DIY Tarp Tensioner: Camping, Hammock Tarps, Survival Tarps

[@TheTechPrepper]

That's nice little trick. I achieve the same tensioning using a taut line hitch. It's great for adjusting guy lines quickly in the field.

[@johnlatsch9720]

Exactly what I was thinking. No-one wants to learn knots any more

[@billoliver1384]

A taut line hitch is quicker and fast on setting up and re-adjusting then that method

[@naturescritter4691]

“The more you know, the less you need “ Insert original person quoted

[@user-ug5xr2gb6j]

That’s what I was trying to figure out what advantage this trick has over a taut line hitch.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@user-ug5xr2gb6j No advantage in IMHO. Taut-line hitch for the win.

[@marcelledbetter7296]

I recommend using a round file or emory cloth to take the factory 'edge' off the both inner and outer edges of the washers before use in the field. Some of the factory edges can be quite sharp and over time, will begin to damage your tension line. A sharp washer can even cut the line during strong to severe weather conditions in relation to line thickness and strength. Takes little time to prep the washers, and provides a reason to get on your feet and get moving in the shop... Tinker Time.

[@funtimes237]

good advice 👌🏽

[@onionhead5780]

Maybe use stainless steel washers also.

[@marcelledbetter7296]

@@onionhead5780 No rust. Even better.

[@funonvancouverisland]

Dang good advice!

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Really good point Marcel. Tbh I do a little bit of metal work but that never occurred to me. But you are absolutely correct, stamped metal washers frequently have burrs.

[@jospipodEvo]

Super! I like to put Prussik knots on the 4ends of my tarp loops and all the lines are packed inside of the Tarp’s drybag! Even my ridgeline is already mounted on my tarp. This gives me a real quick hammock shelter to setup when it rains. When the ridgeline is set, i stake 4 pegs out and tighten the lines with the preset prussik on the tarp! Keepup the good work! I learned allot from your channel 👍🏻💪🏻

[@Calc314]

This is the way to go!

[@cpcombine]

That's how I do it too. "Great minds" and all that.

[@SINYC02]

Awesome trick! I’m sticking with my truckers hitch for now though.

[@mikeycrabtree123]

I mean, isn't this basically a truckers' hitch with some extra hardware?

[@briankelly6113]

My thoughts exactly, and you don't have to carry a bunch of washers around.

[@mariocueva8700]

I have three words for you. Taught Line Hitch. Super simple to tie and no need for additional hardware.

[@johnswanson3741]

I use a slip knot on all the tie offs on my tarps. They are clean, effective, and work very well

[@nomadsurvival4952]

x2 for him its just more junk to take along that is not needed but guys like him are gear heavy anyways...

[@j.m.3038]

Taut line hitch.👌

[@L33Twii]

Truth

[@uncletomscabin2073]

I like the beer can tab trick , its amazing how many different line tension vids and tips there are on you tube.

[@richardforeman8560]

Saw this one on intense angler channel years back. Always keep can tabs with my cordage.

[@christinemmac]

Thanks! I’ve camped a lot, but more ‘glamping’ says my grandson, who I’ve taken camping several times and is now a Boy Scout - and is teaching and encouraging me to do more rustic trips. It was super windy, cold and rainy on our last trip but we say it was our favorite one yet because it was challenging. He’s a master of the taut line hitch - which is what kept us dry and our set up pretty solid- but I’m still struggling to learn it! So I love this trick! Now when the granddaughter and I head out next week we’ll be ready!

[@johnburgin7478]

Saw something similar to this a while back . Thanks for the reminder . Have a good one

[@mariothewhite]

@King Devon isn't the purpose of Bushcraft community to share knowledge to the most ppl you can?

[@uncletomscabin2073]

@@mariothewhite Could always give the little channel a plug for the tip.

[@johnburgin7478]

@King Devon the video I was referring to was several years old , I just happened to stumble across it recently

[@firstlast-vq4xt]

@@uncletomscabin2073 I think WayPoint Survival posted one a week or so ago, too.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Very nice adaptation!

[@jackvoss175]

Dan, I recognize that when you say something, you truly believe it. You have actually tried it in the field, under field conditions. It may not be a technique that I choose to use for where and how I trundle around in the woods and streams of the Great Lakes realm, but I now have it in my memory bank. Albeit an 83 year old memory bank. (What was I going to say next? Oh - yeah!) I respect what you say. Thank you for being straight from the shoulder. I appreciate that. Jack Courtesy of Half Vast Flying.

[@richardhutchinson4740]

For guylines I always use a taut line hitch - sinple and easy and nothing extra required. But always good to know new tricks.

[@ДмитрийБровин-б3к]

Просто - как все гениальное !!! Спасибо огромное. It 's just like everything is brilliant !!! Thank you so much.

[@SavageVoyageur]

Thanks Dan for another great tip on tarps. I just made 6 of these for my tarp.

[@tbrew8222]

This is why I carry a few large heavy duty keyrings on my backpack straps. You can then do the same thing with any webbing or strap that fits through them.

[@johndorber6877]

Brilliant. The very best example of the KISS principle!

[@GrdDog]

found this little nugget of information a couple years ago; video I watched had friggin music (I hate that) and no word explanation, but was easy enough to figure out. I always like your video's with voice explanation a lot better. 2 people I watch on KZbin CoalCracker and Corporals Corner; both are best on their fields. Keep up the awesome work !!!!

[@tomred868]

Everything old is new again. Awesome adaptation of the d belt

[@thriftysurvivor6117]

I discovered this a while back and ended up attaching two washers to each tie out point on some of my tarps. That way, I never have to remember to bring washers, but for some reason I never thought about using this system for my ridge-line. I've been using the Nite Ize CamJam XT tensioners, but this system weighs much less, and for that matter also costs less. Nice tip.

[@Strelok3892]

I discovered it lately too. It has been keeping my bedroom window open ever since.

[@teamperry757]

That is badass knowledge for a quick mcguiver fix in the hills. Thanks brother

[@jeffk7881]

This episode had a very “Good Eats” feel to it, and I loved it!

[@monkeyboy6590]

Great little tip sir! I've discovered small key rings work just as well.

[@jongrubka7169]

As always thank you very much keep making

[@314adv]

Similar to the D ring concept on motorcycle helmets. Nice. Thanks!

[@cvcoco]

Good idea. I got onto to washers a long time ago after stupidly spending for fancy tensioners that did the same thing. Then I happened to look at plumbers hanging straps I had and realized that was the same too. So I cut several 4-inch lengths of those and thats basically what I use these days. As someone commented, if using washers, file off the factory burrs so they wont fray the lines.

[@jacksonvillereclaimedwood6709]

Damn! That’s excellent dude! Thank you for the great post.

[@phillipdavis4507]

I love to watch Cracked Coalman!😁👍

[@danemmerich6775]

Great trick! Love. I have plenty of washers.

[@markperron851]

Awesome Tip Dan. Heading now to go get washers. Thanks very much for all the great info you share.

[@Jedi_Jed]

Very cool. It’s fun to play with devices once you’ve learned the knots. I’ve seen cool tricks like this with rings and carabiners too. Thank you!

[@bernielamont825]

Wow, Ingenious! Very very simple.

[@P3T3RXIII]

Brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@danielkutcher5704]

Taut - taunt means to tease. Nice tip. Thanks.

[@tommytitmouse]

Simple, but effectively Marvelous. thanks for sharing this method . Tom ....UK

[@brenthamby2155]

Very cool trick!

[@georgvonsauer2618]

A simple saddle cinch...you can do the same with a stick and two holes...there is a knot that does the same thing...a taut line hitch...learned that 60 years ago in BSA...

[@rowanthefirst148]

Dude, that is epic for both a quick fix or a more permanent solution. I have so many loose washers in the car and the shed, this is a zero dollar fix for me. Thank you, from Australia!

[@petersallander6913]

Dan now that's a coolest trick

[@jeffechols5302]

Great tool for the box thanks

[@20Hikecdt23]

What a great idea! No need to buy fancy gadgets to tighten out my tarp. I'm going to use this on my tarp for CDT. Thanks again!

[@clintonroushff7068]

Hello from Kentucky. Take care Dan

[@evelynmyree5153]

That was awesome, I found it amusing as you demo'd it. Keep up the good work!

[@naturescritter4691]

Trucker’s hitch and taut-line in conjunction with one another 👍

[@infoplus6804]

Love your tips🤘

[@williamkeck7378]

Functional and simple. Thanks.

[@scottroberts7875]

thanks Dan. great money saving idea

[@dougnicholson8325]

Seems like basically an automatic trucker's hitch but using washers. Neat.

[@jeffhower8151]

My preferred method is a simple truckers hitch. Extremely adjustable and quick and simple to anywhere along the line and easy to untie.

[@TimothyShaw]

To help maintain tension overnight I've adopted a trick I learned. Attach bungees to the tie out line so as the tarp stretches and the tie out line loosens, the bungee takes up the slack and keeps the tarp taught. Size and length of bungee will vary for each person and tarp.

[@beatbasher]

Neat idea but I can tie a tautline hitch with my eyes closed and that doesn't need washers. I've opted for mini lineloks though for convenience and the fact that they weigh almost nothing and very good at what they do.

[@KT_survival]

Nice trick Dan! Thx

[@HisWayHomestead]

Pretty cool tip!!! Thanks!

[@MrButterpantz]

I like an adjustable prussik on guylines at the staked end. Totally same concept, easier to tension and don't need hardware.

[@kirstendl1724]

Fancy stuff innit ?! 👍💪

[@mariothewhite]

Uau, rly nice hack. Good job. I also prefer knots, but this is easyer to most ppl and cheap

[@srbontrager]

I see a lot of others chiming in with more tips. Like making sure the washers don't have a sharp factory edge. Awesome advice. Now for my two cents. Pretty much anywhere they sell washers, they also sell stainless steel washers. Personally I'd advise to use stainless steel to prevent or minimize rust.

[@allanlarmour7460]

In some places its cheaper to drill holes through coins than it is to buy washers. Just saying. I wonder if I could use a couple wooden toggles in place of the washers? Same set up, without the washers. Washers could be difficult to replace, unless you've a pocket full of quarters.

[@bushcrafters3909]

Maybe try estate tag sales or yard sales...😁🤞

[@allanlarmour7460]

@@bushcrafters3909 Great idea, bound to pick up some wooden toggles there 👍

[@robsierra516]

This is a great trick, thanks for sharing

[@Seamus3051]

Many thanks for sharing. Sort of an impromptu D ring configuration that can be made on the fly; stay well & safe.

[@barrycarr4209]

Great idea! Going to try that out.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Looks nice Dan. Thanks for showing us. Take care.

[@MrRenomax]

Pull tabs on cans work well also

[@ruisearts]

You just won a new subscriber.

[@ruisearts]

A small piece of youtube feedback, update your intro :)

[@zafiradaima]

Wow, that's really slick and cost effective, thanks!

[@anthonybenitez2746]

Neat little trick, thanks for sharing honestly! You wouldn’t know if you didn’t try it or seen it then tried it. Anyways keep it going 💯

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks. ✌🏻👊🏼

[@jerryfife2015tacoma]

That's awesome I'll try it out, Thanks

[@Bob-lt5hf]

I have a more simple way to set up my ridge lines and tarp/hammock lines! I use a NiteIze CamJam. For a ridge line just make a bowlin knot on one end and secure that end to a tree. The other end wrap that line around tree no. 2, clip the camjam on the ridge line. Thread the tail end through the camjam and pull to tighten ridge line. Takes less than 5 minutes and is easy peezy lemon squeezy!

[@danmorgan3685]

Simple and clever is a combination I really like.

[@williamlangley5837]

Fantastic! I've been using a tarp set up for a long time. When you're in rocky terrain using a hammock. You don't typically have the luxury of moving your tarp stakes around. I would much rather use this then a tensioning knot.

[@jesssimpson5959]

If you don’t have washers handy you can use a truckers hitch as well, it works great.

[@otway00]

That paracord is nylon which will stretch over night resulting in a sagging tarp. Lash It and or Zing It ( same thing just different colors ) works better with no stretch

[@michaelpthompson]

Nice! Almost as useful as the easier to adjust taut line hitch, but with hardware :-)

[@kabukiarmadillo]

Yeah, what I was thinking...

[@Gstrowes]

I put my adjustable sliders the other way round. I have the adjustment on the tarp end so I can tie off to trees or pegs.

[@MichaelR58]

Good tip , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@joebloggs7956]

Nice one man!

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

To taunt means “to ridicule” or “to mock.” Taut means “tense” or “drawn tight.” Taught is the past tense and past participle of the verb teach. Just sayin...love ya man.

[@asmith7876]

Next you'll crack on his utilization of the word "utilization" LOL. Yeah....me too!

[@GetUrPhil]

I found this out a few weeks ago from another channel, tried it and found out that it works better if you have a larger holed washer. I would rather use a truckers hitch, a slip knot or even a taut-line hitch.

[@AMC-eq3jr]

Q.C. Large 1 inch holes work well with paracord and larger diameter cord.

[@princearthur4946]

Excellent presentation!

[@DEATH-THE-GOAT]

Brilliant, thank you Sir.

[@justaminute3111]

Good idea but I’ll stick with a tent hitch. I use that to tie off power boats at the sailing club instead of the traditional half hitches and it works great with the boats getting tossed up and down by the waves.

[@negvua7278]

So cheap and so simply! 👍

[@arkanglegeibriel]

CbyS Paracord eh? Yea that was a pretty neat video, thanks for spreading the technique around!

[@EverydayReady]

sweet. I just did the same video a couple weeks ago. Great minds and all that...

[@hitechcowboy1547]

I like my Dutchware Tarp Worms. Else, I use a modified taut line hitch that looks more like a prussik.

[@EricTheDane]

Pretty cool. I'm still just using a taught line hitch which can be tied anywhere on the line, or truckers hitch.

[@joedeerboy9584]

Learn and practice the midshipman's knot, or something similar. Leave the washers in the toolbox.

[@jkeips78]

One of the best tents I have ever used is an old Gerry. They used a very similar system on the rain fly lines. There design was out of stamped aluminum but the principles are the same.

[@Zerpersande]

I’ve used the tensioners but only because they came with whatever they came with. I’ve seen them in stores but couldn’t justified cost when tying a loop in the rope technique worked fine. But this changes things.

[@vitaliytarasov914]

Хорошая идея! Благодарю ! Возьму на вооружение!

[@oilburner8548]

Great tip - aluminium washers will be kinder on the line's and weight next to nothing although I haven't tried it yet 🤔👍

[@k.backus6349]

What boots are you wearing? The only comfortable ones I've found that fit my 14W feet are Tactical Research Mini Mil. Would love an ankle high that fits and it comfortable. Great vid. Subscribed.

[@southernshop8424]

Ive worn work boots for over 47 years.Redwings were mosr comfortable for walking steel, Wolverine , for a long time on concrete in fab shops some steel walking, till i put on a pair of Timberland pro that were the most comfortable shop boots i had ever worn, and still wear daily in retirement

[@sifusasdo2314]

Cool Video 👍 Thank U for the trick👍

[@JohnnyHildebrand1969]

Cool idea. Thank you and God bless.

[@migmagingenieria]

Thanks for sharing bud!!!! As a knots and hitches' fan I stay away from the use of extra elements!

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

TAUT LINE HITCH very simple and very effective.

[@crazydogmatt]

Nice trick, but do they not have guy lines runners or tension adjusters in America? Small bits of plastic/metal that come on all tents and can be purchased very cheaply and works great. Also don't have the issue of wear and tear as no sharp edges. They are standard in the UK and Europe. In my old scouting days we used to make them for the big canvas tents out of bits of wood.

[@instantsiv]

Protip: Use stainless steel washers not zinc coated washers... zinc coated will rust.

[@robertbrannan9375]

This makes me want to take off the guyline from my pomoly tent and put on dyneema guyline with titanium washers. Way better than those little plastic tensioners everyone uses. Lasts longer too.