Tarpaulin Accessories: Grommets, Bungees, and More

Tarps are handy and practical items that may be used as shelters, shades, protection, or anything that can be thought of in particular conditions. Whether it is as a cover for lumber and equipment or as a makeshift shelter upon camping, having a Tarpaulin is always useful. However, to be able to fully utilize your tarp and have it last as long as possible, having the right tarp accessories is essential. Some of the more common types of tarp accessories include grommets, bungees/straps, ropes, stakes, and repair kits.

Grommets

Among all the accessories that are used in tarp making, grommets are perhaps the most essential. These small metal rings are used to thicken the areas of the tarp where its rope, cord, or something similar is looped through to avoid the formation of a hole in that place. They may distribute the stress on small holes instead of the fabric being pulled from one location to another. This makes them very strong and they are not likely to develop rips over times as much as other materials. Grommets themselves can have diverse sizes, materials, and designs depending on the thickness of the tarp and its use. Some common types include:

  • Aluminum grommets: High-durable material for exterior application and good in withstanding corrosion.
  • Stainless steel: Very durable and does not break when exposed to harsh weather.
  • Brass: Act as decoration for the tarp for internal use
  • Two-piece washer style: It disperses the strain over a larger surface area

The insertion of grommets does not require the use of many tools; it only requires hand tools, but it greatly helps in the longevity of tarps.

Bungee Cords

Shock cords or Bungee Cords are elasticated ropes with hooks on both ends which are often used for holding objects. It is better to use them together with grommets that enable the creation of tight and secure tension in tarps. Cord bungees are of different sizes and sturdiness to afford the proper amount of tensioning for use ranging from trapping small covers to stabilizing large weather vane canopy outdoor tents.

Bungee cords perform a few valuable functions for tarps: 

  • Use tension to maintain an even, orderly, and crease-free fabric surface
  • Make the tarps able to freely shift and flap in the wind while they are being used and remain securely attached
  • Some of the particular features that are desirable on tarps are to be able to attach and detach with ease without necessarily having to tie or untie knots each time.

It is convenient to have more than one rope bungee and have them in different lengths as this helps ensure better tarp stability and better rope bungee adjustments.

Other Tarp Accessories

Beyond grommets and bungees, there are a few other handy tarp accessories: 

  • Ropes & Cords: These enable tarps to be rigged and tied down in manifold ways just like bungees. Paracord and other lightweight ropes are considerably effective.
  • Tent Stakes & Pegs: It is crucial to fasten tarps firmly, especially when used to cover certain items or protect some areas from rain or snow. Metal and plastic stakes are easier to use when seeking to anchor tarps without tearing them in the process.
  • Seam Sealant: Small tarp rips and splits are sealed to extend functionality with waterproof adhesives for sealing small leaks along the joint lines. It can be applied as a sealer in the manner that one applies a caulking material.
  • Tarp Repair Kits: Maintenance accessories include adhesive patches to repair any damage on the tent, replacement grommets for additional reinforcement, seam sealant, and repair tools.

Tarps are even more versatile when they are accompanied by the right accessories and this helps to reduce the challenges of putting them up and adjusting them while on the go.

Conclusion

It is worth mentioning that buying grommets, bungees, ropes, stakes, sealants, and repair kits seems quite reckless just to use them for Tarpaulins. Nonetheless, these accessories make the common tarp the robust, versatile shelter and cover they are. Essentially, the right accessories enable tarps to be rigged safely in many directions, and at the same time, they enable the length of their usability to be extended by ensuring that they do not develop holes and rip when they are exposed to tension and the vagaries of the weather over time. Considering that tarps are relatively cheap, accessories are a good investment because they bring value for the money. With proper preparation and setup, tarps remain durable serviceable tools for years as makeshift shelters and protection for our property and possessions in the backyard, in the camp, at construction sites, and virtually everywhere else we need them.

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