I've seen a lot out there about using shockcord for side pullouts and doors on 4 season tarps but I'm not seeing much of a consensus on what size shockcord to use so my question is what is the common size to use for these two purposes?
I've seen a lot out there about using shockcord for side pullouts and doors on 4 season tarps but I'm not seeing much of a consensus on what size shockcord to use so my question is what is the common size to use for these two purposes?
Most use 1/8in SC! But you really can use any diameter you want, just the thinner you go the less stretch and pull you will have, also with the thinner stuff it tends to lose it's stretchiness a little faster (at least thats my exp)!
1/8th is a little on the heavier side, but works very well at tensioning, and keeps it stretch a little longer than the thinner stuff!
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Some of us have abandoned shock cord for tarps due to the launching of stakes that we have experienced. I have had stakes fly over 20 feet when launched in a high wind. Not a happy safety issue. Now I just use static cord. If the stake pulls out at least it is not going on vacation to a distant land.
I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.
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I use 1/8 for my side pullout.....I like to be able to stretch it to where I need especially in the winter. some use regular line.
Another thing about shockcord is you can easily lift your lines to pass under if needed and if someone trips over them ....they give.
Shug
Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven
I tied in about a foot of 1/8" shock cord to my 1.75mm lashit with 5-6 turn albright knots. Looks nice and clean and the knots are solid.
http://www.animatedknots.com/albright/index.php
Thanks for the info guys
I'm currently working with 3/32" for the side pullouts, static line w/stretchers for the bottoms. Pretty big weight savings for me in switching from the 1/8" and so far no problems. Like Shug said, though, I'm sure it is a bigger deal if you have snow loads and such on it.
SN
I just put self tensioning lines (STL's) on my pullouts this weekend and they seemed to work great. No real wind test though.
Any reason to use shock cord instead of STL's? They seemed like a lighter/smaller solution.
David
The road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow, if I can, Pursuing it with weary feet, Until it joins some larger way, Where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say.
-Frodo Baggins, The Fellowship of the Ring
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