How to Replace Tent Pole Shock Cord

In this tutorial, we show you how to replace the elastic shock cord in all of our DAC poles. The aluminum poles themselves will last much longer than the cord inside, and replacing the shock cord when it loses elasticity will get you many more years of use out of your poles.

[@canoehull]

Great system you've got there. Other videos are much more complex - numbering the sections, photos, etc. Thanks!

[@manicrymes]

Thanks for your help, Just replaced shock cord on my 4 Season Tent and it was easy after watching your video!

[@SlingFin1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joewiggins4956]

Great video. What is the diameter of the shock cord? Looks like 3/32 like on my pole. I've tested a short length of 1/8 inch that REI carries but can't get the knot into the pole

[@SlingFin1]

Hey Joe! This is indeed 3/32, good eye!

[@mrmods7912]

Any advice on how to stop the tip coming out the pole? Mine don't screw in

[@SlingFin1]

Some of the older easton poles don't screw in. Most of our current DAC poles have threaded tips. If you have pressfit tips you could probably make them fit tighter by wrapping the insert part of the tip in a layer or two of tape.

[@CalvinLeSueur]

you could try to drill out the 'peen' indentation

[@purpleglobethistle4448]

How thick should the cord be? Also, what length should I buy?

[@SlingFin1]

Depends on the tent! We use 3/32" for our 3-season tents and 1/8" for our four-season tents. Depending on the elasticity of the cord, we usually cut the cord between 70%-90% of the length of the poles. The goal is to have the cord prevent the pole sections from separating at all during assembly, but not snapping them together so hard it damages the poles.

[@marshallmatts249]

Is there a way to measure the shock cord? I don't know my size.

[@SlingFin1]

It depends on the elasticity of the shock cord you're using, but it's generally between 70%-90% of the length of the poles. Basically, you want it to be just tight enough to hold the pole sections together while you're setting up the tent. Any pole sections that aren't fully inserted can cause the poles to break when they're put under tension. But if the cord is too tight, the pole sections can snap together with too much force when assembling the poles, which can cause fractures in the ends of the pole sections. Hope that helps!

[@marshallmatts249]

@@SlingFin1 Thanks for the reply. And what about the 1/8, 3/32 measurement? What is that? How do I know what that type of measurement for my cord?

[@SlingFin1]

@@marshallmatts249 You might be able to tell with a ruler, but the best way is with calipers. Fortunately, it doesn't make a huge difference in function. As long as it attaches securely to the pole tips, you should be good to go.