Replace and Repair Tent Poles
by RickyTaylor in Outside > Camping
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Replace and Repair Tent Poles
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Most new tents have glass fiber poles with elastic running through the middle . These poles crack down the middle if you don't tighten your guide ropes enough to stop you tent moving to much . Most tent places like go outdoors keep used ones in stock from old display tents if you ask nicely they might give you a couple for free just tell them your tents less than a year old you brought from them.
You Will Need.
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Replacement poles
Hacksaw
Sandpaper
A big needle
Strong fishing line
Marker pen
Face mask
Hacksaw
Sandpaper
A big needle
Strong fishing line
Marker pen
Face mask
Getting Started
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Cut the knot off on one end of the elastic and remove the poles from the elastic .
Cutting to Length .
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Mark the length of the old pole next to the new pole. Hold the new pole firmly and very slowly cut the pole to size making sure not to tear the fibers . WEAR A MASK WHEN WORKING WITH FIBERGLASS .
Sanding
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Slowly sand the top of the pole to remove any splinters next sand the edges to a cone shape until smooth . Test fit the poles to make sure they fit snugly into each other .WEAR A MASK WHEN WORKING WITH FIBERGLASS .
Threading the Elastic
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To thread the elastic knot one end of the elastic and tie the fishing line to the knot free end you will need roughly twice the length of the pole in fishing line then just tie the needle on the end make sure the knot s small enough to fit inside the pole freely . Place the needle and thread inside the pole and gently tap the pole on the floor until the needle is at the bottom then gently pull the elastic through .
Last Pole
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You will have to pull the elastic tight through the last two poles so hold it around your finger then tie a double knot at the end of the elastic cut off the fishing line and its done .