Thread: Fly corners & rigging

Hi guys. I have been making my own tent flys for years. I use the plastic that comes off timber stacks (this can be obtained from timber yards like bunnings etc as this stuff is very light but strong and uv resistant for it's weight) Cut it to whatever dimensions you want. For the centre ridge I cut an extra strip or two and glue then along the centre rope line using ADOS contact cement to protect from abrasion wear and to reduce stretch.
The edges, I reinforce using the same technique and also double the edges by folding over and gluing with ADOS for about a 4-6 inch width along the whole border of the tarp; and where I place my eyelets I cut squares or triangular shapes of spare vinyl from upholsterers rubbish bins and seal these into the seams by folding them inside as the seam is doubled and glued , again using ADOS. Then punch hole for eyelets and press these in place. (Kits available from saddlers or Mitre 10)
I usually insert eyelets on all edges including front and rear to ensure the tarp stays in place longitudinally as well as laterally. Nylon chainsaw cord for ties and rubber bungees made by cutting hoop sections from old tyre tubes. (Rigid tying will cause your tent to rip in stormy weather so bungees are important.) The biggest one I have made of this material is 20 ft long by 12ft wide and has lasted for several trips and several years so far. This timber stack wrap-plastic sheeting does not seem to perish like the polyester tarps commonly sold in Warehouse, Mitre 10/ bunnings etc. You can also buy it in large rolls from a plastic packaging wholesale specialist. For pegs I use reinforcing steel rod or if weight is an issue, cut them from dead teatree or other dead vegetation on site. (Always take a small saw)
In the event of an eyelet busting I use a rounded pebble / small rock wrapped / folded / twisted into the tent edge and tied in place using some twine (like a hanged man). Puts crinkles into the tent but prevents loss of the shelter.