Stake Boom

**Banana Hammock** · 06-24-2013, 07:59

Someone stole Alamosa's "boom stake" idea and they're available here: BOOM STAKES

**MartinDWhite** · 10-07-2013, 09:16

This is an old thread to be dug up, but here is a brainstorm (or hairbrain) idea. The holes in the nails could be 1/8", 3/32", or even 1/16" if thin enough cordage was used, possibly Amsteel. The two nails are lashed (or pinned) together in the center hole and a small section of string (or cable) is used to maintain the angle by holding the end holes a set distance apart. If the nail is strong enough to hold in the ground, is it also strong enough to the be the boom?

I have 12"x3/8" nails on order to try this out.

**old4hats** · 10-07-2013, 10:00

Originally Posted by MartinDWhite

This is an old thread to be dug up, but here is a brainstorm (or hairbrain) idea. The holes in the nails could be 1/8", 3/32", or even 1/16" if thin enough cordage was used, possibly Amsteel. The two nails are lashed (or pinned) together in the center hole and a small section of string (or cable) is used to maintain the angle by holding the end holes a set distance apart. If the nail is strong enough to hold in the ground, is it also strong enough to the be the boom?

I have 12"x3/8" nails on order to try this out.

Patiently awaiting results of your test.

**Alamosa** · 10-07-2013, 22:03

Originally Posted by MartinDWhite

This is an old thread to be dug up, but here is a brainstorm (or hairbrain) idea. The holes in the nails could be 1/8", 3/32", or even 1/16" if thin enough cordage was used, possibly Amsteel. The two nails are lashed (or pinned) together in the center hole and a small section of string (or cable) is used to maintain the angle by holding the end holes a set distance apart. If the nail is strong enough to hold in the ground, is it also strong enough to the be the boom?

I have 12"x3/8" nails on order to try this out.

I am guessing that the stakes will bend at the point you drill a hole in them. I think it will make a weak point in the stake.

**gmcttr** · 10-07-2013, 22:48

Originally Posted by MartinDWhite

...The two nails are lashed (or pinned) together in the center hole...

Worth a try. I think connecting them with external (no hole) lashing might be better than running cord through the pivot hole. The pivot hole would try to act like scissors...or a nice steel pin.

**HandOfGod** · 07-23-2015, 13:19

The boom stake looks interesting. I know this is an old thread but anyone actually use this product?

**Phantom Grappler** · 07-24-2015, 22:48

Alamosa to keep cord from slipping off of smooth stake, I use a multiple wrap pile hitch. Double cord and wrap bight around stake from top to bottom3 to 6 wraps then place bight over top of stake . Tighten by pulling sideways and ratcheting back and forth. It NEVER slides off top of stake and is great for pulling stuck stakes from hard ground. You can see how I tie multiple pile hitch in my YouTube videos.

**Alamosa** · 07-24-2015, 22:56

Originally Posted by HandOfGod

The boom stake looks interesting. I know this is an old thread but anyone actually use this product?

I use them every time I use my stand (probably 6-8 nights a year). I also made a set for my wife's girl scout program to provide a simple way to stake out their flag pole. It makes for very easy install and removal compared to the large stakes they used to use. I couldn't be happier with the way the have worked and held up with a lot of use.

**Alamosa** · 07-24-2015, 23:06

Originally Posted by Phantom Grappler

Alamosa to keep cord from slipping off of smooth stake, I use a multiple wrap pile hitch. Double cord and wrap bight around stake from top to bottom3 to 6 wraps then place bight over top of stake . Tighten by pulling sideways and ratcheting back and forth. It NEVER slides off top of stake and is great for pulling stuck stakes from hard ground. You can see how I tie multiple pile hitch in my YouTube videos.

Not sure that I am exactly picturing what you are describing (sounds like a variation of a klemhiest knot). I have never had an issue with a line slipping off using my current pin system. Given the how slick the pipe can be and how much I have hanging on its success (literally), I like having the guarantee of the pin.

Given that the boom is removed by pulling up on the rear, having the line attached to the end of the boom won't really be much assistance during removing it. I've never had any issue removing a boom. They lift out surprisingly easy given how well they hold.

**1shot** · 07-25-2015, 11:31

Originally Posted by MartinDWhite

This is an old thread to be dug up, but here is a brainstorm (or hairbrain) idea. The holes in the nails could be 1/8", 3/32", or even 1/16" if thin enough cordage was used, possibly Amsteel. The two nails are lashed (or pinned) together in the center hole and a small section of string (or cable) is used to maintain the angle by holding the end holes a set distance apart. If the nail is strong enough to hold in the ground, is it also strong enough to the be the boom?

I have 12"x3/8" nails on order to try this out.

The portion of the boom that extends beyond the stake will act as a lever to pull the stake up. I doubt the angular moment on the stake will be enough to overcome this. That leaves less stake supported in the ground and bending or tear out out becomes a problem I suspect.