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grommeting a tarp - opinions/recommendations

gears

gears

Member
Hi everybody, I've just put up a tent enclosure for the wife's RV and the tarp (polyester) is too loose as I shortened the structure by 8' and lowered it by 3'.

I want to punch holes and grommet them to cinch everything tight.

Looking for opinions on the HarborFreight grommets/tool as compared to something a bit more professional or from another manufacturer. Nothing against HF just want to avoid doing the job twice.
 
I had occasion to use the HF grommet kits several years ago; they worked fine for me. Like any other grommets, just be careful that the two pieces are aligned before you pound the pieces together.
 
I use a backing on each side of the tarp to keep it from tearing at the grommet. Plastic form oil jugs works well
 
kit's I've seen on the bay were with a punch, die & anvil. This better or same as the plier style I was picturing in my head?
 
A polyester tarp is only good for about a year or so, perhaps less if you live someplace windy. It might be cheaper in the long run to get a canvas tarp.
 
I know it's kinda cheating, but I've gotten really good results with the plastic tarp hold downs that you can buy about anywhere. Not as nice
looking as a brass grommet, but likely stronger, as they grab more surrounding material than the grommet does.
 
Bought one of the HF gray (theoretically better than blue)tarps, and their grommet kit
Put another grommet in between the originals.
Use on top of small camper trailer.
Went thru one winter OK.
 
Gears,

These silly things work. I have nothing bad to say about these at all.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200365576_200365576?cm_mmc=Bing-pla&utm_source=Bing_PLA&utm_medium=Tarps,%20Canopies%20%2B%20Shelters%20%3E%20Tarps&utm_campaign=Northern%20Tool%20and%20Equipment&utm_content=117800

D.
 
Those look pretty neat but the tarp material from this RV cover is the really thick stuff designed as a "temporary structure" - you've seen those huge carport/quonset hut looking things - and it's a thick plastic with a woven inner reinforcement. Right now all the attaching ropes and poles use the same material bonded to itself as a drawstring pocket to the front and rear, and sleeves for the side securing poles.

Maybe I need to look into some HD contact cement.
 
Wanted to update my results.

Bought the HF 1/2" grommet tool - $3.99 with 100 grommets. Works great, sharpened the hole punch and turned the back down to fit in my cordless drill and it's easy to punch holes on a standing tarp structure.

The anvil and setting tool are a little tricky to juggle - I need to have a second set of hands hold a 2x4 backer while I hit the punch/peen tool.

Online I found a hand held crimp tool at a falconry shop - $60 so I made my own from a second kit and a large pair of vise grips.
 
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