Guy Line Material for Tents

[MacGlenver]

What's the standard for reasonably cheap tent guy line material? I've got a lot of paracord, but that seems like overkill for a small tent (and I dont want to chop it up in to 6 foot pieces, ideally). I'm looking at this braided nylon mason cord that a few camping sites have suggested. Indications are that breaking strength is 150lbs, which seems good.

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/building-materials/concrete-cement-masonry/marshalltown/500-ft-braided-masons-line-fl-yellow-22366.html

Thoughts? Hope Bob hasnt headed out to the playa yet

[maladroit]

Aww just cut up your paracord, it lives to be used and is cheap.

It's a little stretchy which is good for this application. Your 150 pound line might be strong enough if it's in perfect condition, but what if it weakens due to UV or rubbing on rebar? Paracord can take a lot of punishment before it gets too weak to hold your tent down.

All the mason's twine I've used has been pretty strong but still seems more like string than rope.

[MacGlenver]

Aww just cut up your paracord, it lives to be used and is cheap.

It's a little stretchy which is good for this application. Your 150 pound line might be strong enough if it's in perfect condition, but what if it weakens due to UV or rubbing on rebar? Paracord can take a lot of punishment before it gets too weak to hold your tent down.

All the mason's twine I've used has been pretty strong but still seems more like string than rope.

Yeahhhhhhh, my friend said the same: "just cut up one of your four, 100 foot long pieces of paracord". Bah! I was concerned with how thin the mason cord is, that's for sure. Spose i'll just slice it up. I'm bringing enough crap as it is.

[StevenGoodman]

Clothes line.

Martini Steve

[MacGlenver]

Clothes line.

Martini Steve

Hm, is there a standard definition of Clothes Line? Amazon seems to indicat that it is twisted nylon cord. Looks like its only slightly cheaper than paracord.

[maladroit]

Nothing is really stronger than paracord at the same price point. You'd look for something else only if you need better than 550 pounds or need something stiff (not stretchy). Ratchet straps or steel cable.

[theCryptofishist]

Clothes line is around that weird papery core. I'd go with parachord.

[StevenGoodman]

$6.50 - Everbilt 3/16 in. x 100 ft. All-Purpose Clothesline White at Home Despot. I like the old cotton style if you can find it.

I am assuming this is just for guying down tents and stuff. Not big heavy duty stuff.

For stiffening up carports, ratchet straps are great.

Martini Steve

[FIGJAM]

If you know an electrician, ask them for some mule tape.

My nieghbor had some left over on a spool and gave it to me.

Now I have 1000ft of 2500 pound tensel stregth mule tape.

Used for pulling wire in long elctrical runs.

[MacGlenver]

If you know an electrician, ask them for some mule tape.

My nieghbor had some left over on a spool and gave it to me.

Now I have 1000ft of 2500 pound tensel stregth mule tape.

Used for pulling wire in long elctrical runs.

Dayum. That's strong stuff. No 'lectricians in my crew, unfortunately.

[FIGJAM]

It's about an inch wide and looks like miniature tow strap.

I'm bringing a100' for backup.

[Homiesinheaven]

paracord is $3 for 50 feet. cut that shit and stop overthinking!

[Jackass]

If you know an electrician, ask them for some mule tape.

My nieghbor had some left over on a spool and gave it to me.

Now I have 1000ft of 2500 pound tensel stregth mule tape.

Used for pulling wire in long elctrical runs.

Got some, it kicks ass, I've pulled cars from the mud with that stuff

[Bob]

What's the standard for reasonably cheap tent guy line material? I've got a lot of paracord, but that seems like overkill for a small tent (and I dont want to chop it up in to 6 foot pieces, ideally). I'm looking at this braided nylon mason cord that a few camping sites have suggested. Indications are that breaking strength is 150lbs, which seems good.

That means a drunk tripping on it might break it. Okay for some repairs, though.

[MacGlenver]

Paracord it is. Thanks guys!

[junglesmacks]

Considering the conditions this year, you may want something a bit heftier..

[MacGlenver]

I like the chains, though they may not pack too well in my luggage from Atlanta .

If anyone's interested, I did buy a spool of the braided nylon mason's twine (neon yellow) from home depot. It was about $5 for 250 feet. It's about 2mm thick. I tried pulling it apart as hard as I could with my hands and I could not break it (and I'm fairly strong). That stuff is strong, though I'm sure I could break it if i tied it to something and pulled with both hands/shoulders. I'll definitely find a use for it out there. Paracord will be my primary for tent guying, though.

[skippy3k]

I tried pulling it apart as hard as I could with my hands and I could not break it

I'm no engineer, but I believe the breaking strength is higher when you just pull it. The rope, cord, etc really becomes compromised at the attachment point because it is wrapped around something. Just something to file away in the back of your mind...

[MacGlenver]

I tried pulling it apart as hard as I could with my hands and I could not break it

I'm no engineer, but I believe the breaking strength is higher when you just pull it. The rope, cord, etc really becomes compromised at the attachment point because it is wrapped around something. Just something to file away in the back of your mind...

Ah, a good thought. Suppose it may depend on the knot/attachment method used. Given that I don't know either, just another reason to go safe and use paracord for most stuff. My tent not blowing away will be worth the extra few bucks i suppose .

[maladroit]

Every dollar you spend on tent securing material is one less eyeball speared by a flying tent pole.

[Ano]

How does Polyrope hold up on the Playa? I was gifted 200 feet.

[MacGlenver]

How does Polyrope hold up on the Playa? I was gifted 200 feet.

Not entirely sure. Poly tends to be weaker than nylon but likely still useful. I'd look up poly rope of similar diameter and weave (braided versus twisted) online and see the breaking strength. I

[Bob]

Twisted 3/8 polypropylene is okay for truck rope. Braided 3/8 polyester holds a knot better and is usually higher capacity, and is fine for small structure guy lines.

[Ano]

It's rated for 225 pounds - it appears to be the same rope someone just posted a thread about, in fact. It looks as if it will work. Trucker hitches everywhere!