LETS TALK TENT STAKES

hi guys in todays down n dirty woodscraft video we will talk on a bit of camp gear often overlooked . the simple tent stake. Many kinds are out there on the market and for the most part they will work pretty well. With a little knowledge you can see the best way to use and better still how to keep for the stake failing you in a storm.
in this video i will share my thoughts on how best to use a tent stake , the proper way to load a tent /tarp. Also i will add a few tips and tricks for how to free a stuck tent stake and how to avoid a hand injury .
thanks for watching safe journeys

[@choirboyzcutleryoutdoors]

This is absolutely why I love this channel! I just watched a 24 minute video on tent stakes not only did I learn a bunch of stuff I didn't know but I thoroughly enjoyed it! Appreciate all the work you put in Blackie truly truly do have a great weekend my friend!!

[@blackoracle69]

Wow, thanks!

[@michaelmaier7262]

Yeah, I almost didn't watch cuz "TENT STAKES"???? Well worth the watch, though.

[@LShapedAmbush]

Outstanding. You never know what you don't know until you learn it!

[@TerryC69]

This is one of the best basic overviews I've seen on a little bit of a neglected topic.

[@blackoracle69]

it is overlooked and its not sexy like tarps and tents ect.. but if you do not understand how any why of stakes your gonna have problems

[@perrymac]

Been camping many years. The learning never stops. Thanks, Blackie.

[@blackoracle69]

You bet

[@shastaham7630]

Tent stakes, soft shackles, zip ties, little innocuous stuff... You have a talent for drawing attention to these items and explaining their purpose and maintenance. Important information too often overlooked. Thank you.

[@blackoracle69]

Thank you very much!

[@davidr.8999]

The V shaped stakes also make nice digging sticks for a cat hole.

[@kenbennett9681]

Yes sir. Never understood why folks waste money on a poop trowel.

[@blackoracle69]

i agree

[@lulzmusic]

I’ve lost stakes to a root. Now that I know the trick, I no longer will. Thanks for the education Blackie 👍🏻

[@blackoracle69]

Any time!

[@raypierce5818]

I couldn’t help but watch a video on tent stakes!! You had some very good points for everyone. The stakes I typically use are double head 1 1/8” x 42” commercial tent stakes. I use a jack hammer with a custom stake driver head on them to get them in the ground. I’ve even used 3 hole and 5 hole plates for heavier loads and have some custom 7 hole 1/2” steel plates when I’m having to sustain loads of around 3,000 lbs so yes, good staking technique is every thing. The one thing I learned corrected an old habit I had of driving them at an angle away from the load as this was how we did it back in the day. Current knowledge has changed that. Anything over 10º off center actually decreases the holding power. The steeper you drive the stake, the less actual earth is above it decreasing its actual capacity. That fact isn’t as well known but applies to stakes of any size. You can also use the small stakes in a traingle configuration with the front stake holding the load with the 2 behind it backing it up. The back up stakes shouldn’t be any closer than 1/3 the length of the stake. That can give you a much better loading for high winds when needed. Thanks again for the video!!!

[@TinyTitan50]

You’ve added much more knowledge on tent stakes that I never thought of. Another good reason I watch.

[@blackoracle69]

thank you

[@williammaurer9450]

Excellent! A master class on tent stakes. Who would have thunk, a brilliant topic. I'm totally impressed with the depth and breadth of your knowledge. Thank You Blackie, you're the real deal, no question about it. Esp. liked the single sock repurposing, seriously, who doesn't have one of those getting pushed around in their dresser drawer, lol. KUDOS MAN!!

[@blackoracle69]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Plain-Ole-Chuck]

Good coverage of a subject that isn't talked about often enough... Good job

[@blackoracle69]

thank you

[@smoothvern165]

This is awesome information! I am so thankful that you are willing to share your knowledge!

[@blackoracle69]

You are so welcome!

[@williamgregory6684]

I learned a lot today. You never think about tent stakes or their design, just the weight.

[@blackoracle69]

true and i see many not using them to the best advantage

[@danwidmer8276]

Thanks blackie , I never understood tent stakes until now.👍

[@blackoracle69]

Glad to help

[@jeffrichards5106]

Great video Blackie. Lot of things about tent stakes I've not thought much about. Much appreciated! I especially like the advice on the palm saver with another stake, so you don't have to always have a stake mallet. Thank you! 👍

[@blackoracle69]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Flashahol]

That's so much information about tent stakes I didn't know all packed in one video! I don't think anyone else ever mentioned most of what you said here.

[@blackoracle69]

often its left for granted but as you gain exp you see how important it can be

[@oferbechor1579]

THANK YOU Dear Thomas for all you are Teaching me. 🌲🌲🌲

[@blackoracle69]

You are very welcome

[@kennethwilson8633]

Great tips and we used big wooden hammers on wood stakes for big tents like GP medium or mess tents to save the stake heads. Have fun stay safe.

[@blackoracle69]

thanks

[@MrDaneaxe]

Great video, loads of useful info. Thanks, Blackie! Something you did not go into, which you might consider for your "tarp in a storm" video is how to angle your stake according to the load. Binge-watching your stuff now... =)

[@barrymitchell4424]

I enjoy your videos. I did 10 years Marines.

[@rachaelwyatt754]

I keep my "aluminium" tri tent pegs in an MTP double mag pouch along with my quick deploy ridgeline and my tarp guy lines. To help with strong wind situation I will also have a bungy loop fitted between the tent peg and the tarp or the guy line. It acts like a kind of shock absorber.:)

[@timlacy2284]

Blackie , Another Great Video and Outstanding Information , I can use the information in the future. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and craft. You Are The Master Woodsman and Buschcrafter Tim L.

[@blackoracle69]

thank you very much

[@braddockery2293]

I like that you can use the heavy v stakes for digging if need to.

[@blackoracle69]

very true

[@daegannlongstrider1293]

Good call on checking the mushrooming on the metal stakes, Blackie!

[@blackoracle69]

i had a fun evening once at a campout way back on a dirty road and i sank and broke off one of those in my finger digging it out with a safety pin was not a lot of fun

[@daegannlongstrider1293]

@@blackoracle69 ouch, I'll bet!

[@kentfreier5705]

either you just went to engineering school or you stayed at a holiday inn express last night. But really, I think you got it right. Who thinks about the loads on a stake? Your shape resistance to movement is right on.

[@blackoracle69]

thanks

[@MichaelR58]

Blackie , good informational video and tips , thanks for sharing ,God bless !

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for watching

[@briarsmoke6046]

Good stuff! Very thorough and informative.

[@blackoracle69]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@forestwitch13]

Awesome tips. This vid really helped me out with my backpacking gear. Thank you.

[@blackoracle69]

Great to hear!

[@larryeddings3185]

Good information, Blackie.

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for watching

[@forestgnome55]

Hey Blackie! Never thought that much about tent stakes, thanks for the refreshed perspective! Regards and best, Pink.

[@blackoracle69]

Thanks for watching! looking forward to our campout

[@forestgnome55]

@@blackoracle69 me too my friend, me too!

[@davidderr2662]

Thanks! I am excited to try using stakes for a camp fire stand .Multiuse.

[@blackoracle69]

Have fun!

[@skipharris5764]

More than you want to know about stakes and their use. Great info

[@blackoracle69]

thanks

[@jenniferbauman4802]

Great video on tent stakes. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.

[@blackoracle69]

Thanks 👍

[@johnthomasjr262]

I have kept tent stakes in a surplus flair container and it worked great. A piece of hard foam cut to size went into the bottom to cushion the points.

[@blackoracle69]

good idea

[@johnbelmore1178]

Thank you, I didn't think of that

[@miller8097]

I have some sharp titanium triangle styles, i use a small loop of paracord to pull them out without cutting my hands apart.

[@martinhafner2201]

I'm in Arizona where the ground is really hard. I make a hardwood mallet with a small head and a long handle. Most of the 3 fin 'Y' stakes are too soft, but some are properly hardened aluminum, such as msr groundhogs. I can wail on them with the mallet at nasty ground like Picacho Peak. Every once in a while, the head of a stake may snap off, but they don't bend. You can tell the hardened stakes by the quality of the ringing sound when you tap or drop them.

[@blackoracle69]

good to know

[@RandyBeers]

Another way to store and carry most any size stakes: Cut a leg off an old pair of denim jeans. Stuff the stakes inside the leg and fold the ends over, then roll it up and tie it with a chunk of paracord.

[@Old-man-of-the-forrest]

A used shotgun shell makes a dang good palm saver for the smaller tent stakes.

[@lewisward4359]

Good video Blackie. Here I thought you would be traveling lite and making your own with the Blackbird!:-) with a tarp/poncho you could have one already made and then make up the side ones. Also the one with the most for on it could have two stakes, therefore dividing the load.

[@blackoracle69]

i will make stakes from time to time

[@margaretadler6162]

Awesome information! Thanks, Blackie ATB Sam Adler

[@blackoracle69]

thanks

[@keithmoore5306]

hell if you want a case for stakes get a piece of PVC pipe 1-1/2" or 2-1/2" glue a cap on one end and fix a clean out plug on other end! it's heavier than that bag but you can customize the size and it'll last a damn sight longer!! they also make a steel nail style stake that has a plastic tension piece that slides on it (i've actually pulled the plastic piece off that and used them as actual nails for landscaping builds with cross ties and timbers before!!) there's also a hybrid stake too a v body with a wire hook and a polypropelene T style that works pretty good around here

[@blackoracle69]

thanks

[@boomshanka8743]

Good advice, as always. I might make a waxed canvas drawstring bag with leather on the bottom to wrangle my tent stakes.

[@blackoracle69]

Sounds great!

[@jons2447]

Hello, Blackie; Good video, but I think you should check out the cheap plastic stakes. I have 3 packs, 6 per pack, "Rugged Gear 12" Utility Stakes" brand. I got mine at Harbor Freight because I know the steel wire style. They make a 'stove' but they're not real good for holding in the wind. They're too narrow, a little short, & heavy for what they are. The 12" utility stakes have T-shaped cross section, 1/4" hole & a hook. They have a square flat top, ~3/4" sq. I use "Toggle Ball Bungee" loops w/ the stakes. They have ~1-1/8" ball on the ends of a ~8" loop of 3/16" shock cord. I run the "Bungee" through a grommet & hook the loop on the stake. I like to carry a hatchet to drive & pull stakes. I have 2, a custom Harbor Freight 1-1/4lb Pittsburgh Hickory, & a True Temper Jet Rocket BBA. The True Temper is a bit heavier, 1.788lb vs 1.25lb. The Freighter has a hickory handle (6 of 1, 1/2 dozen of the other). So far, none have broke, wish me luck. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!

[@blackoracle69]

i have used them and they do a great job just a little bulky

[@justinsigmund6200]

I love my Titanium pathfinder stakes. They work great so far.

[@blackoracle69]

i am gonna try those

[@jeffreybinion2996]

you can use a spent shotgun shell over the end of your stakes as a palm saver

[@mikelgeren149]

Good Stuff !!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@blackoracle69]

thanks

[@peterslabinger6221]

Great video about stakes, not staking a tent or trap down properly can easily damage in major wind . When putting in those aluminum stakes , I found a simple 1 pound rubber mallet works well. It usually does not damage or bend the stake. I also tie and tape a foot loop of Para cord around the handle. Makes a great stake puller and I don’t have to bend down to far. Also even if you have stakes in a small stake bag you should never roll them up with your tent. I have seen the punch holes into a barn new tent , when the tent was being roll up tight to be placed in the bag . Put them into your tent bag separately.

[@peterslabinger6221]

Blackie, what about the plastic abs tent stakes ?

[@blackoracle69]

they are good just kinda bulky to me

[@kenbarrett6466]

I see you didn’t even approach the use of plastic stakes / emergency fire tinder .. I do like the idea of the palm saver .. being a plumber I’ll have one of them made with a tee and 2 caps to reach all the way across my palm tomorrow . I already use the Walmart pencil pouches with the clear thick plastic windows , I can see what I’m grabbing and I know by color which one to grab .. they was 97 cents each at Walmart ,, prob, double that now

[@blackoracle69]

those abs stakes work well i just find them to be bit bulky

[@joemorganeatmyshortschannel]

I've always used a stick whittled down as an ad hock thing it's better than nothing

[@blackoracle69]

those are good woodscraft bit time consuming to make but if ya got time its a worth while skill

[@twohandsworking896]

oh yeah

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍👍👍

[@blackoracle69]

thanks

[@mdsuave13]

just watched a 24 minute video on tent stakes.... nice

[@robertmiller2629]

I like this video and have gotten a few ideas from it plus questions for instance on the pouch on the side of your haver sack if you take a small section of schedule 80 3/4 inch pvc pipe no longer than the width of the bottom of the pouch and slice ( saw ) so that you can heat fold it in half to slide it down inside of the pouch and once in heat it slightly so that it will open up a little to make a point guard on the bottom of your pouch to protect it from the long spike stakes. Will that help? And another one I see some people carry a rubber mallet hammer to pound stakes with, will that work or is that to much and instead easier to baton with a price of small log like batoning a knife thrue small pieces of fire wood for kindling

[@blackoracle69]

good ideas

[@hanelyp1]

The soil is also a factor. The stake that holds in hard ground may pull easily in soft. And the stake that holds in soft may be near impossible to drive and remove in hard.

[@blackoracle69]

very true

[@johnnottahcal5725]

Tent stakes, friend or worst enemy you can have! 😂

[@blackoracle69]

very true

[@billrivenbark8983]

I use a hay bale hook to pull the iron stakes for my canvas A Frame and wall tents at CW reenactments. Store them in wooden Ammo boxes. All heavy so not good for hauling any kind of distance.

[@blackoracle69]

i had a grenade crate i used for mine

[@isomer13]

You know, a 2-3"diameter of 6" or 10" piece of PVC with end caps could be used in all sorts of ways in the bottom of a pack and is pretty light too.You could make it completely waterproof or resistant, depending on how elaborate you wanted to go - I'd go with a friction fit myself - it'd be open to more uses then, and still dry except in a complete immersion scenario.

[@blackoracle69]

good point

[@marksmall4618]

Allluminuminnnnuuuinuuummm pegs are gooood fir light tents and lightweight camping, cletus. Use a rubber mallet, hammer whatever you caller it....

[@odgreenoutdoors20]

I have long heavy duty steel stakes, I thrown those cheap aluminum stakes that come with most tents away , I hate them , I deal with the extra weight to have good quality and when I set my stakes I go in at an angle away from what I’m staking down for maximum strength

[@blackoracle69]

good states are worth the weight

[@datnotme9921]

👏👀👍

[@blackoracle69]

thanks

[@johnny56g]

Mr T you should write a book, I would be the first in line for a free autograph copy.

[@blackoracle69]

lol i will keep that in mind

[@lesedwards936]

A piece of plastic drain pipe with a couple of aerosol paint can caps makes an ideal container for tent stakes or on my case fishing rods

[@blackoracle69]

very true

[@imhigh0013]

In using an odd sock; may I suggest a proper pair of socks. This way you have an extra pair and carry useful only. You can replace peg into your used smelly socks. And feet will be happier too.

[@blackoracle69]

good idea

[@marksmall4618]

TENT PEGS!!!!!!!

[@timmatherly5080]

All of the stakes I encountered in the Army were either heavy aluminum or wood. What about cutting stakes from wood, on site?

[@johnb.798]

Do you ever use the plastic ones? Either from Self Reliance Outfitters, or Walmart? I know they'd be useless as a stove sort of thing, but they're really light weight, and I've found them useful for their intended purpose.

[@blackoracle69]

they do work well they are a little bulky

[@hiramhaji7813]

Great video

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for the visit

[@marksmall4618]

Earth Aiuminuuuunuuuum....

[@johnruckman2320]

Can you harden and anneal those light steel tent stakes so they don't roll so easily? Will those round steel nail stakes fit inside that pencil holder?

[@blackoracle69]

yes they fit and your correct heat till red then quench

[@jeffconley6366]

What about the plastic tent stakes?

[@stevenladrig9592]

I took a piece of PVC pipe but two and a half inches made them the little longer than what the steaks were put a cap on it put a cap on the bottom put my tent steaks in that it works okay tomorrow I have a sec that was it

[@blackoracle69]

nice

[@jerryhallman1742]

Try a sail palm

[@blackoracle69]

those are great for sewing leather for bags ect

[@kentfreier5705]

i think you drew the side load arrows backward

[@blackoracle69]

might have

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

DOOD!

[@blackoracle69]

DUDE!

[@TexasSheepdawg21]

Another Palm saver… empty 12 gauge shotgun hull.

[@mistastabs5840]

So if you put in wrong its a mis-take?

[@blackoracle69]

pun taken lol

[@jasonleee9401]

Someone say steaks?

[@blackoracle69]

that was supper tonight t-bones

[@kentfreier5705]

lets play rock, aluminum, steel. Rock> aluminum. Stake bends. Never thought about just sticking with steel stakes. That's why alum stakes bend. You hit a rock. So stop buying aluminum.

[@blackoracle69]

yep i have camped in rock country it can be a real problem