What is this thing?

[isoc]

I tried to add this to a thread, but I couldn't attach the image, so had to start another.

While setting up my tent this morning I found this on a tie down. I have no idea what that black plastic thing is or does. I just used a clove hitch to attach the line to the stake, but I am curious as to what purpose that black plastic piece has. I'm still trying to get used to how this forum works, so I had to attach an image of it.

Thanks, Ted

[a65hoosier]

Re: What is this thing?

To me it looks like a 3 hole guy line tensioner. Not exactly clear where you found this tied on...

[MacGyver]

Re: What is this thing?

It's definitely a 3-hole tensioner. To this day I've never figured out how they're supposed to work. I've had more than a few of the two-hole kind, just never did figure out how to thread the threes. Then again, I never cared enough to find out. LOL

[MountainMama]

Re: What is this thing?

I JUST learned how to use these when watching one of the videos someone posted on the "fear of bears" thread.

Go to the 4:15 spot on this video.

[isoc]

Re: What is this thing?

Thanks, a65Hoosier and MacGyver, I thought it had something to do with tension on the tie down, but I couldn't figure out HOW it would ever help, so just used the clove hitches, which I knew would work.

Now that I know what it is I found this YouTube video which is a fairly good demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv2_Hje_zCU

- Ted

[NYCgrrl]

Re: What is this thing?

I JUST learned how to use these when watching one of the videos someone posted on the "fear of bears" thread.

Go to the 4:15 spot on this video.

Oh thank goodness I'm NOT the only one who can say that out loud. This summer brought on an epiphany :D.

[Mike]

Re: What is this thing?

Better than a plastic or metal tension devise is a simple tautline hitch knot.

The reason that a tautline hitch is better than the plastic or metal tension gadget is because those plastic or metal gadgets tent to wear holes in your tent as you roll and store your tent.

Also, if you know how to tie a tautline hitch, you will always have this wonderful tool available to you at any time you have a string or rope. A taughline hitch knot can adjust position just like a tension gadget.

from this website: http://www.charlie-mitchell.com/life/knot.shtml

Or see youtube": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5NTjUyubvE

[isoc]

Re: What is this thing?

Thanks for the knot-lesson. That looks familiar to me, I think I used a hitch like that on occasion when I tied a boat to a post at a dock (40 years ago). And the tensioner, once I looked at it in use, looked like a tensioner I had on my sailboat's "outhaul" which adjusted tension on the foot (bottom) of the mainsail. Hadn't thought of that in 40 years, either.

Best regards, Ted

[05Kingquad700]

Re: What is this thing?

If you put thetaught line hitch up by the tent you won't have to been down to the stake to tighten your guy life

[Force10JC]

Re: What is this thing?

Those tensioners are on both my Coleman tents. I do use them and they work well enough. For my hammock rain fly and ridgeline I always use a taut line hitch on one end and a half hitch on the other. I do the same for rigging a clothes line.

[Mike]

Re: What is this thing?

Those tensioners are on both my Coleman tents. I do use them and they work well enough. For my hammock rain fly and ridgeline I always use a taut line hitch on one end and a half hitch on the other. I do the same for rigging a clothes line.

Good thinking. IF your safety depends on it, a taught line hitch knot is more reliable than a fabricated tension doohicky.

[wiiawiwb]

Re: What is this thing?

Have you ever tried a trucker's hitch for your ridge line? You can really exert a lot of force to tighten it up. Moreover, you can tie a quick release with it as well.

[Mike]

Re: What is this thing?

Have you ever tried a trucker's hitch for your ridge line? You can really exert a lot of force to tighten it up. Moreover, you can tie a quick release with it as well.

Yes, you are correct. With a trucker's hitch it is probably possible to ruin your hammock if you applied too much tension... which a strong 250 lb man could surely do.

[Force10JC]

Re: What is this thing?

Have you ever tried a trucker's hitch for your ridge line? You can really exert a lot of force to tighten it up. Moreover, you can tie a quick release with it as well.

I don't know the trucker's hitch, or maybe I do but don't know it by that name. I can and often do rig a taut line hitch for a quick release. When you pull that last loop all the way through, pull the end through and leave it dangling instead of the closed loop. When you want to release, just pull the dangling end.