Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 15
  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Buffalo, NY
    Posts
    628
    Images
    21

    Straps or Grommets for Tarp?

    The seamstress has finsied sewing the seams for my 12 x 12 tarp. I had her sew 10" triangles in the corners on both sides of the tarp and 6" x 6" squares in the middle of each edge, again on both sides. So I feel certain that there will be enough material to support either grommets or sewen in loops. I'm leaning toward putting in grommets - only beacuse it is easier and cheaper. any suggestions?

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Belleville, ON
    Posts
    658
    Images
    26
    Don't do grommets... Sooner or later even the best grommet WILL fail/pull out... Straps are far more reliable and sturdy long term...

    Don't save a couple bucks and risk wasting the whole tarp. Use sewn webbing loops they distribute the force more effectively.
    ****************************
    So many projects, So little time....
    ****************************

  3. #3
    Senior Member Cannibal's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Denver, CO
    Hammock
    Warbonnet ON!
    Tarp
    SuperFly or MacCat
    Insulation
    Yetis & Mambas
    Suspension
    Webbing and rings
    Posts
    13,605
    Images
    136
    Do you have one of those special grommet presses? I have not had good luck with grommets, but I don't have the "proper" tools. Just a BFH (big f****** hammer).

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Buffalo, NY
    Posts
    628
    Images
    21
    Quote Originally Posted by Rapt View Post
    Don't do grommets... Sooner or later even the best grommet WILL fail/pull out... Straps are far more reliable and sturdy long term...

    Don't save a couple bucks and risk wasting the whole tarp. Use sewn webbing loops they distribute the force more effectively.
    thanks for the advice

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Belleville, ON
    Posts
    658
    Images
    26
    Even with a proper press they don't work as well as sewn.... Better, but still not great. Sooner or later they slip or the material stretches some and they start to come out. The only place I've not seen it happen is on HEAVY duty sails where there are MANY layers of no stretch fabrics all carefully sewn and joined (Like head/foot/clew.) These areas are VERY stiff and rigid so the grommet holds well. Your tarp isn't going to be like this.
    ****************************
    So many projects, So little time....
    ****************************

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Buffalo, NY
    Posts
    628
    Images
    21
    Quote Originally Posted by Cannibal View Post
    Do you have one of those special grommet presses? I have not had good luck with grommets, but I don't have the "proper" tools. Just a BFH (big f****** hammer).
    I just use the walmart grommet tool - a two piece grommet holder that you hit with a hammer

  7. #7
    Senior Member Cannibal's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Denver, CO
    Hammock
    Warbonnet ON!
    Tarp
    SuperFly or MacCat
    Insulation
    Yetis & Mambas
    Suspension
    Webbing and rings
    Posts
    13,605
    Images
    136
    That's what I've tried using. I never seem to get a flush set; probably operator error.

  8. #8
    Senior Member cavediver2's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Southern IL
    Hammock
    CLARK NX-200 / Clark NA /Warbonnet
    Tarp
    CLARK NX-200 TARP
    Insulation
    PAD and BAG
    Posts
    825
    Images
    33
    take 1" wide strap give a half a twist and then sew it on to your triangles you have in corner all tents seem to be made that way for steak outs and that way if instead you will have to find a groument that will have to be big enought to accomadate you treking polls. this way it would be sure to fit.

    JMHO and that is how I would do it when I go buy mine.

    I am trying to find a patteren or a way to make the cat cuts on the tarp now so that I will do it right not sure how to make the cuts and make them a clean nice smooth curve.

  9. #9
    slowhike's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Hammock
    DIY, gathered end , w/ spreader
    Tarp
    JRB Universal
    Insulation
    DAM/ HG Incubator
    Suspension
    Webbing and rings
    Posts
    11,677
    Images
    319
    i agree w/ rapt. you don't see grommets on any of the quality, light weight tarps offered as far as i know.
    a properly sewn loop of grosgrain or webbing will give you more security when the wind blows<g>.
    I too will something make and joy in it's making

  10. #10
    Senior Member kohburn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    389
    Quote Originally Posted by cavediver2 View Post
    I am trying to find a patteren or a way to make the cat cuts on the tarp now so that I will do it right not sure how to make the cuts and make them a clean nice smooth curve.
    something i threw together for ya

    and a website that shows it well

    http://www.mathopenref.com/constellipse1.html
    Attached Images Attached Images

  • + New Posts
  • Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

    Similar Threads

    1. Grommets into ripstop??
      By dieseldeathstar in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 10
      Last Post: 03-19-2012, 20:17
    2. Grommets in Tyvek
      By digrat in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 5
      Last Post: 01-09-2012, 06:59
    3. Tyvek Tarp Grommets or Nylon loops?
      By packeagle in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 15
      Last Post: 01-02-2011, 01:51
    4. Grommets Vs. Webbing
      By Mountainfitter in forum General Hammock Talk
      Replies: 15
      Last Post: 04-05-2010, 22:34
    5. Grommets Ripping Out?
      By sparkysko in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 32
      Last Post: 03-04-2007, 22:20

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •