Repairing a Torn Tent Ring

Most of the rings in a tent are grommets, or small metal rings imbedded into the fabric to protect the fabric from wear and tear. The lines that are so important to holding the tent up and securing parts like stakes or a rain fly run through these grommets, so keeping them in good working order is a critical part of tent maintenance. If a grommet is damaged or torn, the ring in the fabric must be repaired and the grommet replaced.

Things You'll Need

  • Pliers
  • Sewing needle
  • Thread
  • Replacement grommet
  • Grommet tool
  • Hammer
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the old grommet by pulling it apart with a pair of pliers.

    • 2

      Inspect the tent fabric for damage. If the fabric is torn, stitch it with a needle and thread using a basic straight stitch across the tear. Push the needle through the fabric about 1/4 inch from the tear, run it underneath the fabric and push it back up on the other side about 1/4 inch from the tear. Continue stitching until the tear is closed, and tie off the thread into a knot against the fabric.

    • 3

      Lay the tent fabric on a solid, flat surface, such as a table, pavement surface or a flat rock. Place one side of a new grommet underneath and into the hole. Put the other side of the grommet on top and mate the two parts together.

    • 4

      Set the grommet tool above the top of the assembled grommet. Strike the tool with a hammer to fasten the grommet.