Where To Repair Tent Poles

How to Fix a Broken Tent Pole

Tent poles are the skeleton of your outdoor shelter, giving support to hold the tent erect. Based on 58 reviews, the average rating is 3.7 out of 5 stars. If a pole breaks, your tent may wobble, flap, or fully collapse, therefore it’s a good idea to be prepared with the essential materials and know-how to repair a broken pole before you go camping. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to do the following:

• While in the field, learn how to use a repair sleeve or an old tent stake to hold a broken tent pole together until it can be repaired at home. Learn how to replace the flexible shockcord inside your tent pole if it breaks or wears out and how to make an at-home repair.

Repairs by professionals: If you require expert assistance, many REI locations can do simple repairs. Alternatively, TentPole Technologies, the nation’s best pole repair service, is a fantastic alternative. REI Repair Services is a division of REI.

Splinting a Broken Tent Pole

The damage done to your tent pole by a violent gust of wind or stepping on it is irreversible. A kinked, split, or shattered pole requires rapid treatment when out camping (when you get home, you can look into having the pole replaced or professionally repaired.) There are two alternatives available to you:

• Use a pole repair sleeve to fix the problem. Make a splint out of a tent stake.

Using a Pole Repair Sleeve

A pole repair sleeve is the quickest and most convenient method of repairing a damaged pole. This little tube, which is also known as a splint, is frequently included with your tent. If you don’t already have one, go out and get one. Pole repair sleeves should be somewhat bigger in diameter than the pole they are intended to fix so that they do not move about too much. A repair sleeve is an easy way to patch a broken tent pole. Here’s how:

1. Stack the broken pole components in a straight line
2. It is possible to straighten out the curvature in the pole if it is bent but not completely broken. Adjusting the sleeve over the pole end until it’s perfectly centered over the break or kink can necessitate the use of pliers or a rock to bend spread sections so that the sleeve can glide over them
3. Make two or three wraps around each end of the sleeve/pole, using duct tape or whatever heavy-duty tape you happen to have on hand. It may be necessary to splint the portions of a broken pole together where one pole end fits into the next pole end
4. However, this will prevent the poles from folding neatly when you pull the tent down.

Using a Tent Stake as a Splint

If you’ve misplaced or forgotten your pole repair sleeve, you may make a rudimentary splint out of a tent stake as follows:

1. Stack the broken pole components in a straight line
2. The curve should be straightened out if the pole is bent but not completely broken. Align the stake such that it is centered close to the breach in the ground
3. Wrap duct tape around each end of the stake/pole many times, or use whatever heavy-duty tape you have on hand.

How to Replace Tent-Pole Shockcord

After a period of time, the flexible shockcord that is included within your tent poles may become abraded and snap, or it may just lose its elasticity completely. Despite the fact that the shockcord snaps while you’re out in the field, you may still utilize the pole by carefully assembling each of its component pieces. But when you arrive home, you’ll want to replace the shockcord since it simplifies the assembly process and prevents you from losing a pole segment during transport. Fortunately, the procedure of changing it is uncomplicated.

• A permanent marker
• Masking tape (optional)
• Scissors
• Locking pliers (optional)
• A new 1/8-inch-diameter shockcord (about the length of your tent pole)
• A permanent marker
• Locking pliers (optional).

The following is the procedure for replacing the shockcord:

1. Begin by placing the tent pole out straight on the ground. Sections can be labeled with a permanent marker (masking tape can be used if you don’t want to write directly on the pole) to prevent them from becoming mixed up. Remove the old cable by snipping it, and then take the elastic out of the pole end. Maintain the same sequence and alignment of all of the pole parts for the duration of your job
2. It is common for tent poles to have a little metal piece attached at either end where the string is fastened
3. Keep an eye out for these pieces and make sure they are not lost. Using your old shockcord, untangle the ends and place them next to your new shockcord. the length of the new piece of shockcord should be trimmed to match the length of the original The replacement part should be approximately 8 inches shorter than the previous section if the old shockcord has become stretched out and no longer has its elastic properties. Tighten one end of the shockcord and pass the other end through all of the pole sections until the last one
4. Make a temporary knot in the shockcord to prevent it from slipping back into the second-to-last pole piece
5. Alternatively, you may use a pair of locking pliers to secure the cord in place. Feed the remaining shockcord through the final part of the pole and tie the end together. Return to the beginning and untie (or unclamp) the rope that connects the final two pole parts. Check to make sure that all of the pole components are securely fastened to the completely completed pole. If the shockcord is still too slack, untie one end and pull it out 6 inches at a time until the poles are securely fastened together when the shockcord is tightened. It is important not to over-shorten the rope. Using pliers, remove the parts of the pole and fold it up starting at the center position

Related Articles

• Getting Started with Tent Care
• How to Repair a Tent
• Checklist for Backpacking Repair Kits
• How to Set Up a Tent

Contributing Experts

Jon Almquist works as a product manager for tents at the REI Co-op headquarters in Kent, Washington.

Laura Evenson

Currently, Laura Evenson works as a sales lead in the camp and climb departments at the REI Conshohocken location in Pennsylvania. Laura’s 2013 Appalachian Trail thru-hike included 27 consecutive days of rain, demonstrating her tenacity as an adventurer.

Chris Pottinger

Chris Pottinger works at REI Co-op in Kent, Washington, as a senior tent designer.

Lindsey Stone

Currently based in Seattle, Lindsey Stone works as the operations director for Rainy Pass Repair Inc. Prior to that, she worked as a professional sewing technician for a total of 12 years. Her family, which includes her husband, kid, and dog, likes hiking, camping, and canoeing together.

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. 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.

• It is significantly more beneficial to tape a split longitudinally than than merely covering the ends of the split. The greater the amount of surface area on which the tape can attach, the more securely it will clamp the split together.

• 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. 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.

1. 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. 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

Thank you to all authors for contributing to this page, which has been read 8,624 times so far.

Did this article help you?

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.

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Replace and Repair Tent Poles

The majority of modern tents are constructed of glass fiber poles with elastic flowing through the center. If you don’t tighten your guide ropes enough to prevent your tent from shifting about, you may find that these poles split through the middle. Most tent retailers, such as go outside, retain used ones in store from previous show tents; if you ask respectfully, they may be willing to offer you a few of them for free if your tents are less than a year old and you purchased them from them.

Step 1: You Will Need.

Hacksaw and sandpaper for replacing the poles In the shape of a large needle Fishing line with a lot of strength Pen with a marking pen Mask for the face

Step 2: Getting Started

Remove the poles from the elastic by cutting the knot at one end of the elastic and removing the poles from the elastic.

Step 3: Cutting to Length.

Mark the length of the old pole adjacent to the new pole to use as a reference. Hold the new pole firmly in your hands and carefully cut the pole to the desired length, being careful not to damage the fibers. WHEN WORKING WITH FIBERGLASS, ALWAYS WEAR A MASK.

Step 4: Sanding

Using slow, gentle sanding, remove any splinters from the top of the pole, then sand the edges to a cone shape until they are smooth. Check that the poles are snugly fitting into each other by putting them through their paces. WHEN WORKING WITH FIBERGLASS, ALWAYS WEAR A MASK.

Step 5: Threading the Elastic

Slowly sand the top of the pole to remove any splinters, and then sand the edges to a cone shape until they are smooth and free of imperfections. In order to ensure that the poles fit tightly together, they should be trial fit. If you are working with glass, you should wear a mask.

Step 6: Last Pole

Holding the elastic around your finger and tying a double knot at the end of the fishing line will help you draw the last two poles tight. Once you have finished, cut the fishing line and you are finished!

1 Person Made This Project!

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.

1. This will place an excessive amount of strain on the elastic within the pole, which may cause it to break.
2. In addition, such debris might get trapped inside the pole joints and cause issues.
3. Your best bet is to get in touch with the company who made your tent in the first place.
4. If it doesn’t work, try returning to the store where you purchased the tent.
5. In the event that you do get in contact, please careful to specify which specific tent type you have and which pole is damaged.
6. 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.

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.
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• 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.

1. Then, draw the shock cable through the grommet peg until it is taught once again, and reattach it to the grommet peg.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. This will make it much easier to thread the string back through the tent.
4. 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.
5. Because you’re using string rather than an elastic cord, you won’t be able to tighten it before tying it off properly.
6. 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.

1. Purchasing a repair sleeve is an inexpensive option if your tent does not come equipped with one; you never know when you might require one.
2. If the tent pole has simply been twisted, and not completely cut, gently bend the metal back into place to prevent further damage.
3. 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.
4. Alternatively, if you do not have a tent pole repair sleeve, you can splint the pole with an extra stake.
5. 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!