How To Repair Broken Tent Pole - Welcome to Tamborine Mountain Caravan Camping

How to Fix a Tent Pole

Documentation Download Documentation Download Documentation Breaking a tent pole might bring your camping vacation dreams crashing down around you, literally, if you’re not careful. That is, unless you know how to do a few simple repairs on your own. A few simple, readily-available supplies will have you back in the warmth and safety of your dependable shelter in minutes, whether you’re tape up a pole that’s been split down the middle, strengthening a broken part, or replacing a worn out shock wire.

1 Place the damaged pole on a level place and allow it to air dry. This may be accomplished with the use of a portable camping table or picnic table. You may also place the pole on top of a flat piece of equipment, such as a cooler or a toolbox, if you don’t have access to either of these pieces of furniture. The worst-case situation may be solved by placing a smooth rock or a level stretch of ground on the ground.

There is no need to disassemble the pole or remove the elastic shock wire that binds it together
This is a simple procedure. Clean up any leaves, twigs, pine needles, sand or other similar material from your work surface before you continue. It is possible that if any of these materials make their way onto your tape, they will impair its ability to adhere correctly.

2 Cut a piece of gaffer’s tape the same length as the split part and place it over the split segment. To decide how long a strip of tape you will require, align the loose end of the tape with the extreme end of the segment, then gently unspool the roll until you reach the far end of the segment. Cleanly tear the tape to ensure that both ends are perfectly square

Gaffer’s tape is a sort of heavy-duty, high-strength tape that is widely used to repair electrical and mechanical components. It is also known as gaffer’s tape duct tape. You can pick up a roll of gaffer’s tape for a few dollars at any hardware shop or home improvement center
If you didn’t bring any gaffer’s tape with you, an ordinary roll of duct tape will enough
If you forgot to bring gaffer’s tape, an ordinary roll of duct tape would suffice

Tip: This simple, no-frills solution is best suited for emergency scenarios, such as when a pole splits on you while you’re already out in the woods. Advertisement
s3 Place the lateral edge of the tape over the split and press firmly into place. Cover the full length of the split with a strip of tape measuring 1 4–1 2inch (0.64–1.27 cm). Depending on the breadth of the roll you’re working with, you’ll have between 1 2 and 11 2 inches (1.3 and 3.8 cm) of reinforcement left over.

How-to: This simple, no-frills fix is best suited for emergency scenarios, such as when a pole splits in the middle of your hike when you’re already in the woods. Advertisement
s3 Place the lateral edge of the tape over the split and press firmly into place with your fingers. One 4–one 2inch (0.64–1.27 cm) piece of tape should be used to cover the whole length of the split. Depending on the breadth of the roll you’re working with, you’ll have between 1 2 and 11 2 inches (1.3 and 3.8 cm) of reinforcement remaining.

4 Continue wrapping the tape around the divide until it is completely covered. Fold the tape with care to prevent leaving wrinkles or creases in the fabric. The pads of your fingers can be used to smooth down the strip once you’ve secured the entire strip in place. You are now free to continue erecting your tent without any further concerns.

By wrapping the tape in this manner, you will be able to overlap the split itself at least twice while simultaneously tying the remainder of its length. It should be fine to go for the rest of the season, if not longer, if you use the proper type of tape and wrap your pole tightly.

1 If required, trim or break off the jagged edges surrounding the break to prevent it from fraying. Remove any shards or splinters that are visible extending out beyond the shaft of the segment with wire cutters, or pry them loose with a pair of pliers if they are stuck in the shaft of the segment. This will ensure that the afflicted area has a consistent thickness and that the rough edges do not cause more harm.

It’s possible that you’ll have to manually bend aluminum poles back into shape in order for them to fit inside the tent pole repair sleeves that you’ll be utilizing. A large number of aluminum tent poles can be bent by hand, but if you are having trouble, you may try using an arbor press in the same way that you would bend tiny aluminum sheet pieces.

It’s possible that you’ll have to bend aluminum poles back into shape by hand in order for them to fit inside the tent pole repair sleeves that you’re going to use. The majority of aluminum tent poles can be bent by hand
But, if you are having trouble, you may try using an arbor press in the same manner you would bend tiny aluminum sheet pieces.

Most modern tents come with at least one repair sleeve, which allows you to do quick repairs in the field. These are often constructed of an ultra-strong aluminum alloy, which results in a splint that is both durable and lightweight. Alternatively, if you don’t have a repair sleeve available, a tent pole or a stout stick might be used as a substitute.

Tip: Although it is not required to disassemble the pole in order to slide the sleeve into position, it may be more convenient to do so. 3 Duct or gaffer’s tape can be used to secure the ends of the sleeve. Strips of 4–6 in (10–15 cm) wide tape should be torn off the pole and wound around the spots on the pole where they emerge from the sleeve’s outer borders. After you’ve applied the tape, you’ll be free to set up and pack your tent as you usually would, safe in the knowledge that the splint will function to stabilize the fracture.

Feel free to wrap the tape around the sleeve as many times as necessary to be absolutely ensure that it remains in place. You may even go all the way around the sleeve if you want to
Despite the fact that the usual tent pole repair sleeve is durable enough to withstand numerous camping seasons, it’s a good idea to locate a new pole as soon as possible after the incident occurs.

First, look for an identically sized replacement section to use in place of the damaged pole. Some tent manufacturers include replacement parts with their products, such as poles and pole segments, in the initial packaging. It’s possible that your tent didn’t come with any replacement parts, in which case you’ll have to buy a new section from the original manufacturer. If you’re buying an old segment, make sure you measure it across the opening to ensure you’re obtaining one with the correct measurements.

You may also be able to locate a specific pole segment that meets your requirements on a website or via a merchant that specializes in old outdoor equipment. Replacement tent pole segments are often constructed considerably longer than conventional tent pole segments, allowing them to be readily trimmed to fit
However, replacement tent pole segments are not always made this way.

2 Measure and mark the length of the new section to ensure that it is the same length as the previous one. Place the two segments side-by-side on a level surface with their bottom edges lined and their bottom edges aligned. Use a felt-tipped marker to draw a thin line on the shaft of the new section where the previous segment stops, and then cut along that line. This line will identify the location of the new section segment where you will be performing the necessary alterations

Alternatively, you can place a strip of contrasting masking or painter’s tape around the segment to indicate where you want to make your cut. If your poles are constructed of fiberglass, cutting through the tape rather than the exposed shaft may also assist to prevent cracking or splitting. Don’t worry about being too accurate here
The goal is to prevent cracking or splitting. Whatever the length of the new segment is relative to the length of the original section, it will perform perfectly.

3 Using a hacksaw, cut the section to the desired length. Orient the pole piece such that the portion bearing the mark you just produced extends beyond the edge of your work surface when you place it at the edge of your work surface. Then, using smooth strokes and steady, moderate pressure, glide the teeth of your hacksaw back and forth over the line. Continue to saw until you reach the end of the segment
This will take some time.

The opposing end of the section should be held securely in place with your free hand to prevent it from sliding around unexpectedly while you’re attempting to concentrate on sawing. When using your hacksaw, proceed with caution. Despite the fact that they are not very hazardous instruments, an accident might still occur if you are not paying attention to what you are doing.

Advice: If you don’t already have one, a small portable hacksaw might be a very helpful addition to your camping kit. 4 Smooth down the rough edges on the cut end of the new section with a file or sandpaper. Following the trimming of the piece to the proper length, all that is needed is to smooth out the new opening with a metal file or a sheet of medium-grit sandpaper to make it seem smooth. A gentle polishing will prevent the elastic shock cord that holds the pole together from fraying once a fresh cut has been made.

It is advisable to use sandpaper with a grit that is anywhere between 80 and 120 while doing this activity.

1 Remove the old cord from the pole by cutting the anchor knots at either end of the pole. Remove the knot from the pole by inserting a pair of needle-nose pliers into the open end of the pole. Cut the rope slightly below the knot with a sharp knife or a pair of scissors, and then wriggle it out of the jointed pole segments with your fingers.

When you pull the cable out, be cautious not to lose any of the loose pole pieces that may have come away. Because they’re cylindrical, they’ll be more prone to rolling than other shapes. Due to the fact that you will be dismantling the pole in order to install the new shock cord, now is a good time to replace any pole segments that are showing signs of wear.

Tip: Use a felt-tipped marker to number the pole parts, starting with the end that was cut first. Putting them all back together in the proper arrangement will be a piece of cake later on. 2 A knot on one end of the replacement cord will serve as an anchor for the replacement cord. Simply choose a point 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) away from the end of the string and loop it into a basic double overhand knot to complete the look. After that, give the knot a couple of strong tugs to make sure it’s secure

A steel washer can be placed on the segment of the rope where you intend to tie your knot if you so choose to do so. The spherical washer will provide something for the rope to bite into and will enhance the longevity of the completed knot, as well as its appearance. Putting a knot on one end of the rope before you start working it through the various segments that make up the pole will prevent it from accidently coming out.

3 Each of your pole segments should have a fresh cable threaded through it. Running the cord through each section one at a time and securing them all together is the quickest and most efficient method of accomplishing this. In most cases, when you purchase a replacement shock cable, it will come with an attachable wire pull-through mechanism, which will assist you in speeding up the procedure somewhat.

When pulling the cord through, it may be helpful to have an aide hold each piece for you while you concentrate on pushing the cord through.

4 Remove one end of the cord and tie it off with the pole stretched out to its full length. Once you’ve completed the process of running the new cord through each section, lay the entire assembly down on the floor. Extend the cord to generate some tension, then twist up a second double overhand knot 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) from one end of the cord opposite the one you began with. That is all there is to it.

Remember to put a second washer onto the string before tying your final knot if you used one on the first side
Otherwise, the knot will not hold. It is important to remember that if your shock cords are connected with metal pull tips rather than anchor knots, you must replace them according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

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To obtain a new pole for your tent while it is still under warranty, get in touch with the manufacturer. Depending on the circumstances, they may even replace the entire tent for a minimal fee. It will be necessary to reshape steel tent poles by a qualified metal craftsman, albeit it may be more cost-effective in the long run to simply purchase a new set of poles. When looking for spare parts for popular tent types, online purchasing platforms such as eBay may be quite beneficial.

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Things You’ll Need

Gaffer’s tape or duct tape for tent pole repair
A tent pole repair sleeve Wire cutters or pliers (as an alternative)
Optional: a tent stake or a stout stick (for use as a makeshift splint)

Toolkit includes: replacement pole segment
Felt-tipped marker
Hacksaw
Metal file or medium-grit sandpaper
Contrast tape (optional)
And instructions.

Sharp knife or scissors, steel washer (optional), replacement shock cable (optional), hacksaw (optional), and other miscellaneous supplies. Alternatives include: a file or sandpaper. Optional: a felt-tipped marker

About This Article

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Hey, hey, summer has officially here. Yes, the pandemic implies that some people may be unable to go or camp due to the disease, and many campgrounds will remain closed. However, scattered camping is still an option almost everywhere, and new campsites are being built all the time to accommodate the growing demand. To put it another way, it’s time to break out the tent. Alternatively, if one of the tent poles becomes damaged while being removed from the tent, it is necessary to utilize the little metal sleeve that came with the tent.

I’ve been camping for several decades and had never needed to use one before then.

It took me a while to figure out how the repair sleeve worked because I’d never used one before.

In this little video from MSR, the manufacturer of the Hubba Hubba NX, which is one of my all-time favorite hiking tents, you can see how simple it is to do that repair in the field.

How to Replace a Broken Tent Pole

Q. Hey, there, Gear Guy! My two-man tent was being set up for air drying when one of the fiberglass poles snapped as I was putting it up. Are there any sites where I may go to acquire a replacement for my watch? — Half-a-pole Adam from Spokane, Washington. Greetings, Mr. Half. First and foremost, congratulations for thoroughly drying out your tent (cue applause). Taking good care of your equipment is essential if you want it to endure for a long period. After that, I’d like to share a few of recommendations that are special to tent poles: The middle of the foldable tent poles should always be the starting point for assembling or disassembling them.

This will place an excessive amount of strain on the elastic within the pole, which may cause it to break.
In addition, such debris might get trapped inside the pole joints and cause issues.
Your best bet is to get in touch with the company who made your tent in the first place.
If it doesn’t work, try returning to the store where you purchased the tent.
In the event that you do get in contact, please careful to specify which specific tent type you have and which pole is damaged.
It appears that replacement poles may be purchased for as little as $5 to $35 for fiberglass poles, depending on the diameter and length of the pole you want, of course.

Aluminum poles are almost twice as costly as steel poles. While I can’t personally speak for the firm, it appears as though they would be able to assist you.

Your Tent Pole Just Snapped—Now What?

Outdoor What Should You Do If Your Tent Pole Breaks? The 28th of August, 2017 You’ve been hiking for the better part of the day to come to this spot: your dream camping. You may finally unload your heaviest load and begin setting up your camp. If you move quickly, you’ll be sitting around the campfire eating dinner just as the first star appears in the sky. What was that loud crack you heard? Having a tent pole break while camping is a terrible, but somewhat regular, camping incident. 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.

Carry a Repair Sleeve

You happen to have thrown the tent pole repair sleeve that came with your tent into your bag before setting out on your excursion, and this is the best-case situation for you. Few of us really do this, so you may want to visit your local sporting goods store and pick one up for yourself. Consider it a first-aid kit for your outdoor equipment. Is there no repair sleeve? Please continue reading.

Duct Tape, Duct Tape, and More Duct Tape

While repair sleeves may not be an usual thing to find in a backpack, the chances are excellent that someone in your party took duct tape with them on their vacation to the mountains. Depending on where the pole snapped, you may be able to salvage a temporary remedy by wrapping the duct tape around the pole. The more you tape, the stronger it will be, so tape away.

Borrow From the Fly

If your tent is equipped with a fly, you may be able to be a bit more creative with your setup. Consider a vestibule as an example: it’s lovely to have, but it’s not absolutely necessary—if you have one, borrow its pole and see if it can be adjusted to replace (or support) the damaged pole. A sagging wall, on the other hand, may be OK provided you have a sturdy fly covering the opening to keep the elements out of the room.

Seek Help From Mother Nature

If the pole snapped at an inconvenient time, check around camp for a robust and sturdy stick to substitute for it. If you use some thread or duct tape to attach it to your pole, you might be able to use it as a temporary splint. Choosing this option will likely necessitate some ingenuity on your part when it comes to clipping and pole sleeves, since they aren’t designed to accept sticks and branches—but doing so may provide your tent with the structural stability it requires. Instead, if you’re on a well-traveled route or camping in a more popular location, you might be able to discover an old can that has been discarded someplace.

To cut the can, use a multitool to split it in half and then wrap the metal over the broken tent pole segment.

Make Do Without

If the pole has snapped and there doesn’t appear to be a way to repair it or replace it with anything else, you may have to make a small concession in terms of convenience.

If your tent requires numerous poles to be set up, it may be feasible to get away with putting the tent up without using the damaged pole in question. Although it may cause the inside to become less spacious, it will serve its purpose in an emergency.

Sleep Under the Stars

You might want to consider changing your sleeping arrangements if you have a more minimalist-style tent with only a few poles that has proven hard to repair. In the absence of poles, you may still set up your tent by laying the tent material down to cover the ground, unrolling your sleeping bag, and using the fly as a blanket to help keep some moisture out. Visualize your trip as a sandwich, with the tent and fly serving as the crusty bread on the exterior and you and your sleeping bag serving as the vegetables and meat on the inside.

Make a point of picking up a tent repair kit when you get back to civilization; they are all temporary solutions that will get you through a night or two, but you’ll want something more permanent for future camping trips.

Help! My tent is broken! – How to fix your tent and repair poles

As a result, your really costly tent is shattered or ruined. What options do you have? We demonstrate a few approaches to assist you in resolving the issue. Any family tent represents a significant financial investment, and when catastrophes occur, such as a bent tent pole, you may be faced with the risk of having that investment completely wiped out from under your feet. Here’s a brief list of objects that have broken, along with the many alternatives you have for repairing or replacing them.

Fixing a bent tent peg

In all seriousness, you are going to have bent tent pegs, especially if you are using the standard pegs that came with your tent. Seriously?!? These tent pegs are very inexpensive and will quickly bend if not handled properly. While it is possible to construct a jig to straighten them, doing so is not recommended. Replacement tent pegs are inexpensive and readily available. However, you should be updating your tent pegs regardless of whether you are camping or not. Read this post to find out what kind of tent pegs you should buy.

Replacing a snapped guy line

Guy lines are generally rather robust, and I haven’t come across one that has snapped yet. However, if this does happen to you, don’t be concerned, because replacement guy lines are readily available online.

Fixing Leaking Tent Seams

What was once a completely dry tent may begin to bleed water via a seam due to a leak. This can occur for a variety of causes, including:

The waterproof coating or seam sealant has become ineffective
The seam has been stretched beyond its breaking point, and the seal has been compromised. A previously undiscovered fault has just recently become a problem as a result of a change in wind/rain strength and direction.

You should also double-check that the seam is indeed leaking, as moisture in a tent may often give the appearance of a leak. You could even find yourself with a pool of water in your tent if your tent hasn’t been properly ventilated before you set up camp. An additional consideration is that certain poly-cotton or canvas tents may have somewhat leaky seams the first time they are used, since the materialstitching has not yet settled (well, this is what one manufacturer reported anyway). It is simple to repair a little leaky seam.

If you want a more permanent solution, you may acquire some tent seam sealer instead. This must be applied after the surface has dried. Click here to read an article on how to avoid a leaky tent and how to stop the tent seams from leaking.

Waterproofing Your Tent

It is also possible to seek treatment for leaky seams if you believe that water is no longer running off the tent material as it used to, which is something you should investigate further. Even the soapy combination used in your child’s bubbles might be a source of concern for them. Was it ever brought to your attention that laundry detergent might destroy the waterproof covering from your tent? A problem might arise even from the soapy combination used in your child’s bubbles. You may purchase a spray-on waterproofer, which is a convenient item to have on hand when camping.

Fixing a Bent or Broken Tent Pole

Now, the answer to a broken or bent tent pole is highly dependent on the type of tent pole in question, as well as the location and severity of the damage.

Replacing ‘bendy’ Fibreglass Tent Poles

If your tent is equipped with flexible tent poles (which are normally constructed of fiberglass or a composite material and are typically black or grey in color), they are the easiest to repair and replace.

1. Simple DIY Tent Pole ‘gaffa’ Repair

Most of the time, these sorts of poles are capable of splitting, exposing the inner elastic that binds the various pieces together. The best in-field fix for this is a simple piece of gaffa or duct tape. We’ve done this previously, and the tape really lasted for a few more seasons after that. When you go camping, always remember to bring some gaffer tape with you.

2. DIY Replacement Section

You may also purchase replacements, which can be either full poles or simply a portion of a pole. If you only wish to replace a segment of the pipe, take measurements of the width and diameter. After that, you may find a replacement in the proper size. To re-thread the elastic through, you will need to dismantle the pieces of the pole that were before the damaged pole. Some replacement kits have a convenient pull through that is handy for threading the elastic line through the tent pole.

Replacing Steel Tent Poles

It is possible to straighten a bent steel tent pole if it is a straight portion and it has not been bent too far out of shape; however, this is not recommended. But if that isn’t possible or if the tent pole is formed, it is preferable to take it to a metal craftsman with a non-bent pole that is identical to the bent pole. The metal worker will be equipped with equipment that will allow him to quickly return the pole to its original shape, as well as the ability to heat the pole if necessary to avoid straining the metal.

2. Replacing the bent pole section

When it comes to poles that can’t be replaced, your options are quite restricted. There are occasionally some replacement poles available for straight portions, however most steel tent poles are made to a specified form for the tent type that you have purchased.

3. Contact the retailer

The first thing I would suggest is that you contact the store where you purchased it, and if that is unsuccessful, you should contact another retailer who carries your brand of tent.

Some merchants may have a few extras on hand, or they may have some old stock that they are willing to sell you. Of course, depending on the part, this may entail a modest premium over the standard rate.

4. Contact a spares supplier

Tent spares are only available from a few providers that offer a repair service. One such service isTentSpares.co.uk, a specialised outdoor repair service such asScottish Mountain Gear, which is one example of this type of service. My own experience with their service is limited (thank goodness! ), but I am aware of a few other people who have had positive experiences with it.

5. Contact the Manufacturer

Tent spares are only available from a few providers that offer a service. One such firm isTentSpares.co.uk, a specialised outdoor repair service such asScottish Mountain Gear, which provides tent spares and other outdoor equipment. My personal experience with their service (touch wood!) has been positive, but I am aware of a few others who have had negative experiences with it.

6. E-Bay

For popular tent models, there is a considerable second-hand market to choose from. While the expense of purchasing a second-hand version of your tent for the purpose of replacing a pole may seem extravagant, it may still be less expensive than other alternatives. Keep an eye out on the second-hand market for any more tents that may be available as spares. Somebody else’s tent may have been damaged, but it may have been in a different place, and you will be able to pick it up for a far lower price.

Repairing a Ripped Tent

A ripped tent does not necessarily imply the end of the tent.at least not if the rip is not too severe. When you are camping, gaffa tape will come in handy if you have a little rip. In case of an emergency, you may also purchase tent repair tape to use in the meanwhile. Cover the area with a tarp if you need to make an emergency repair to a larger rip — you do have a tarp, don’t you? (read this). Some tents include some repair cloth as well as some glue for minor repairs (and a few with a self-adhesive patch).

If your tent does not come with a patch, you can purchase one from a store; however, the color of the patch may not match the color of your tent.

If you require anything further, you may need to call a local tent repairer (whom your local camping shop may be able to recommend) or look into purchasing a used tent.

Useful items for DIY Tent Repairs

Here are some tools and supplies you may use to repair your damaged tent on your own. GorillaTapeIdeal for making quick repairs in an emergency. Outwell The Luminous Guy Line is a line of clothing that is brightly colored and stands out from the crowd. VangoGuy Line is a transportation company that specializes on vangos. There are a variety of colors to choose from. OutwellDurawrap These are available in a variety of sizes. Outwell Steel Pole with a Straight Base These are available in a variety of sizes.

VangoFibreglass Pole is made of fiberglass.
McNettSeamSure For the purpose of repairing leaky seams McNettSeamgrip It is used for mending seams that have fallen apart.
Patches of McNett’s tenaciousness For bigger holes in your tent, use a tent sealant.
NikwaxTent It is possible to purchase them in either spray-on or bigger sizes.

Hopefully, the information provided above will assist you in resolving your tent’s issues to your satisfaction. Photos courtesy of Thomas Guest. The main photo (at the top of the page) is a derivation of ” End of Tent ” by Thomas Guest, which is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

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Using a Broken Tent Pole in the Field

It is possible for a broken tent pole to be caused by a variety of factors, including high winds, an inadvertent stomp when erecting your tent, or simply the age of your tent. Regardless of how your tent poles break, you must be aware of how to repair them so that you may use them when camping. Here’s how to fix damaged tent poles while you’re out in the field.

Always pack a repair sleeve and some tape

Always include a tiny gear repair kit when you go camping, just in case something goes wrong. Preparing for the unexpected by packing the essentials (tent pole repair sleeves, duct tape, nylon repair tape, seam grip, sand paper, needle and thread, etc.) assures that you’ll have at least a temporary patch for any equipment that breaks while you’re out in the field. Tent poles that have snapped while out camping are rather simple to repair. All you’ll need is a tent pole repair sleeve and/or some duct tape to complete the project.

Alternatively, if your tent did not come with a sleeve, or if you’ve misplaced it, you may purchase one at your local outdoor equipment store.
If at all feasible, remove any sharp or jagged edges from the tent pole by sanding, filing, or cutting them away.
Wrap the repair sleeve with duct tape for added strength – this is especially important if the repair sleeve is bigger in diameter than the tent poles.
Using duct tape, just wrap the break until it is strong enough to hold the weight of your tent.

Do a proper repair when you get home

Field repairs can help you get by in the short term, but they are not a long-term solution. Always make a thorough inspection of your outdoor equipment as soon as you get home from your vacation. Locate a mending splint that is the same diameter as the tent poles you intend to use. Once again, you can get these items at your local outdoor equipment store. Make certain that any sharp or jagged edges are filed or sanded down to avoid injuring the elastic shock cord that is contained within the poles.

Then, using several wraps of duct tape or nylon repair tape, secure the broken ends of the tent pole together once again.

Additionally, the weight will be distributed more evenly over the break.

Visit Uncle Sam’s Safari Outfitters in Fayetteville, Arkansas, for tents, gear repair supplies, and any other outdoor gear needs you may have for your next adventure!

How To Fix Broken Fibreglass Tent Poles

Obviously, this isn’t the best news, but it doesn’t mean you have to cancel your camping trip just yet. Furthermore, you will not be required to purchase a new tent. Replacement tent poles and a little know-how are all you’ll need to restore your tent poles to like-new condition. Continue reading for a fast and simple advice on how to repair broken fiberglass tent poles.

A set of replacement fiberglass tent poles for use with a canopy. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, go with universal tent poles. A little hacksaw, sandpaper, and duct tape are all needed.

In order to construct your pole, you will need to use numerous loose “pieces” and an elasticated cord (sometimes referred to as a shock cord). The shock cord is simply knotted at each end once it has been threaded through each component from one end to the other. Measure the length of the portion that will be replaced (the new section is generally extra-long, so you may need to cure the new pole down to suit). Making use of a tiny hacksaw, cut the new section (if necessary) to the length of the pole that will be replacing the old one.

Then carefully peel away the duct tape and sand the edges until they are smooth.

Retain hold of the shock cord and carefully remove the pieces one at a time (while maintaining them in the proper sequence) until you reach the section that needs to be repaired or replaced.

You may always shorten or lengthen the shock cord by fishing out the knot in one of the end poles as it becomes necessary.

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Verified PurchaseReviewed in the United States on August 10, 2019Verified Purchase I bought tent poles of the same diameter as my previous ones, but the ones that arrived were somewhat smaller in diameter, resulting in a gap between the old pole and the new pole when I linked the two together. I was able to utilize metallic plumbers tape to make the smaller pole more tight and fit appropriately by wrapping it in the tape. The threading wire is completely ineffective; instead, simply take out as much of the shock cord as you can and then use a clamp to hold it taught, and you will be able to thread through with no issue.

These are inexpensive because they are inexpensive.
a rating of 2.0 out of 5 stars They’re priced so low for a purpose.
I bought tent poles of the same diameter as my previous ones, but the ones that arrived were somewhat smaller in diameter, resulting in a gap between the old pole and the new pole when I linked the two together.
The threading wire is completely ineffective; instead, simply take out as much of the shock cord as you can and then use a clamp to hold it taught, and you will be able to thread through with no issue.
These are inexpensive because they are inexpensive.
The photographs in this review On December 24, 2020, the United States will conduct a review.
Just make sure you don’t inhale any dust.

To get the cable into the hole, I had to use a flashlight, which I clenched between my teeth (a headlamp would have been a better idea).

Because the provided wire is fairly thick, you won’t be able to perform the usual thing and attach the end of the cord to the wire; instead, you’ll have to just stuff the wire through with the cord to complete the installation.

In addition, the cable is visible.

A thicker material will not bend as readily, but it will last longer; a blind is often kept in one place for weeks or months at a time, and the weight of rain or snow might cause the rods to break, so a durable material is recommended.

Useless.

Use caution with a hacksaw, as previously suggested, and you should have no problems with splitting or fibers becoming trapped in your fingers.

Purchase that has been verified At the same time, both packs of these Coghlans fiberglass poles display exposed fiberglass, in contrast to the Coleman poles (which are slightly more costly).

Your fingertips will become coated with fiberglass.

They are most likely going to be OK.

Sheesh.

The review will take place in the United States on July 13, 2021.

This was hastened by a recent camping trip where we were pounded by a sudden storm that dumped 4-5 inches of rain in an hour and left us with a collapsed tent with another 6 inches of water in the bottoms.” Putting this pole together and getting it ready to use takes literally minutes and minutes.

It was my error, not the pole’s, that caused the problem.
As others have pointed out, if you are replacing existing but damaged poles, you will need to trim these rods to size.
If you have REI poles that have the pole ends that go into a grommet on the ground, you will also need a drill bit to remove the knot that is holding the internal bungee rope in place on the pole ends.
On December 9, 2021, a review will be conducted in the United States.
This was a complete success.
However, I discovered that the extra fiberglass pole sections are abnormally lengthy.
Before purchase, be sure you measure the length of your tent pole sections.
Purchase that has been verified Although I cannot comment on how simple it was to install these poles because my husband performed all of the work, our tent pole is now functional again!

However, a little piece of electrical tape fixed the problem. On July 7, 2021, a review was published in the United States of America. There are no directions, but it is quite simple to figure out what to do. However, there should be some sort of set of instructions.

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 stars out of 5 for this product It worked perfectly for mending my Coleman tent poles. On June 24, 2020, a reviewer in Canada noted that the purchase had been verified. In order to repair three broken pole parts on my Coleman tent, I bought these. Although I anticipated they would be too long based on another reviewer’s description, I was able to cut a few inches off the end and then sand it down to perfection, and they functioned flawlessly. The most difficult element was probably getting the elastic chord re-strung through the older pieces of the current tent pole, which proved to be the most difficult.

Very good value, excellent protection for my tent, and I’m confident that they will survive for many years.
The varillas are made of glass fiber.
Purchase that has been verified These varillas were purchased with the intention of replacing a rotted varilla from a toldo with mosquitoes that I had purchased in the United States.
I didn’t have to use any elástico or varilla terminations; instead, I simply had to cut a 10 cm strip from the new varilla and cut away the elástico with some nail pins, then use a hilo and an aguja to reinstall the varillas.
Purchased on September 29, 2019 in Canada and reviewed on September 30, 2019Verified Purchase “It’s a touch short,” the wife commented on the shortness.
It is difficult to locate precise replacement entire poles.
Purchase that has been verified I have a Coleman BP Bristol tent that I use for camping.

How to Replace Shock Cord in Tent Pole

There are various little components in a tent that might fail, but these do not need the purchase of a completely new unit. Tent pole shock cords are susceptible to failure, deterioration, and brittleness with time, and finally loss of their elastic qualities. Your tent pole may no longer operate properly if the shock cord is no longer functioning properly. You may believe that new tent poles are required. Purchasing new tent poles, on the other hand, may be quite expensive, and there is a lot more affordable option.

It is simple to replace the shock cord in your tent pole; all you need are a few simple components and a positive mindset.

We’ll also talk about why shock cords are vital, as well as some preventative actions you may do to avoid more harm.

If you know how to mend a broken tent pole in the field, a broken tent pole in the field does not have to be a reason for panic.

What is a tent shock cord and why is it important?

Modern tent poles are equipped with shock cords, which serve primarily to keep your tent poles connected to one another. Tents of the past had poles that easily split apart into tiny portions, however the newer design preserves all of your poles in one piece and makes pitching your tent much simpler. You may still utilize the fragments of a broken shock cord from one of your poles if the cord is from another pole. Nonetheless, because your tent poles are intended to be linked, pitching your tent may prove to be a significant issue.

Upon assembly of the poles, the shock cords are formed of an elastic material, which allows for the individual segments to be kept together with elastic once the poles have been joined.

What you need to replace the shock cord in a tent pole

Make sure you have all of the materials you’ll need before starting to work on your tent repair. A replacement shock cord may be purchased at your local camping store, and there are several companies who sell shock cords online as well. You will require the following materials:

The use of a shock cable (size 18″ or smaller) with adequate length to cover all of the poles that need to be fixed
Scissors or a sharp edge
Measuring tape
Sharpie or marker pen
A lighter or matches to melt the ends of the wires Tape for masking

How to replace a faulty shock cord in a tent pole

The moment has come to get started on mending your shelter now that you have all of the equipment you need, as well as some new shock cable to replace the old, faulty ones you had to start from scratch. If you follow our instructions, your tent will look and function like new! The first thing you should do if your shock cord is still intact is to cut it with scissors by pulling apart two portions of your tent pole and severing the shock cable within them. You will see that your tent pole will come apart into its many components after the cable has been severed.

Because it’s probable that the pole portions in the middle are similar, the end pieces where the rope is knotted are the most critical parts to avoid getting mixed up in the process.
Perhaps you’ll need to remove your grommet pegs and then untie the remaining cable before you can continue.
2.
Remember to collect the proper dimensions for each tent pole if you’re replacing the shock cord in a number of different models.
Make a mark on the cord using a marker pen to indicate the length that will be needed, but do not cut it yet!
If you are unable to use your previous cord as a reference, measure and mark the new cord to be approximately 8 inches shorter than the pole, or around 75% of its overall length.
You’ll need to cut the cord to a length that’s slightly longer than the length of your tent poles in order to leave enough room to thread it through.

Then, taking the longer end, begin threading it through all of the segments of the tent pole until you reach the other end.

Make certain that the cables are threaded in the proper direction, male to female, or else they will not fit together after you’re through.

Step 4: Finish the job 4.Assemble the tent pole so that all of the sections are attached to one another, just as you would while pitching a tent.

When all of the tent pole sections are securely fastened together, begin tugging on the cord to stretch it out at the other end.

When you’ve reached the desired length with the string, tie a knot here to ensure that the peg is secure.

Then, using your lighter or matches, singe the end of the cord to prevent it from fraying or unraveling.

All of the components should be tucked away and reassembled, and there should be no evidence of a shock cord visible outside the pole.

We’ve come to the end of our lessons on how to replace the shock cable inside a tent pole.

All camping equipment is subject to wear and tear, but for the most part, it is not required to replace it.

The fact that you can use this approach at home when doing repairs is excellent, but what happens if your shock cord breaks while you’re on a camping trip isn’t so nice.

If you don’t happen to have an extra length of tent pole shock cord on hand, continue reading to learn about potential alternatives to this procedure.

How to Repair a Shock Cord if it Breaks in the Field

A snapped or overstretched shock cable might make erecting your shelter more difficult if you’re already out on the trail during your camping vacation. If you want to repair the wire without having to replace the entire length, fortunately, there is a simple solution. However, while this is not a permanent solution, it will allow you to use your tent for a short period of time until you can replace the cord completely. If the cable hasn’t snapped, but rather has become too stretched out to go around your tent pole, there’s a simple solution.

Then, draw the shock cable through the grommet peg until it is taught once again, and reattach it to the grommet peg.
If the shock cord on your old tent pole has snapped, you’ll need to remove the pole using the steps outlined above to fix the problem.
Remove a few inches of the cord’s elastic core on each side of the break, leaving only the braided sheath on the other side.
The reason you need a thinner segment of cord to tie the knot is so that the knot will not become trapped in the poles and will be able to flow through freely.

Using string as a temporary replacement for a broken shock cord

If the shock cord in your tent pole is damaged beyond repair and you don’t have a new replacement cord on hand, you can use a string to tie the poles together until you can purchase a new replacement cable. Although this will not have the same elastic characteristics as real shock cable, it can be used as a temporary replacement until you can make more serious repairs. Keep this in mind when using this. All you need to execute this DIY patch is a length of strong string and a hair bobby pin, making it a simple repair that can be completed with a small number of supplies.

Remember to be careful not to mix up the pole pieces once again, so that you can quickly put them back together thereafter when you’re through.
Calculate the length of your string based on the length of your tent pole plus a few additional inches for tying the knots, and then cut it.
This will make it much easier to thread the string back through the tent.
Dropping the bobby pin down through the pole and then gently pulling it out from the other side is a good way to do this.
Because you’re using string rather than an elastic cord, you won’t be able to tighten it before tying it off properly.
Tie off your string on the grommet peg, allowing for the additional length, and then singe the ends to avoid fraying.

When you’re finished, we recommend that you unfurl your poles to make sure there’s enough slack to pack away your tent properly. Any mistakes can be corrected by untying the end at a peg and making any required modifications.

How to repair a broken tent pole

The shock cord isn’t the only part of your tent pole that might break; the outer poles themselves can be susceptible to breaking at times. If you experience a tent pole breakdown while on a camping vacation, it might render your shelter entirely inoperable! You should be familiar with these simple methods for repairing a damaged tent pole as well as changing the bungee cord so that you are prepared for any situation that may arise. A pole repair sleeve, also known as a splint, is the most straightforward method of repairing a broken pole.

Purchasing a repair sleeve is a cheap option if your tent does not come equipped with one; you never know when you might require one.
If the tent pole has simply been twisted, and not completely cut, gently bend the metal back into place to prevent further damage.
If there are any shards of broken tent pole metal in your path, try bending them back inwards with some pliers or, if necessary, a rock to clear the route.
Alternatively, if you do not have a tent pole repair sleeve, you can splint the pole with an extra stake.
Using duct tape, secure a stake to either side of the broken tent pole and then line up the broken tent pole the same way you did previously.

Preventing damage to your tent poles in the future

If you’ve had to make a repair to your tent pole shock cord and want to prevent having to do it again in the future, we have some suggestions for maintaining and extending the life of your tent poles to help you out. Keep your poles off the ground at all times, especially if you’re working in a sloppy environment with loose soil, gravel, or mud. Openings into the hollow inside of the poles may be seen when your poles are folded up. It’s ideal to prevent having any debris get trapped inside your tent poles because this might cause the shock cord to become abrasive and eventually break.

When building your tent and connecting the tent poles, start with the central segment and work your way out from there.

This will lower the amount of strain placed on the elastic shock cable within, hence reducing the likelihood of breakages and the need for replacement.

You’ll be considerably more likely to prevent repairs and replacements in the future if you follow these few simple suggestions. If you’re willing to put in the effort to make a few minor repairs, then resting on your camping vacation will be much more enjoyable.

Final Verdict:

It is occasionally required to replace the shock cord in your tent pole, but it does not have to be a difficult process. It is possible to save a large amount of money by making minor repairs and replacements to your camping equipment over time, and it is also considerably healthier for the environment. Learning how to execute these little repairs is simple, and more importantly, it will make you a more experienced camper. As an added bonus, watch this video for some further tent pole repair advice!

Ethan Fontole