Pull-out capacity of tent stakes

[geospyder]

I just re-read the thread and saw the tent that was staked nicely but shredded. I used the Playa Staples last year and they worked great. I also made an exo-skeleton from 1/2 inch PVC. The ends were also staked into the ground the the "poles" from the tent were tie-wrapped to the PVC. Worked great. Now if I can only minumize the dust from getting in the tent.



The two ladies in the picture were visiting our camp.

[Savannah]

I had a difficult time getting 9-inch stakes out of the ground with a claw hammer because I pounded them flush to the playa to avoid making a tripping hazard. On the plus side, my tent didn't stir all week. So, overall, a win. The stakes came from Fred Meyer, 4 to a package, and were shaped like thick, oversized nails with green, heavy-duty plastic "t"s towards the heads.

To get them out, I had to tug for quite some time with a claw hammer, being careful not to pull so hard as to fall down or hit myself with the hammer itself. I'm no weakling, and it was still arduous. My campmate helped me knock 'em slightly sideways with various tools, which helped them extract (eventually).

This year I might hammer them an inch from the playa instead of completely flush, and then top with tennis balls or other cushioning material.

[Rommel]

[quote="Savannah"]I had a difficult time getting 9-inch stakes out of the ground with a claw hammer because I pounded them flush to the playa to avoid making a tripping hazard. On the plus side, my tent didn't stir all week. So, overall, a win. The stakes came from Fred Meyer, 4 to a package, and were shaped like thick, oversized nails with green, heavy-duty plastic "t"s towards the heads.

To get them out, I had to tug for quite some time with a claw hammer, being careful not to pull so hard as to fall down or hit myself with the hammer itself. I'm no weakling, and it was still arduous. My campmate helped me knock 'em slightly sideways with various tools, which helped them extract (eventually).

This year I might hammer them an inch from the playa instead of completely flush, and then top with tennis balls or other cushioning material.[/quote]

A crowbar makes it much easier to remove almost any stake.

[phil]

I have *never* lost a military stake.

Didn't dracula use to say that?

Steak. He said steak.

[lucky420]

would these military stakes be good for staking down a hexayurt or would rebar be better?

[Savannah]

Thank you for the advice, Rommel.

A claw hammer & a crowbar are similarly shaped at the end; does the crowbar's length somehow give me better . . . leverage or something? Is it stronger?

I ask because I might not be able to bring everything I want this year.

[FIGJAM]

The longer the handle the more leverage, so easier to pull your stakes.

[Savannah]

Awesome, thank you.

[ygmir]

The longer the handle the more leverage, so easier to pull your stakes.

you talking steel or flesh, FIGJAM?............

[AntiM]

Thank you for the advice, Rommel.

A claw hammer & a crowbar are similarly shaped at the end; does the crowbar's length somehow give me better . . . leverage or something? Is it stronger?

I ask because I might not be able to bring everything I want this year.

We use a wrecking bar, which is like an over-sized crowbar. Four feet or so? Overkill, but hey, no one has to bend over.

[ygmir]

there's also a bar made just for pulling stakes.....not sure what it's called.
I've seen them, though. I made one for a fellow a couple of years ago.

I use the "auger plate" type......no pounding, no pulling......just screwing and un-screwing........but, maybe, that's just me........and what I like.

[FIGJAM]

steel or flesh ygmir.........lol

[ygmir]

hahahahaa, touche'..........

[dinks]

The harbor freight mini sledge is the best tool to get rebar into the ground.

To get them out I used a hi-lift jack to pull all of mine out of the ground. Before I knew it I had 6 other camps asking to borrow the jack to do the same.

[theCryptofishist]

Thank you for the advice, Rommel.

A claw hammer & a crowbar are similarly shaped at the end; does the crowbar's length somehow give me better . . . leverage or something? Is it stronger?

I ask because I might not be able to bring everything I want this year.

We use a wrecking bar, which is like an over-sized crowbar. Four feet or so? Overkill, but hey, no one has to bend over.

That's is important.

Just as a side conversation--what works for staking carpet? I don't want that sucker to move...

[geospyder]

Playa Staples are for sale again. I just ordered another ten. They worked great for last year. I needed more for another tent. Four for the tent and four for the exo-skeleton.

[CapSmashy]

Just as a side conversation--what works for staking carpet? I don't want that sucker to move...

I'd say landscape timber nails should work very well for this. ~3/8" wide and anywhere form 6 to 10 inches long, usually galvanized dipped.

Easy to spot as they look like gigantic nails.

[AntiM]

Just as a side conversation--what works for staking carpet? I don't want that sucker to move...

I'd say landscape timber nails should work very well for this. ~3/8" wide and anywhere form 6 to 10 inches long, usually galvanized dipped.

Easy to spot as they look like gigantic nails.

That's what we use, then pry them up with the wrecking bar.

[Josh-n-Cody]

Ok that pic scares me and my poor camping tent! As a newbie, could you give me so tent recommendations or point me to a thread that has them?

Thanks!

Don't be afraid. We use a Eureka K-2 four season tent. Held fine in direct gusts of 55 mph. no big.

Barely any dust even with the top vents open. GREAT airflow dynamics.

Try to set up with the "tail" or vestibule AWAY from the main direction of the wind, which is from the South South West. Yes, Bring a compass.

[/img]

[Josh-n-Cody]

[quote="geospyder"]I just re-read the thread and saw the tent that was staked nicely but shredded. I used the Playa Staples last year and they worked great. I also made an exo-skeleton from 1/2 inch PVC. The ends were also staked into the ground the the "poles" from the tent were tie-wrapped to the PVC. Worked great. Now if I can only minumize the dust from getting in the tent.

[img]http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs234.snc1/8132_100861123265351_100000243920521_20643_7262031_n.jpg[/img]

The two ladies in the picture were visiting our camp.[/quote]

What a GREAT idea! I never thought of PVC reinforcement.

However, you could also use a monkey hut over your tent for shade and wind prtection..

Check it out!

http://www.chromatest.net/Lovemonkey/

[kman]

Crowbar and a piece of 2x4 will get darn near any tent stake out, short of some fool driving 3' rebar 2' into the ground.

Crowbars aren't terribly expensive, either. Use the piece of 2x4 to lever against, so the crowbar doesn't start sinking into the ground.

[geekster]

I use a t-stake puller to get out rebar.



Cost is $60 from Amazon but the one I use belongs to the camp so if people pitch in for stuff like that, it isn't so bad.

[AntiM]

MyLarry uses a wrecking bar, which is an overgrown crowbar. He just likes his big tools.