I have thought of similar ways to attach the tent poles to the tent. I know for sure that I do not want to use sleeves. I have thought of really small (like 3/8 inch) buckles and grossgrain ribbon to attach the poles. I also found a company in Finland that sells the tent pole clips at about .50 cents. So far that’s the best I can do.
Anyone else have an idea where to get actual tent clips???? I can’t believe they are so hard to find.
Dealt with the same problem a few years ago and dead ended in my search for what I wanted. I came up with a few alternatives, however, for your consideration
(1) Quick Realease Buckles come in 5/8" size and are very light (about 1/5 ounce each). I tie one side of the buckle to the tent pole and the other is connected to the tent with lightweight 1/2" nylon webbing.
(2) I found some S shaped nylon connectors for hanging Christmas Tree Lights. They just happen to grip the most popular sized poles. Can't tell you where to get them. They were on an after Christmas sale table.
(3) Stan Sport sells pole hooks that fit poles of about 1/2" diameter. They usually are on the racks in sporting goods stores that have firestarters, toilet paper, small salt and pepper shakers, etc. for camping.
(4) Kitebuilder.com has many pieces of hardware for kites. They typically fit carbon fiber tubing that is about the size of popular tent poles. The father of the owner of the store will make custom made fittings and people on the discussion forum say he doesn't charge much. Haven't tried him myself.
(5) Lowes has a great section with many nylon parts. You might want to run through all of their drawers and see if something will work.
(6) Seattle Fabric sells several types of nylon snap hooks. You may find one that is strong enough. If you clip off the retainer portion it will be easier to put it on and off the pole.
(7) Hooks can easily be made by bending wire. I like 1/8" aluminum wire but it is hard to find. It is wide enough so the ends aren't sharp if you sand them. Sharp ends can also be covered with plastic tubing or dipped in that stuff you buy to add vynal grips to tools like pliars.
Dang if this here is'nt what I was just looking for the other day <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Too bad you have to buy a case of 5000 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> to get 'em! Thrity Outfitters up in Mnpls MN might have them though <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
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PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!
Not sure if these nylon hooks have been mentioned. On the 4mm size the diameter of both the hook hole and the through hole are approximatley .375". There is another 4mm hole (just visible in the picture) at right angles to the through hole. They weigh about 4gm each.
I've had the problem of pole clips breaking in cold weather conditions. I' <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />ve looked for replacements to no avail . I just end up keeping a small cache of plastic zip ties in my pack .
I don't see why you couldn't use the same ribbon and instead of attaching something to it, just come off the stitch and make a "loop" that the pole diameter would fit through. That seems to me the simplest way to get it done and not to mention that weight you would save leaving off the buckles or whatever...Hope that helps...Happy Trekking...sabre11004....
The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there !!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
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The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there 1!!!!!
I checked thrifty outfitters/midwest mountaineering in person about a week ago (august 2010). they do not have the tent pole clips. they do have some plastic hooks with a little safety latch (similar to a carabiner) but its not the elusive tent pole clips that everyone is looking for.
Registered: 01/10/06
Posts: 679
Loc: Central Texas
You might consider ditching the plastic clips and using toggles and loops instead. Lighter and more compact, depending on what you make the toggles out of. Simple 3/8" wooden dowels would work, or you could get fancy with aluminum or carbon arrow shafting from cheap sporting goods arrows. A glob of epoxy putty on the ends will prevent damage to the tent fabric. Toggles don't have to be round. Elongated diamonds of any suitable flat material (hobby plywood?) will work as well.
Registered: 01/04/02
Posts: 1228
Loc: Eastern MA, USA
A couple of suggestions, re: using arrow shafts for parts. 1) Consider picking up broken arrows from a local archery range. (Get permission, first, of course.) That should be cheaper than buying them. 2) Use some caution when cutting carbon arrows. Inhaling carbon dust is bad news.
I often switch to google.co.uk or.au when I am searching for items in the net because of the US filters... now if only I could find the DAC Ball Clips.. the jakes feet might work but id have to modify them.
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