Tent Pole Grommet Tips

Grommets are an integral part of camping gear, and are used to secure tents, tarps and other objects against wind or other weather. The grommets at the bottom of the tent pole on a tent are identical to most other types of grommets used in camping gear, so can be treated like every other grommet. Several worthwhile tips about grommets can aid campers in a variety of situations.

  1. Stress

    • To keep tent pole grommets in working order, never overstress a grommet. Particularly, never attach or hang other objects to the stake running through a tent pole grommet, as this can cause the grommet to tear. Similarly, tying two tarps together can overstress the grommets under heavy demands, like high winds or heavy loads.

    Torn Grommets

    • If one of your tent pole grommets is torn out, one easy technique can allow the same security until you can repair the grommet. Wrap a golf ball or similarly sized rock in the tent material, just below the torn grommet. Tie off the top of the ball, stake down the rope in place of the grommet, then secure the tent pole to the top of the rope. This will protect the grommet from ripping further, while still ensuring that the tent is properly staked to the ground.

    Leather Repair

    • More permanent repair methods can be used on grommets, though they are often best accomplished outside of survival situations. Tent pole grommets can be repaired by cutting grommet-sized holes in two pieces of leather, then sandwiching the pieces on either side of the material. Use a heavy-duty leather sewing machine or a stitching awl and leather needles to secure the leather to the tent.

    Other Repairs

    • Other methods of grommet repair require less material, as even sewing a buttonhole stitch around the entirety of the hole can make the area usable again. In this method, the string used should be thick and strong. Additionally, grommets can be replaced by sewing a washer ring in place of the grommet with waxed linen or Kevlar thread.