How to Repair Tent Poles

Finding out a tent pole is broken after you leave your house is one of the worst things imaginable for most campers. You can't put the tent up without worrying about it falling over and if the pole is severely broken, you won't even be able to put it up. With the help of some products from your home improvement store, it's easy to repair tent poles.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Marker
Aluminum roof flashing
Measuring tape
Scissors/knife
2 hose clamps

Step 1

Lay your tent poles flat on the ground and set aside the broken or damaged poles, which helps you locate them later. Identify the broken spots by marking the side with a marker. It's helpful if you know exactly what needs fixing and how much aluminum roof flashing you need.

Step 2

Measure the diameter of the tent poles using a measuring tape. Unroll a length of aluminum roof flashing of the same size and cut with scissors or a knife. Though it's made of aluminum, the roof flashing works with any type of broken tent poles, including those made of plastic or PVC.

Step 3

Wrap the roof flashing around the tent pole on top of the break. The aluminum covers the break completely and prevents the tent pole from bending or breaking when you put up your tent.

Step 4

Place a hose clamp on the bottom of the roof flashing and make sure it's firmly secured. Then place a second hose clamp on the top of the roof flashing. The hose clamps keep the roof flashing attached to the tent pole and prevent it from coming loose.

Step 5

Cover the aluminum roof flashing with duct tape. The duct tape covers any sharp edges of the flashing and prevents it from ripping or tearing your tent. Repeat on any other broken tent poles you need to repair.

Tips & Warnings

If you're close to a sporting goods store, ask about replacement tent poles. Some stores offer replacement poles, but only for tents made by the major manufacturers. Some online stores offer replacement poles and tent parts also.

Check the user guide or manual that came with your tent, if you still have it. These usually list the contact information for the company and may offer information on ordering new tent poles.

Alternatively, some sporting goods stores sell repair sleeves for tent poles. These slide right over the pole and with a little duct tape, you'll ensure a good fit. This isn't meant for long-term repair though.

Article Written By Jennifer Eblin

Jennifer Eblin has been a full-time freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared on several websites, including Tool Box Tales and Zonder. Eblin received a master's degree in historic preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

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