How To Make Tent Poles

How To Make Your Own Tent Poles? DIY Tent Poles Easy Tips

When my friends and I went camping last spring, one of our tent poles snapped, and none of us had any idea how to make our own tent poles from scratch. Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation and wished you knew how to make your own tent poles? If this is the case, you have arrived at the correct location. Tents can be used for a variety of purposes, including camping and fortifications indoors or outdoors. DIY tent poles can be a lifesaver if they are assembled with the utmost care.

Different Types Of Tent Poles

When it comes to choosing a tent, poles are sometimes disregarded. However, it is one of the most important components of a tent. Tent poles are available in a variety of materials and may be obtained on the market. While some tentpoles are more flexible than others, it is crucial to understand the differences between them if you want to create your own tentpole.

Before Jump Into How To Make Your Own Tent Poles(DIY Tent Poles Tips)

Tent poles are primarily divided into two categories. Poles that have inserts and poles that do not have inserts. Poles with inserts (also known as sleeve) are generally held together with either glue or bolts, which are inserted into either hollow end of the pole. Before you begin to construct your own tent pole, the ideal practice and method will be to first determine how many sections you will require and what type of sections you will require for your tent. For example, a pole with four parts can be constructed with three portions containing inserts and one piece containing no inserts.

The structural integrity of a structure will be significantly reduced if the pole diameters are mismatched.

DIY Pole With Insert

To begin, you will need to purchase stainless steel conduits, which will be used to construct tent poles. This type of conduit has a hollow inside, is lightweight, and is reasonably priced considering its use. Because the poles will be replacing earlier ones, you will need to mark them slightly longer than the original pole and then cut them using a saw tool to match the length of the original pole. Depending on the type of poles you previously used, you may need to drill holes in the conduit to accommodate pins and other fasteners.

For the sleeves, purchase conduits that are slightly larger in diameter than your original conduits so that they can glide over the smaller poles.
If this is not the case, you will have to conduct some more drilling and cutting.
Now, carefully clamp the sleeve and pole together while noting the length of the pole at 3-inches from both ends.
Select a drill bit that is around the same size as the bolts you will be using and drill through both the pole and the sleeve to complete the installation.
It should be disassembled and rearranged.
It’s time to insert the other half of the pole, which you’ll cut in half precisely between the holes you drilled for the sleeves earlier in the process.

You have completed your project of building your own tent poles with the least amount of time and expense. It is possible to trim the bolts so that they do not protrude. End tips for fiberglass tent poles can also be used at the ends of the poles to add a decorative touch.

DIY Pole With Shock Cord

Poles with shock cords are frequently utilized in a variety of applications. If you want to use a shock cord to build your poles, you will need either hollow aluminum or carbon fiber, depending on your preference. To trim the pole to the correct length, you can use a saw or a pipe cutter. Now, take your selected end tip and tie it to one end of the shock cord with a knot, then carefully push it through the poles to secure it in place. Attach the other end tip of the shock cable to the shock cord after it has passed through the last pole and press it into the hollow end.

Having your muscles overly rigid and tight is never recommended.

DIY Tent Pole Replacement

Immediately repair a damaged tent pole since the broken section weakens the framework and might cause the tent to collapse if left unattended. Tent pole replacement is a straightforward procedure. You can quickly repair a broken pole if you follow these simple instructions.

To begin, you will need to unscrew one of the tips of your pole. After you have unscrewed the end, you may pull the hook out of the elastic to remove it from the elastic. In order for the knot to evaporate, you must tug on both sides of it at the same time. You may now securely remove the poles one by one until you reach the broken pole, which should be the last one. It’s important to have the other end of the elastic in your hand when removing poles. Insert the elastic cable into the new replacement pole as easily as possible until you reach the last pole
After that, make a little knot at the end of the elastic, which will retain the small screw from earlier in place so that it may be reinserted into its original position.

Different Tent Pole

Various materials are used to construct tent poles, but there are four that are particularly significant. The material selected determines the durability and bendability of the product.

Fiberglass Tent Poles

Tent poles made of fiberglass are among the most popular options since they are very affordable when compared to other types of poles. Despite the fact that these poles have more bendability, erecting larger tents is nearly difficult since even the smallest breeze can distort the poles, resulting in the fabric being blown off the ground. One should not overlook the low cost of high-quality service once again.

Steel Tent Poles

In comparison to its fiberglass cousins, steel poles are far more durable. As a result of the steel construction, it is more resistant to turbulent winds. However, the increased durability comes at the expense of a significant weight penalty, which makes moving about difficult due to the need for heavy lifting.

Aluminum Alloy Tent Poles

The aluminum alloy poles are extremely strong and can withstand significant weight increases without breaking. They have a lot of rigidity. Aluminum alloy poles are available in a variety of grades, each of which may be distinguished by the price tag; nonetheless, they are typically considered to be extremely costly.

Carbon Fiber Tent Poles

These lightweight poles, which have a sleek and modern appearance, are constructed of high-quality carbon fiber, which provides outstanding support. An adjustable carbon fiber tent pole is essential for pitching tents in a variety of forms depending on the situation and available space. The only thing that stands out as a negative is the exorbitant price tags.

Tent Pole Materials

They are built of high-quality carbon fiber and provide good support despite their slim and lightweight design. Tent poles made of carbon fiber that can be adjusted to different forms depending on the situation and available space are essential. Price tags are the only thing that stands out as a negative.

Make Replacement Tent Poles

We bent the poles that came with our 6-person cabin tent, which we had purchased separately. It was only after being unable to locate the manufacturer’s website and discovering that bespoke replacement tent poles may cost upwards of $30 a pole that I decided to build my own tent poles from scratch.

This was a simple and inexpensive DIY. Twelve and a half dollars was spent on supplies for two poles (including the beef jerky, which is usually required for these types of crafts! ). It took me approximately a half hour to construct two poles.

Step 1: Get to the Store!

I purchased stainless steel electrical conduit from a home improvement store near me. It is inexpensive, somewhat light, and extremely powerful. Before you travel to the shop, check to see whether your tent has built-in sockets where you can put the poles and if your old poles fit snuggly in those sockets. It may be necessary to obtain pipe that is very identical in size to the original conduit if they are extremely tight. In the second place, remember to bring your broken poles with you to the store.

Using a 3/4″ tent pole and purchasing 3/4″ conduit to replace it will result in a nasty surprise at the end of the project.

The purpose of this is to serve as a sleeve to attach the pieces that you’ll be cutting apart in a short period of time.

In order to attach the sleeve to one end of each pole semi-permanently, I utilized bolts, washers, and nuts as normal, as well as a clevis pin and a hitch pin to join the other ends fast.

Step 2: See? Saw!

Do you have everything? Good! Starting with the new poles, make sure they are the same length as the previous ones. It’s best if you don’t worry about producing precise replacements because the sawing and filing you’ll be performing will shorten them to the appropriate length. After that, tidy up any loose ends! This equipment will be moving around with you, and you don’t want to rip up your tent (or your hands!) against the rough steel edges of these poles. Decide how many pieces you want to cut the pole into before you start cutting.

The obvious consequence of increasing the number of parts is increased labor and increased weak areas in your poles.

Finally, cut a one-foot-long section of the big “sleeve” conduit for each junction that you’ll be constructing in your poles, allowing for a total of four joints.

Step 3: And Now We Drill.

Then go to the next step if your original poles had holes in them for attaching guy lines, inserting pins, or other similar purposes. If this is the case, skip it. The process is simple: measure the distance between the end of the old pole and each hole in it, mark the end of your new pole at the same distance from the end (it may be either end at this stage! ), and drill it. When replacing a pole with more than one hole, make sure you drill them into the same places as they were on the old one.

Alternatively, if they are on opposing sides of the old pole, they should be on opposite sides of the new pole.

Make use of this to drill the new hole.

All you have to do now is hold it down as securely as possible and begin drilling gently until you get the hole to start. If necessary, drill a pilot hole with a considerably smaller bit than the one you’ll be using for the main hole.

Step 4: Long Sleeves.

If you’re okay with one-piece poles and you have a pickup truck to transport them, then congrats on your decision! You’ve completed your task! Assuming that you aren’t, it is now time to put the sleeves on the arms. This should be done before you start cutting your poles into a zillion little pieces. To begin, slip one of the foot-long sleeves over your new pole and secure it in place. As you center it over the spot where you want to cut the pole, be sure it doesn’t cover any of the holes you drilled in the previous step!

Clamp the entire arrangement down firmly, and then select a drill bit that is the proper size for the bolts you’ll be employing.
Insert the bolt through the hole and secure it with a nut to ensure that the sleeve is securely fastened in place.
Finally, dismantle everything and file the holes that were bored during the assembly process.
We’re getting close to the finish line!

Step 5: More Cutting, Then Finishing Up.

After that, you may cut the poles in half between the holes you just made for the sleeve. For myself, I halved the portion I was given. Make sure to file those freshly cut edges! Slip the sleeve back over the cut you made in the previous step, and align the holes you drilled in the previous step. You should only have one set of holes that match, unless you used a drill press or are really lucky, which I wasn’t and still am not. Put a washer and a nut on the other side of the bolt and tighten it down securely to secure it.

After aligning the holes, inserting the clevis pin through them, and finally inserting the hitch pin into the clevis pin Congratulations!

Suggestions for improvements include the following: – Trim the bolts and clevis pins to remove any extra length.

– Paint your new poles gray to match your existing ones, to make them appear cool, or to make your children grimace.

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Every editorial product is chosen on its own merits, while we may be compensated or earn an affiliate commission if you purchase something after clicking on one of our affiliate links. As of the time of writing, the ratings and pricing are correct, and all goods are in stock. Time a few of hours Complexity BeginnerCost$51–100

Introduction

Create a reading nook or play place in the kids’ room with this indoor/outdoor fort, or use it as a small and movable sunshade for the park, beach, or backyard with this indoor/outdoor fort.

The adventure begins with roughly $50 worth of basic camping essentials that are easy to transport. (When picking your materials, go to Step 1 for assistance with size.) Perhaps the most appealing feature is that it can be altered in a variety of ways. Make it uniquely yours!

Tools Required

The following items are required: two (2) aluminum rod tent poles
Clothespins or other clips (see alternatives in Step 6)
Electrical tape or rubber twist-tie
Ground stakes (optional). Tent ground tarp with eye holes
Rain fly or other tent tarp cover
Tent ground tarp with eye holes

Create another another interactive children’s toy:

Project step-by-step (9)

The size of your ultimate building is determined by the size of your tarp and poles together. When choosing your resources, keep in mind the smallest room in which you intend to put up the fort as a guideline.

Floor Tarp

Make a note of your required length, breadth, and depth, and then look for a ground tarp or other flooring that meets your specifications.

It took only a few minutes to construct a tiny structure that would fit between two beds using this 35-inch by 83-inch lightweight tent ground sheet. Aside from that, it has the same form as a yoga mat, which makes it an excellent cushioning alternative for wood floors. DIY Option: Sew loops or press grommets into the corners of a sturdy picnic blanket to add a decorative touch.

Cover Tarp

The type of covering material you choose is determined by what you have on hand and what you want to accomplish. Use a basic rain-resistant tarp or a light UV-resistant sheet to protect yourself from the elements. Alternatively, you might go the natural route and use some scavenged sticks and branches to construct a wind-breaking lean-to.

An old Boy Scout tarp (10 feet by 10 feet) worked well for this project, but any large tarpor fabric would suffice
An added bonus is if your tarp includes eye holes. For added sturdiness, you may tie those to the ends of the tent poles.

In order to properly size your cover tarp, you must first determine how long your poles are. When purchasing a tarp, make sure that it is at least twice as broad as the length of your poles. This should allow you to cover any layout.

I used a 10-foot tarp that was just just broad enough to cover the arc formed by my 11-foot poles because of my design.

Poles

To estimate the length of a pole, lay down a long, pliable item or rope on the floor and eyeball the length. Additionally, free modeling tools like as SketchUp might be used to obtain the measurements.

Tent poles made of aluminum rod measuring 11 feet in length were utilized.

Do you prefer mathematics? Continue reading to learn about a few of other, more rigorous techniques. If this is the case, proceed to Step 2
Otherwise, continue to Step 3.

Method 1: Calculation of the circumference If you want an arc with an essentially constant radius — think of it as a perfect circle that has been half – calculate the circumference of a circle to symbolize the circle that passes through the corners of your ground tarp and tape it to the ground. Divide the result by two to obtain the necessary pole length. If you want to determine the diameter of the circle, you’ll need to discover the diameter of a circle that’s equal to the distance between the corners of the ground tarp you selected.

The following is an example utilizing a ground tarp measuring 35 inches by 83 inches: 8,114 is the sum of 35 squared (1,225) plus 83 squared (6,889).
(your diameter) The desired pole length is then calculated by multiplying pi () by the diameter to obtain the circumference, which is then divided by two.
A building with a little lower peak than a complete half-circle would be created by cutting the poles to a shorter length and utilizing a conventional 11-foot pole instead of the longer one.
If you want to create flatter or higher arc forms – think of an oval that has been half — you may use an arc calculator to compute the arc length, also known as the length of your desired pole.

The Arc Width in this example refers to the distance between the corners of the floor tarp size that you selected. To compute, follow the steps outlined in Method 1. The height at which you want the central peak of your construction to be is known as the Arc Height.

Obviously, tent poles do not always arc uniformly, but this will provide you with a reasonable approximation with which to begin your design work

Establish the Base

Find an area that is suitably level and preferably soft, devoid of bumps, twigs, or pebbles that might be unpleasant or cut your flooring material, and then install it. Prepare your ground cloth or tarp by laying it out on the ground.

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Connect Poles

Assemble your tentpoles so that they are all straight
And Using one end of each pole, insert it into one of the ground tarp’s adjoining corner eye holes on one side. Place the poles on the ground cloth so that they are crossed over one another.

Set Up Poles

Put your electrical tape or twist-tie in your pocket so that you’ll be prepared for the following stage. The poles should be bent upward into an upside-down U shape, and they should be inserted into the eye holes on the ground fabric on opposing corners

This step might be challenging! To do it in one motion, step your foot on the ground fabric to keep it in place, grip both tent poles at the ends and push them up, with tips pointing straight down on each side of you, before sliding them straight through the eye openings on your left and right
If you’re using the tent indoors and have scratch-sensitive floors, consider laying down an area rug or investing in some appropriate-sized rubber feet for the tent pole tips.

Secure Pole Crossover Point

The top crossover point should be centered above the middle of the ground fabric. Electrical tape or a sticky rubber twist tie should be used to secure the tent poles together at this stage.

If you want structural stability, this aspect is critical, therefore whatever method you select, make sure the poles cannot slip.

Add Cover Material

Cover the top of the tent pole framework with your covering material and move it around until you are pleased with the result. Concentrate on aligning two nearby corners of your covering with the bottoms of the tent poles that you wish to use as the open entrance to your children’s fort
This will take some time. If your cover material includes eye holes, use them to connect the ends of the poles together.

Secure Cover

Here are a few suggestions for clips to use to attach your cover to the tent poles.

The usage of clothespins is limited to a light covering or a low-duty/short-term application. Tent Pole C-Clips: It may take some searching to get a size that corresponds to the diameter of your selected tent pole. Creating your own C-Clips: Something with slotted plastic pipe, similar to what we did with our indoor fort project, or even an old pen or marker barrel would work well.

Stake It Down (Optional)

Ground stakes can be used outside to provide support against the elements and whirling children.

Stakes can also be used to assist you extend your fort, as seen in the photo above, assuming you have enough tarp material to do so.

Customize

Children should be encouraged to finish the decorations with a pillow nest, a homemade pennant banner, or a hanging light that may be attached to the poles above. Alternatively, go through what you’d pack on a camping trip to get a feel for what you’d carry on the real thing! If you want to acquire more practice, you may play family camping games together.

DIY Tent Poles Guide For Beginners

Providing structural support for a tent and contributing to its overall performance, tent poles are quite significant. That is why they should be kept in immaculate shape at all times. But what should you do if they are damaged in any way? Replacement of the poles can greatly reduce the amount of money spent. Fortunately, there are other options available. In this post, we will provide you with a comprehensive DIY tent poles instructions that will allow you to save a significant amount of money.

DIY Tent Poles Step by Step Guide

Getting an electrical conduit made of stainless steel should be your first order of business when you visit your local home improvement store. This tube is small, lightweight, and, most importantly, extremely sturdy. Check the plugs that are already installed in your tent. If the old poles fit tightly, you’ll need to find a conduit that’s the same size as the old poles. First and foremost, make sure you carry the broken tent poles with you. Keep in mind that the conduit is often marketed based on the size of the hole in it, rather than the outside diameter of the pipe itself.

It’s time to start looking for a larger piece that can be placed over the top of the excellent item you’ve just found.

Finally, you must hunt for the most appropriate hardware to use to connect the poles together.

Following that, you should look for an appropriate location for this type of project. Gloves should be worn at all times to protect your hands from injury. You can choose to wear glasses that protect your eyes if you want to.

2. Sawing Time

As soon as you’ve acquired all of the essential components, you may begin cutting the new poles. Inspect them to ensure they are the same length as the old ones were. Alternatively, in case you’re not sure how to do it, you may saw them to be a little longer than the original poles to save time. By filing and sawing, you will be able to get the desired length in this manner. The next thing you need do is file the ends of the poles to make them smooth. They must be smooth in order to avoid damaging your camping equipment, such as your sleeping bag, tent, or even your own hands when you are out camping.

Having additional pieces will make it easier to put them all in one box.

Finally, build a “sleeve” for each joint of the poles that is one foot in length.

3. Drill

This step should be skipped if the original poles did not have any holes in them to begin with. To begin, measure the distance between one end of the existing pole and each hole on the new pole. Make a mark on your new pole at the same distance and start drilling. Make certain that the new holes are positioned in the same location as the previous holes (see illustration). To create the new hole, use the biggest drill bit that will fit in the existing one. If you don’t have access to a drill press, this procedure might be time-consuming.

In the event that you must drill a pilot hole, make sure to use a smaller drill.

4. Installing the Sleeves

If your original poles do not have any holes in them, you can skip this step entirely. Begin by measuring the distance between one end of the original pole and each of the four holes in the ground. In order to start drilling, mark the same distance on your new pole. Take care to ensure that the new holes are located in the same location as the old ones. In order to create the new hole, use the biggest drill bit that will fit in the existing one. If you don’t have access to a drill press, this technique might be time-consuming.

In the event that you must drill a pilot hole, make sure you use a tiny drill.

5. Finishing Up

Sleeve holes should be cut between and the edges should be filed. One hole set should match unless you are really lucky or used a drill press to make the holes. In order to tighten it as much as possible, place the bolt back into the holes and secure it with a nut and a washer on the other side. In order to construct your tent poles, you need insert the opposite end of the pole into the sleeve. Make certain that the holes are aligned before inserting the clevis pin through each one of them. The final step is to screw in the hitch pin into the clevis pin.

Congratulations! You’ve created tent poles that are sturdy, long-lasting, adaptable, and inexpensive to purchase. If you’ve followed the instructions to the letter, your poles will be robust enough to withstand several camping trips and to support you. Have a great time camping!

Additional Tips

Reduce the length of the pins and bolts by trimming them. Smooth covers should be placed on the bolt ends to prevent snagging. The poles may either be painted to match the color of your tent or your camping table, or you can be more creative and choose a crazy brilliant color.

Globo Surf Overview

Tent poles are extremely significant since they serve as the structural framework of any tent. Their construction should be sturdy and constructed of high-quality materials. They can, however, get damaged as a result of inclement weather or incorrect use. Although replacing the poles might be quite expensive, there are alternative options available. Making your own tent poles can save you around $25 each pole if you learn how to do so. This will allow you to spend more money on other camping necessities, such as a lunch cooler.

More Camping Reviews:

A family tent, a flash light, camping gear, an ultralight tent, folding chairs, solo camping, camping food storage, tent pole repair, and how to keep a tent cool are all topics covered. The Proper Way to Set Up a Tent

Making tent poles is not a common ‘do it yourself’ pastime in the United States. Bending and cutting metal that would be used for tent poles necessitates the use of sophisticated instruments. The fact that campers rarely have these means that they feel it advantageous to create their own. Tent poles are one of the most important reasons to purchase high-quality tents.

What are bendy tent poles made from?

Carbon fiber is used at the very top of the ‘bendy pole’ spectrum. Poles made of this ultra-lightweight material are extremely sturdy, but they come at a high price. If you want to invest the money, you may purchase carbon fiber poles to replace the ones in your present tent. Metal poles are a more long-lasting alternative to flexible poles.

How do I fix my camping tent pole?

Making a Splint out of a Tent Stake Assemble the broken pole components in a straight line. If the pole is bowed but not completely broken, straighten out the curvature by bending it in half. Align the stake so that it is centered close to the breach in the ground. Duct tape, or whatever heavy-duty tape you have on hand, should be wrapped around either end of the stake or pole many times.

How do you make a simple tent at home?

Make a basic tent by tying a string between two solid points and stretching it. A sheet draped over it in an a-frame form may be used to construct a basic, quick-to-assemble tent. Add some pillows to the bottom of the bed and you’re set to go. Another alternative is to thread a dowel beneath the cloth and then connect strings to the end of the dowel to hang it from the ceiling.

What is in the base of a flag pole?

A razorblade, a match, and a bullet are all contained therein. Using the razor blade, you must cut the stars and stripes off the flag, the match, you must burn the charred remains, and the bullet, you must defend the base or shot yourself. 9th of February, 2017

How do you make a tent without sticks?

Set up your tent by tying one end of your rope around a tree, far enough away from the trunk so that when it is hanging loose, it reaches the middle of the location you have in mind for your tent. In case the tree is too high to reach or shimmy up to knot one end, toss the rope over the tree and work with the double length instead! 2.

Can one person put up an easy up tent?

Easy Peak One Person Setup Technology is used in the construction of this rapid canopy tent. One person can effortlessly open and shut the canopy from the center, eliminating the need to lock and unlock the canopy leg sliders. This is a very efficient design.

Are steel tent poles good?

Steel. Stainless steel poles are frequently used for large event tents with heavy-duty canvas, and they are especially useful when strength and stiffness are the most critical considerations, as is the case in most situations.

Due to the fact that these poles do not bend readily, they can withstand large canvas and high winds. However, this also makes steel tent poles the heaviest choice available.

Can you repair fiberglass tent pole?

The Coghlan’s Fiberglass Tent Pole Repair Kit, which includes four 9.5mm fiberglass tent pole sections as well as shock cord, lead wire, and ferrules, allows you to repair broken or damaged tent poles in a matter of minutes. This kit might save you the money you would have spent on a brand new tent, plus it is simple to assemble and operate.

How do you unscrew a tight pole?

To reach the top portion of your pole, you may need to stand on your tiptoes or use a step stool. In order to loosen the screws a little, insert a hex key into each screw and spin them counterclockwise. Keep them loose so that you can disassemble the pole without having to entirely remove them from the pole. A hex key is sometimes referred to as an Allen wrench in some circles.

Can one person put up a canopy?

SINGLE-PERSON SETUP: The canopy is designed with a single central button and no-pinch height adjusters to enable for simple, one-person setup and teardown; just open the canopy, push the button, and adjust the height to provide instant shade in less than a minute! SINGLE-PERSON DISMANTLING:

How does twist lock pole work?

It works by pinching or tightening against the tiny pole inside by tightening the huge cone-shaped ring on the fingers underneath it. This is accomplished by tightening the tappered cone against the fingers, so locking the poles in place. Twist locks are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate the various diameters of poles and tubing used.

What is the best material for tent poles?

Carbon fiber tent poles are the strongest, most durable, and lightest tent poles currently available on the market. You may watch them in action being used by experts who want to camp in high conditions or who want to reduce their weight when they are hiking. Carbon fiber poles are exceptionally low in weight.

Can you make a flagpole out of PVC?

Making a PVC Flag Pole is a fun and easy do-it-yourself project that anybody can perform.

Are Aluminium tent poles better than Fibreglass?

The durability of aluminum pole tents may be attested to by campers who have used them, since they do not break easily. Aluminum tent poles are a popular choice among campers because of the ease with which they can be fixed when they become bent. However, they are far lighter in weight than fibreglass, pure steel, and wooden tent poles, yet being quite sturdy.

What is the best material for a tent?

The best overall protection will be provided by a silicone coating applied to a nylon tent. However, if cost is a concern, an acrylic coating may be a viable option. In addition, many manufacturers will include a ripstop weave in the fabric of a nylon tent, which makes the tent more stronger and more durable.

What is the easiest canopy to set up?

The EZ-Up Dome is our top selection for the finest easy-to-use canopy since it is the quickest to set up and also the lightest of the options on our list. As the only 1010 canopy on our list with slanted legs, this shelter is built to withstand strong winds and is ideal for use in windy conditions. Its distinctive dome ceiling, sophisticated design, and vibrant colors are guaranteed to attract attention.

Why do my tent poles keep breaking?

Strong winds, poles that have been weakened with age, and inexpensive materials are all potential causes—and occasionally it’s just plain old wear and tear.

Can you fix a tent pole with duct tape?

In a pinch, duct tape may be used to repair a damaged tent pole, but this is only a temporary remedy and should not be relied upon.

Using duct tape, just wrap the break until it is strong enough to hold the weight of your tent. A temporary splint can be used before packing the fracture with tape to provide further support.

Tent Poles


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ALUMINUM TUBE SPECS

.340″

.344″

.355″

.380″

.433″

.490″

.625″

.742″

3.9CARBON

6.3 CARBON

SYCLONE

SYCLONEMAX

outside diameter ofMAINtube

.340″(8.64 mm)

.344″(8.74 mm)

.355″(9.02 mm)

.380″(9.65 mm)

.433″ (10.99mm)

.490″(12.45mm)

625″(15.88 mm)

.742″ (18.85 mm)

.296″(7.52 mm)

.346″(8.79 mm)

.3654″(9.28 mm)

.446″(11.33 mm)

wall thickness ofMAINtube

.025″(.64 mm)

.019″(.48 mm)

.025″(.64 mm)

.026″(.66 mm)

.030″ (.76 mm)

.026″ (.66 mm)

.038″(.97 mm)

.032″(.81 mm)

.025″(.63 mm)

.028″(.711 mm)

.0297″(.754 mm)

.037″(.95 mm)

inside diameter ofMAINtube

.290″(7.36 mm)

.306″(7.77 mm)

.305″(7.74 mm)

.328″(8.33 mm)

.373″(9.47 mm)

.438″ (11.12 mm)

.549″(13.94 mm)

.678″(17.22 mm)

.246(6.25 mm)

.290(7.36 mm)

.3060(7.77 mm)

.373″(9.47 mm)

outside diameter of INSERT tube

.287″ (7.29mm)

.303″(7.70mm)

.302″ (7.67 mm)

.325″(8.26 mm)

.370″.(9.4 mm)

.433″(11.0 mm)

.544″(13.82mm)

.675″ (17.15mm)

.242″(6.15mm)

.287″(7.29mm)

.302″ (7.67 mm)

.370″.(9.4 mm)

wall thickness of INSERT tube

.035″(.89mm)

.021″ (.53 mm)

.034″ (.86 mm)

.040″(1.02 mm)

.030″(.76 mm)

.045″ (1.11 mm)

.045″(1.11 mm)

.035″(.89 mm)

.034″ (.86 mm)

.040″(1.02 mm)

inside diameter of INSERT tube

.217″(5.51 mm)

.261″ (6.62 mm)

.234″ (5.94 mm)

.257″ (6.52 mm)

.290″(7.36 mm)

.373″(9.47 mm)

.454″ (11.53 mm)

.585″(14.85 mm)

.172″(4.37 mm)

.217″(5.51 mm)

.234″ (5.94 mm)

.290″(7.36 mm)

Guide to Tent Poles

While you may not think of tent poles as a critical aspect when selecting a tent, the materials used and the way they function may have an impact on things like weight, height of the tent, and strength, so it’s important to be aware of the important considerations. Poles are often sold in parts that are joined by elasticated string, however poles made of heavier materials may be attached by steel wire or springs, depending on the manufacturer. Heavier materials may be locked together using a spring-loaded button or with a male and female profile that is identical.

The following are the two most popular methods of connecting the ends of the poles to the tent: An inserted pin is positioned on the bottom of a ring that is sewed onto the bottom of the tape, and it is put into the bottom of the pole.

Poles and sleeves are often color coded by the manufacturer to make pitching more efficient.

Tent Pole Materials

In terms of tent pole materials, there are four primary options, each of which will have an influence on both the performance and the price of the tent.

Glassfibre Tent Poles

Advantages: flexibility, low cost, and availability of spares Cons: Breaking qualities, strength, and flexability. Because of the inexpensive cost of glass fiber, it is a common choice for less budget tents due to its durability. Because of its flexibility, a tent bends with the wind rather than standing hard against it, allowing it to shed gusts. When you are experiencing something for the first time, it might be a little unnerving. However, because of the flexibility of the poles rather than their strength, the total weight of a tent may be kept down when compared to tents made of steel.

Breaks can occur, and the glass fibre then bares its teeth as it splinters into needle-like shards, revealing its teething problems.

Poles are typically standard in diameter, and extra poles may be easily obtained, however they may need to be sawn to length in some cases.

Steel Tent Poles

Strength, rigidity, and low cost are some of the advantages. Cons: Corrosion and weight are disadvantages. Steel poles produce a robust framework that can withstand high winds rather than deforming as a result of gusts of wind. However, this robustness comes at a cost in terms of weight, and larger tents may be difficult to pull into place and transport between the home, car, and pitch. Steel poles are coated to prevent corrosion, but they must be serviced on a regular basis (see top tip). Pole sections are frequently linked together using a matched male/female profile – do not attempt to push them together as this may result in damage to the profile, which will make pitching more difficult.

Sections will occasionally become entangled. They may be readily separated by giving them a strong tap on the joint with a mallet or another pole segment.

Aluminium Alloy Tent Poles

Strongness, rigidity, and low price are some advantages. The disadvantages include corrosion and weight. Rather of deforming in the face of strong winds, steel poles form a robust skeleton that can withstand the force of the wind without breaking. This robustness comes at the expense of weight, and bigger tents may be difficult to hoist into place and transport between the house, car, and tent pitching location. Steel poles are zinc-plated to prevent corrosion, but they must be serviced on a regular basis to be effective (see top tip).

Sections can sometimes become entangled.

Air tubes

Advantages: It is simple to pitch. Cons: Because air reacts to external temperatures, it is necessary to check pressure and weight. Many campers are drawn to inflatable tents by the reliable, hassle-free camping experience that they provide. They can rest assured that the technology has been tried and tested for more than 50 years – although the materials used in the tubes are now far superior – and that the technology will continue to be refined. Tubes are low-maintenance and exceedingly durable, and they are frequently covered in two sleeves to provide further protection from the elements.

Participants should be aware of the operational pressures that must be maintained and the fact that air pressure might change depending on the outside temperature when they are on a camping trip.

Similarly, a tent that is pitched at noon will droop significantly throughout the night as the inside pressure decreases as a result of the cold.

Top tips for Tent Poles

Before storing your poles, spray a cloth with a silicon-based polish and wipe it over the whole surface. It will protect the poles from corrosion and will make it easier for them to glide through the pole sleeves. Remember to wipe away any excess so that the tent fabric does not become stained. It is not recommended to store pegs and poles in the tent bag along with the tent. During storage, they may corrode and cause harm to the fabric of your tent. Instead, keep the pole and peg bags alongside the tent and attach them to it so that you don’t forget to bring them with you when you next go camping. If you have practiced your DIY abilities and have replacement pole lengths on hand, repairing a broken pole is usually a rather simple task. The use of elasticated cord to tie pole sections together makes it easier to feed them through a pole sleeve, and this is done for the sake of convenience. If it breaks, you may still utilize the poles until you can get to a place where you can feed in some fresh cable. A large number of camping and home improvement retailers carry this item.

DIY Awning or Tent Poles

Matto, I really like your arrangement! What is the size of the tarp in the photo? What do you use to make it appear so tight? Do you have any secrets? Thank you so much, buddy. Because the tarp I used has metal D-rings sewed into the corners, I’ve been using poles with a tall spigot, which has proven to be pretty effective. I like Im4Duke’s concept of using threaded rod on the spigots and a wingnut to secure it. I assumed the D-rings were stainless steel, but after years of exposure to the elements, they’ve begun to corrode on the car.

The tarp itself is 2m wide, and it extends out to a length of around 3.5-4m.
The advantage is that you have a lot of space; you can put a peak in it as shown, or you can bring it out 2m and peg the end of it down to serve as a windbreak.
I’ve found that doing it this way allows me to get better tension on it.
In combination with the tyres, the vehicle is now around 3.5″-4″ higher than it was in the previous photo, allowing you to get a significant amount of height out of the tarp.
The large bag that holds the poles, pegs, and ropes is not visible in this photo.
Everything has a self-contained feel about it.
However, we were on a trip last year during which any more shade would have been welcome.

Because it takes up no room, why not? I’d like one of the sophisticated commercial awnings because of the quickness with which they can be set up, but this shoddy home-brew one would suffice for our purposes. Cheers, Matto

DIY tarp & tent poles

Date of joining: October 4, 2006 Oddometer:3,398 Location:Dubai Here’s a simple and cost-effective method for making tent and tarp poles. Make a stop at your local hardware shop to pick up a “extension pole for paint roller.” This one is a three-section pole measuring 3 meters (9 feet). It will cost you 4 dollars. Remove the stoppers from both of the extension parts by sliding them out. You will be able to separate all three tubes as a result. Each of these tubes measures 1 meter in length. Remove all of the tubes by sliding them out. I removed the bottom plastic cover because I intended to cut the bottom portion of the bottom piece off. Make a note on the tubes to indicate the length you want to cut them to. Shorter tubes result in a more compact design, but shorter (stretched) poles. Longer tubes result in a higher (stretched) pole, although this is not very compact. I want to transport them by bicycle with the baggage racks attached, so there will be no problems for me. My goal was to have the final stretched pole be 2 meters in length, so I cut them all at 2 feet per (6 feet). For these kind of straightforward activities, I’m more at ease using hand tools than than power equipment. After that, smooth down the inner and outer borders with flat and round files. It looks like this when the pole is fully stretched and deflated at the end of the project. cheers Vicks
This is a good choice. Excellent value for money. Thank you for the suggestion

FatDogBeen here awhile

Date of joining: April 27, 2007 Oddometer:851 I like that since I generally always camp with a tarp, but I normally simply tie it off between two trees
It’s a good frugal use of what is available. I like it

Vicksgets stuck in sand

Date of joining: October 4, 2006 Oddometer:3,398 Location:Dubai I’m delighted you everyone appreciated the concept. I have a suggestion if you want to make improvements to your concept. If you can find an extension pole that has more than three pieces, it will be significantly more compact than one with only three sections (for a given extended size). This three-section pole was all I could locate in this area, so I went with it
Excellent idea! Is there a concern of them collapsing owing to the stress on the tarp lines or the wind? I’m thinking of drilling several holes through the pieces to accommodate bolts and wingnuts.

FatDogBeen here awhile

Date of joining: April 27, 2007 Oddometer:851 It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re using a large traditional tarp (14’X14′), the bolts or pins and clips would be a really nice idea
Otherwise, you may use a tarp hanger.

Vicksgets stuck in sand

Date of joining: October 4, 2006 Oddometer:3,398 Location:Dubai I have yet to put it through its paces in a windy or heavily laden environment. The pin/wingnut concept, on the other hand, appears to be sound. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Thanks

Vicksgets stuck in sand

Date of joining: October 4, 2006 Oddometer:3,398 Location:Dubai Okay, so I didn’t have a chance to test the weight-bearing capacity of the poles with a tarp, but I did do a different type of experiment. What I did was:1. I lengthened the pole by a small amount at each part. 2. place them behind bars (turn clock-wise) I then placed the poles on a bathroom weighing scale and put pressure to it, completing the process (body weight) In addition, I was able to apply pressure worth 25kgs (about 50lbs) before my palms began to pain due to the pointed end of the pole. The internal locks on the poles remained in place, and there were no catastrophic breakdowns. So, just to make sure I understand what’s going on, I’ll ask some questions. You effectively reduced the length of the pole from 9 feet fully extended to 6 feet fully extended by reducing its diameter. Exactly, is it correct?

Vicksgets stuck in sand

Date of joining: October 4, 2006 Oddometer:3,398 Location:Dubai Yup. Yes, you are correct. The advantage is that it collapses down to a considerably smaller size when fully compressed. The use of the poles is a great concept. I, too, am a fan. How much of your hair did you chop off, and from which pole(s) did you do it? How much shorter is the new three-piece pole compared to the previous three-piece pole

Camping Tent Poles Guide, Tent Pole Repair

Before you purchase a tent, take some time to consider the camping tent poles that will be used. You would suppose that one tent pole is quite similar to another, and you would be correct. That is not the case! It is critical to select high-quality tent poles. When you have a decent pair of tent poles that are straightforward to use, setting up your tent will be an easy and fun process. Alternatively, an inadequate pair of tent poles might make setting up your tent a complete misery. Here’s all you need to know in order to make an informed decision.

Types of Camping Tent Poles

Fiberglasspoles are used in some of the most affordable tents available on the market. Fiberglass camping tent poles are the least long-lasting alternative available. They break readily, leaving jagged shards of fiberglass exposed on the floor. Do not come into contact with this material! The microscopic glass particles might penetrate your skin and cause an itching red rash. My children used to have a tiny play tent with fiberglass poles when they were younger. I can’t keep track of how many times those polessnappers have been kidnapped.

I enjoy having my children assist me in setting up our camping tents.

Furthermore, it is feasible to restore a fiberglass pole to its original condition.

Fiberglass pole repair is not something you want to have to deal with in the midst of a camping vacation, believe me!

Aluminum

Aluminum tent poles are used in the majority of smaller, high-quality tents. Aluminum camping tent poles are strong and long-lasting. They are not likely to break under typical conditions. Although an aluminum pole may bend if someone falls strongly against a tent wall while roughhousing in it, you will most likely be able to utilize the pole for the remainder of the trip. If it is too twisted to be of any use, you may be able to slowly bend it back into form with care. An emergency tent repair kit, such as this one, is a smart idea to have on hand.

Steel

Tents made of canvas and big, multi-room nylon tents are both quite heavy. Many of them are equipped with heavy-gauge steel poles that can handle their weight. Steel camping tent poles are extremely long-lasting.

Carbon

Carbon fiber camping tent poles are the most durable, strongest, and lightest choice available. They are, of course, the most costly of the options. They are only seen on the most expensive trekking tents. Unless you want to go hiking for a long period of time and require an ultralight system, you will not require anything this expensive.

Putting the poles together

Carbon fiber camping tent poles are the most durable, strongest, and lightest choice available.

They are also the most affordable. They are, of course, the most expensive of the options available to you. High-end hiking tents are the only ones that have them. This type of equipment is not necessary unless you plan on doing lengthy hiking and require an ultralight system.

What if the cord breaks?

In my 20+ years of tent ownership, I’ve never experienced a shock cord break, but I’ve heard that it can happen at any time. Here are the alternatives available to you.

Take the pole back to the retailer and ask them to fix it for you if necessary. If you purchased your tent from a respected outdoor retailer, you will have a higher chance of success with tent pole repair.

Purchase a shock cord replacement. Again, a decent outdoor retailer will have these in stock and will be able to provide you with instructions on how to make the repair. I’ve heard that it’s a really simple task to do

Replacement tent poles may be purchased. Make certain that you purchase the suitable pole! Another point to remember is that a reputable manufacturer is more likely to keep replacement parts on hand. If you purchase a low-cost model from a bargain retailer, you will almost certainly be unable to find a new pole that will fit

Attaching the Poles to the Tent

Following the assembly of the poles, it is necessary to erect and secure them to the tent. There are a variety of approaches that may be used to accomplish this.

Sleeves

Some tent systems demand that the pole be read through a long sleeve, which might be difficult for young people. This can be a time-consuming task, especially if there are several poles and sleeves to deal with. Unless you are exceedingly careful, the pole will tend to become entangled in the sleeve of your shirt. When this happens, the pole portions are prone to falling apart. You must take the components out of the sleeve, reassemble them, and begin the process over.

Loops

I feel that using a system of loops is more convenient than using a sleeve. As a result of threading the pole through a number of loops, there is almost little danger of the pole becoming entangled.

Clips

This is the system that I like. First, you need to put the tent down on the ground. After that, you’ll need to put up the poles. After that, you just clip the tent to the poles. It’s a quick and simple process!

Combination

Some tents make use of a mix of these technologies. Sleeves and clips are included with this tent.

The Bottom Line

Look for the following characteristics in a tent:

Aluminum tent poles (unless your tent is enormous and you require steel poles, or unless you are lightweight camping and can afford carbon fiber poles)

System for putting up the poles that is simple to grasp (for example, shock cords or color labeling)

I appreciate the clip mechanism for attaching the poles to the tent since it is simple to use.

You get what you pay for in most aspects of life, and this is no exception. A decent quality tent with durable, easy-to-use poles will be more expensive than a tent with weak, annoying poles, but it will be worth it in the long run. By the way, don’t forget to include “tent poles” on your camping to-do list. You don’t want to show up to your campground with a tent but no tent poles or stakes. (This is something I’ve learned from personal experience!) Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about camping tent poles, head here to learn more about tents.

Visit this website to find out all you need to know about setting up a tent.

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Ethan Fontole