Hiking Fly\Tarp Rope Connection\Tensioning System

thingiverse

I purchased an inexpensive hiking tarp from eBay. Instead of tying the ropes directly to the tarp, I wanted a method to easily connect and disconnect the ropes so they wouldn't become tangled every time the tarp was folded. I also desired to add some bungee cord to each connection point on the tarp for flexibility in the wind and a better rope tensioner than the cheap plastic strip with three holes that came with it. There are three separate components, and this system is designed for 3mm rope or less and 3.5mm bungee cord or smaller. Print one of each file for each connection point on your tarp. The TarpEnd2.stl is secured to each tarp attachment point with a piece of bungee cord. After passing the bungee down through the first hole, tie a half hitch in the end so it can't pull back out. Pass the free bungee end through the tarp attachment point and down through the second hole in TarpEnd2 and tie a second knot. The RopeEnd2.stl - Pass one end of each rope through the bottom of one of these and tie a half hitch in the end of the rope. Pull the rope back down so the knot sits in the small cup. Print this part as oriented (cup face down) with supports. Connect this piece to TarpEnd2 by passing the rope through the gap in TarpEnd2 and seating the cup into the available socket. The RopeTensioner.stl - Pass the free end of each rope up through the bottom of the hole on the sloping end and tie a loop knot to the hole at the other end of the piece. This forms the loop the tent peg will be connected to. I use a bowline so it is easy to undo. Once tied, pull on the stand end so the loop is forced into the smaller hole and locks in place. The loop size is formed by pressing the rope into the serrated jaws.