Grip Clips

[SkyPainter]

Anyone use Grip Clips to add guy points to the tarp or hammock? I am thinking of putting a couple around the shoulder area of my HH Exp in addition to the stock guy points on the hammock.

Also might install a couple on each side of the tarp about 1/3 of the way from the distal end. In rain, I believe I could guy out from those, have the last 3rd drop straight down to the ground to shed rain and provide better wind coverage.

This is becoming an illness REAL fast! LOL!

Only a hobby...only a hobby ...only a hobby...only a hobby ......

[Cannibal]

A staple item in any gearhead's arsenal. They work great for adding a little room under a tarp. I used them on my original SuperFly that didn't have side pull-outs; worked like a dream. Put a balloon between the clip and your tarp lest you have a scared tarp. Learn from my errors.

[krugd]

Yes. I haven't done this myself, but have seen others do it. It can make a big difference in the amount of room under your tarp. I think people may have been using shock cord on the tie outs. I'm sure someone with more experience will chime in, but it does work.

Edit: Looks like the people eater was faster than I.

[SkyPainter]

A staple item in any gearhead's arsenal. They work great for adding a little room under a tarp. I used them on my original SuperFly that didn't have side pull-outs; worked like a dream. Put a balloon between the clip and your tarp lest you have a scared tarp. Learn from my errors.

===> Thanks. What do you mean about the balloon? Why should the plastic clip (I have 20 of the large white ones) mar the fabric? What happened?

[Cannibal]

Well, unless you run your line parallel with the ground (not always possible), the force of the line will cause the clip to 'walk down' the tarp. Sil is wicked slippery, so there isn't much resistance. There is enough, however, to cause the clip to leave evidence of its passage. The balloon acts as a buffer and stops the slippage (greatly reduces) and eliminates any scaring. My tarp isn't really 'damaged', it just has more character now.

[JayS]

Well, unless you run your line parallel with the ground (not always possible), the force of the line will cause the clip to 'walk down' the tarp. Sil is wicked slippery, so there isn't much resistance. There is enough, however, to cause the clip to leave evidence of its passage. The balloon acts as a buffer and stops the slippage (greatly reduces) and eliminates any scaring. My tarp isn't really 'damaged', it just has more character now.

I agree with Cannibal. My Speer Winter Tarp has evidence... errr, "character", too. But all in all, a good idea to keep a couple of grip clips handy.

[HappyCamper]

Like my grip clips. Just bought 2 more recently.

[RootCause]

I used Grip Clips at my tarp ridgeline until I finished sewing the tieout points. Worked like a charm- they held very well under strong tension. (I used one clip on each end, tied out to the tree.)

I haven't tried using them in the middle of the tarp yet..... but after reading this thread, now I will!

[SkyPainter]

Well, unless you run your line parallel with the ground (not always possible), the force of the line will cause the clip to 'walk down' the tarp. Sil is wicked slippery, so there isn't much resistance. There is enough, however, to cause the clip to leave evidence of its passage. The balloon acts as a buffer and stops the slippage (greatly reduces) and eliminates any scaring. My tarp isn't really 'damaged', it just has more character now.

====> OOOOhhhhhh! I get it! D'Oh! Okay, then. Deal. Get a few balloons and cut 'em up as buffer inserts. Makes sense now! Thanks again! Maybe I will tie one 'buffer' to each clip and leave them there until I need them.

[Cannibal]

Maybe I will tie one 'buffer' to each clip and leave them there until I need them.

That's pretty much what I do. However, I ran out of room in my former gear room since it was only 14' x 16'. While moving into the new gear room I was repacking some of my stuff and noticed the balloons on my Grip Clips had dry-rotted. Makes sense, they've been on there since 08'. So, if you decide on permanent storage like that, just be sure to give them a quick visual before departing on any grand adventures.