Mallet free tarp pegs/spikes?

[pulsemod]

"A thought... I could devise a light portable tool specifically designed to push stakes into the ground and/or provide a striking surface. That way I don't have to rule out 'V' or 'Y' shaped stakes."

I wonder how hard it would be to make a "pocket sized" pusher out of a block of wood. I'm thinking 3 or 4 inches square by 1 thick. Round it off so it fits your palm and cut a 1/4 inch deep pattern of your stake top in the bottom. Weight might not be that great but it'd be a whole lot smaller than a mallet.

You read my mind. I was thinking plastic though. Possibly with an integrated file to keep the stake tips sharp for piercing rocky soil.

I agree with using a localized free tool, like a rock or fallen branch, if possible. I would point out, "if possible" is a reality out in the field. A decent branch or rock might not be around.

[Mouseskowitz]

Plastic will probably take more use and abuse than wood. When you get something figured out let us know what you did and how well it works. I know I'd be interested in carrying something smaller than a mallet.

[the_gr8t_waldo]

how difficult would it be to take off your hiking boot and pretend it's a mallet?

[Hawkwind]

how difficult would it be to take off your hiking boot and pretend it's a mallet?

Won't work for someone like myself who hikes with very minimal footwear...

Let's just say...I look for a good rock.
*When that fails I tap in my spikes with my mini-buck knife.

[Shnick]

Small flat river rock?

Shnick

[Man Scout]

I've heard of people using one of those "T" joints used for PVC pipe as a light pushing tool for stakes. Grab the top portion "T" as the handle and put the top of the stake in the bottom of the "T" joint and push it in the ground. It would only work for stakes with small heads and not for shepherd hook heads. Most of the time I just lightly step on the stake and if it won't go in with light foot pressure I move the stake and try another spot.

[hppyfngy]

Could you shove a dowel up into the shaft of your bike seat and use the seat as a push handle? You could put your knee behind that if you needed to.

Don't know what your terrain is like but I can always find a stick to lean against the head of a stake and then push it with my foot.

hfg