OAUSA Net July 31, 2014 - Camping Repair Kit

[toms]

For the net this week, we plan to discuss tools, supplies and skills you need to repair your camping gear and clothing.


What do you take? -- to handle breaks, tears or holes in your camping gear, clothing or bedding?
Are there any skills you need to practice at home before going?
Where do you store these items?

[toms]

Product Spot Light

On the subject of camping repair kits, I always carry 4 Tarp Clips in the event a grommet tears out or I need to make an quick shelter out of a tarp.
The ones I carry are available at Home Depot, Lowes, and most camping stores. This is what they look like. I believe they are referred to as crocodile clips.

Crocodile Tarp Clamps

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However, I discovered a tarp clip that appears to be better. I have not had a chance to use them. If you do - post up a report.
The EasyKlip has a cam type action that grips tighter the harder the pull. They can hold up to 220 pounds which is about 5 times the ones I have. The price is in the range of $9 for a set of 4.

Check out the video at
http://www.easyklip.com/

Easy Klip

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[DaveK]

Here are some repair items that should be in everyone's repair kit.

1. Rescue tape:
From the manufacturer's website (http://www.rescuetape.com/):

The World's #1 Brand of Self-Fusing Silicone Tape

Silicone Rescue Tape is a self-fusing silicone repair product with infinite uses. First used by the US Military and now seen at consumer and industrial trade shows across America, Silicone Rescue Tape is the most versatile and easy-to-use emergency repair product available and the most requested brand of silicone tape in the world.
With Silicone Rescue Tape you can repair leaks on plumbing and hoses in a flash, use to insulate electrical wiring or as shrink wrap, wrap tool handles, and much, much more. Silicone Rescue Tape is the ONLY Silicone Tape actually used by the military on every US Army Vehicle & Tank as part of the US Army's Battle Damage Assessment and Repair Kit (BDAR Kit)!

Is Self-Fusing!
Incredible 950 PSI Tensile Strength!
Insulates 8,000 Volts per layer!
Withstands 500° F Degrees of heat!
Remains flexible to -85° F! (-60° C)
Fastest-fusing and Strongest Silicone Tape available on the market!

HERE ARE JUST A FEW SUGGESTIONS FOR OUR SELF-FUSING SILICONE TAPE:
Keep it on board vehicles & equipment for emergency hose repair!
Seal leaky hoses, pipes, tubing, lines, & fittings
Neaten up lines and extension cords in stowage
Wrap tools and handles for a GREAT non-slip grip!
Wrap wiring harnesses and custom split-looming
Waterproof electrical connections and terminals
Use it as an emergency fan belt!
Make emergency O-Rings
Wrap hydraulic fittings and other exposed metal connections to help prevent corrosion
Works even over wet, dirty, or oily surfaces!
Use it as a tourniquet or emergency wrap over bleeding injuries
Wrap it around ANYTHING that you want secure, and it will never leave any sticky residue!

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2. Speedy Stitcher

From the manufacturer's website (http://www.speedystitcher.com/main.html):

The Speedy Stitcher can be used to sew any heavy material. A handy tool to have around the house, farm, or any place where heavy material has to be sewn.

Each Speedy Stitcher is Made in the USA and comes with our high tensile waxed thread and our custom made diamond point needles. Sews a perfect lock stitch every time and as everyone knows, a stitch in time saves nine!

OUTDOOR & CAMPING EQUIPMENT
Repair tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, and tarps like new

[DaveK]

A few more:

3. Wrench Extender

The traditional extender for box-end wrenches is an iron pipe. Although a pipe works, it is awkward and requires two-handed operation. This steel extender can be used one-handed for either tightening or loosening a nut or stud. It has two powerful rare-earth magnets to hold a wrench firmly in position. See: http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.a ... 41067&ap=1 .

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4. ZIP Ties

Have zip ties available, and lots of them, in different sizes. Nothing more needs to be said.

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5. Duct Tape

Very little needs to said about duct tape except there are some heavy duty brands, made by 3M, Nashua and Scotch that should be considered. There are some outstanding, so-called, 100 MPH duct tapes that perform quite well, but be careful as there are some knock off brands that are junk.

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[traveltoad]

Great topic!!

[cruiserlarry]

I'm looking forward to hearing all the clever campground repair tricks I should know, but I don't

[lrsrngr]

I recommend (not in any order of priority):

1. 550 Paracord
2. Shrink Wrap
3. Bungees
4. Hockey Cloth Tape
5. Self-Adhesive Sport Wrap
6. Spray Cooking Spray/Petroleum Jelly (leaves an oily film but it works good on pine pitch)
7. Various Sized Snap Links
8. Waxed Dental Floss (in addition to the sewing kit thread, it works wonders as thread for thick material and holds very well; the wax helps it slide through tough jobs)
9. The Nite Ize "Figure 9" (new to me but I love it for the convenience of setting up my clothes line)
10. Crock Stick and a small file to touch up blades

[lrsrngr]

BTW:

Knowing a few good knots always helps. Rope and paracord management is very important because sometimes the wrong knot is just a tragedy waiting to happen.

From my Ranger days: "MONGASSO Knot" Enough of the wrong knot in order for it to hold and meet the intended purpose (if you don't know the right knot!).

My top knots:
o Bowline
o Figure 8
o Square Knot
o Clove Hitch
o Truckers tightening system
o Prusik
o Round turn, two half-hitches
o Lashing and Whipping Knot

http://meritbadge.org/wiki/images/f/fc/ ... shings.pdf