section (it's a bit smaller when stretched!) would be 2.4 sq mm, which is .0037 sq inches. So if there's a 50lb load on it, the PSI would be ~13,500.

I would make a WAG that in 'straight-up' pounds the typical ridge line has anywhere from 30-80 lbs of tension.

I know there are spring scales that could measure the force applied from the tarp pulling inward. I have an idea for a ul prussik hitch replacement but I don't want to underestimate the force.

**cmoulder** · 03-09-2019, 15:13

Originally Posted by SlothandFox

I know there are spring scales that could measure the force applied from the tarp pulling inward. I have an idea for a ul prussik hitch replacement but I don't want to underestimate the force.

I have one of these scales that could be put in the middle of a guy line or ridge line to test. Up to 44 lbs, which is actually quite a lot.