A better tent stake

rfuss928

I have not pounded in a tent stake or struggled extracting one for a few seasons.  I have switched to 5/16" lag screws and a 1/2" socket that fits the power drill I carry for raising and lowering the stabilizers.  The lag screws easily drive into virtually any ground I have encountered, hold firmly and extract just as easily when taking things down.
Generally 6 inch length works very well for holding the corners of my T@B awning in place even in the windiest conditions.  Adding a S hook and captive washers under the head make it easy to grab the loops on the awning corners.
I use 4 inch length for the corners of our patio mat with large fender washers under the heads and grommets added to the mat.  These can be driven flush with the mat avoiding any tripping hazard.
A short length of heat shrink tubing below the washer on the shank of the screw prevents the washer from sliding down while installing and from falling off when extracting and packed.
Give it a try and I think you'll be converted too!



Have Fun!!
Bob
SUNT@B

Ratkity

Very nice, Bob!!

ChanW

Yes sir! They even work in frozen ground...

Cyclonic

Glad you pointed this out, great idea!

jcfaber1

I have been using timber lock screws, fender washers too.  Much easier than the old stakes.

Ratkity

Cyclonic said:

Glad you pointed this out, great idea!

*groan* pun. lol!

cmac

Thanks for the info.  I tried it using a 1/2" x 8" lag bolt with the hook, washers, and shrink wrap and glad to report good news.  Tried to pull one out - it took a LOT of effort to do so.  I used the 1/2 x 8 because it has the same size hex head as my stabilizer screws so I don't have to keep track of additional sockets.  I am using these for our stand-alone canopy.

Thanks!

TerryV6

Late to the party but, thanks Bob.  We were at a campsite last weekend and couldn’t get our pegs thru the gravel.  I made these today... 

TabberJohn

Here's a hand driven anchor that's made in USA from 100% recycled plastic -- https://www.orangescrew.com/
I saw them at an outdoor event where they were selling singles to dog owners as a leash anchor.
Spendy but well made and designed like a pocket corkscrew for wine.
You may be more interested in their textured paracord available in stealth gray or 3M reflective orange (no stumbling in the dark).