View Full Version : replacing tent pole cords
RockyTrail
04-11-2005, 14:25
The elastic cord inside the poles of my Sierra Design Light Year needs to be replaced. Does anybody know how you non-destructively remove the pole ends to attach new cord? Is it a friction fit or is there glue involved? Where can you get the cord? I don't mind fixing it myself; or maybe there are places that can do it for a reasonable price? Thanks in advance!
Stoker53
04-11-2005, 15:03
If you are not in a hurry simply contatc SD for a return authorization number and they can do it for you. Tips are a press fit and the old ones, once removed, cannot be reused.
Most outfitters sell the very thin cords, even WalMart has kits from time to time. Not familure with the SD stuff, but all the ones I have fixed simply had the ends of the cord tied in a knot (one was also hot glued at each end, the repair has held for 4 years no hot glue) simply work the knot free, maybe using needle nose pliars, untie the knot or cut the cord, re-thread & re-tie. Takes me about 2 minutes per pole. Some kits (the one from Wally World did) have a thin piece of wire to help with the threading. You may want to take a piece of the old one with you, the bungy do come in a few different diamiters, you want one that will fit the opening or YOUR poles.
Doctari.
"ME & U"
04-11-2005, 22:53
EMS sells a replacement cord that will work and Iv'e repaired my SD's no prob. The ends do fit back in.
RockyTrail
04-12-2005, 21:51
Thanks everyone for the help; I figured out how to get the Sierra Design pole ends off to replace the shock cord.
The ends are threaded with a standard right-hand thread and simply unscrew (turn counterclockwise to remove). Mine were initally stuck, but once they turn, they come right out where you can reattach a new cord through a hole in the endpiece. Piece of cake. There is a slight dimple on the side of the pole near the end; this dimple forms the mating thread that the endpiece screws into. You can get replacement shock cord at REI or EMS, it measures out to be 3/32" in diameter, it's only about 15 cents a foot. :) Thanks again, happy trails...