Repair & Maintenance
Guy-line attachment point — in the field
When the eyelet on the tarp tears, or you need an extra guy-line attachment point where there is none — a stone or cone on the inside plus a line on the outside fixes it in a minute.
Have you ever had the eyelet on the tarp tear, or needed an extra guy-line attachment point somewhere with no fixings? There is a simple trick: place an object on the inside of the fabric and tie the line around it on the outside.
How to do it
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Find a suitable object to place on the inside of the fabric:
- Round stone — the most common
- Cone — works well, especially a spruce cone
- Sock bundle — a sock filled with small stones
- Ball of tape — gaffer tape folded into a knob
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Check that the object has no sharp edges that could tear the fabric under load
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Place the object where you want the guy-line attachment point, from the inside of the tarp or tent
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Tie the guy line around the object from the outside with a half hitch or similar firm knot
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Tension it and test that it holds
Why it works
The round object makes a “knob” in the fabric. The line tied around the knob on the outside cannot slip off — friction and shape hold it in place. No sewing or gluing needed.
Uses
- A tarp that is too long and has to be shortened where there is no eyelet
- A torn eyelet on a tarp or tent
- An extra guy line for storm-proofing where there are no fixed fixings
- An improvised hammock attachment when a carabiner or hook does not fit
Tips
- Choose a stone about the size of a walnut for ordinary tarps — too large makes a lump that takes up a lot of space, too small gives a poor grip
- Test the load carefully before putting full weight on the fixings — if the fabric tears, increase the size of the object or move the knot
- For longer stays: change the object after a couple of days — the stones can wear on the fabric under load
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Text: Lars Peters and Gina Wigestrand, Snuitide (2022), revised 2026.