View Full Version : Waterproofing
Quick question.
I've got my hands on a 3mx3m tarp. Now, it has loops around the edges, but none in the centre, like a basha has.
So I want to stitch a loop into the middle. I have some 1" wide webbing to do this with. I was going to stitch it and smear some rubber solution, such as you get in a bicycle puncture repair kit, to weather proof the stitch holes.
Will that do the job?
Any other advice anyone can offer?
I don't really want to go out and buy expensive tools or equipment, so I'm trying to do it with the kind of stuff you have around the house.
Cheers.
I'd be loathe to make holes in it if it's waterproof. Would tarp clips work in the centre of the tarp? You could always throw the tarp over a ridge line instead?
You could epoxy it on to avoid making holes.
rancid badger
09-07-2008, 22:49
Quick question.
I've got my hands on a 3mx3m tarp. Now, it has loops around the edges, but none in the centre, like a basha has.
So I want to stitch a loop into the middle. I have some 1" wide webbing to do this with. I was going to stitch it and smear some rubber solution, such as you get in a bicycle puncture repair kit, to weather proof the stitch holes.
Will that do the job?
Any other advice anyone can offer?
I don't really want to go out and buy expensive tools or equipment, so I'm trying to do it with the kind of stuff you have around the house.
Cheers.
To seal the holes get a tube of grangers seam sealant or similar, rubber solution probably wont work.
Epoxy will almost certainly peel off/crack as it's not designed to be all that flexible.
The tarp clip is the best idea by far, someone had a thread on here a month or two back I'm not sure if it was group buy ( thinking about it may even have been on SoTP)
these are two part gizmo's that really are very clever, have a search or maybe someone can post the link for us?
I hope this helps
best wishes
R.B.
mick miller
09-07-2008, 22:52
Use this to seal the underside once the loops have been stitched on:
http://www.skyblueleisure.co.uk/acatalog/MN14_Tenacious_Tape.html
crazydave
10-07-2008, 00:28
silicone sealant or seamgrip. you can also get iron on waterproof repair patches which would work.
is it too much hassle to use a normal ridgeline like we used to do?
Cheers for your help guys.
Yes, of course I could use a ridge line. Quite often do. But I was trying to 'build in' a bit of flexibility. If you are restricted to using a ridgeline then you are restricted to using a spot that has two trees appropriately spaced. Just wanted the flexibility of being able to pitch anywhere, and that loop in the middle can be really useful.
On a side note, why is it that all the bashas I see (and the one I have) are 2mx3m? I wonder if that's because that's the optimum size/weight/storage for a soldier ladened down with loads of other kit as well. That extra 1m in a 3mx3m area just gives so many more options. Anyway.
If it's just for occasions, you could use a rounded pebble on the inside of the tarp and tie a guy around the tarp on the outside to raise a point.
What a bloody clever little idea.
I love tips like that. I'd never had thought of that. Good one.