Steel tent stakes for anchoring a tarp to rocky ground?

[DavidS]

Uh, I could understand wanting Metal Tent Stakes, but Tent Steaks Metal might be a little hard to chew. 

[topgun2]

DavidS -

You were never in the military I'd guess.

At least in the Army this was fairly normal "speak".

edit:  oops!  missed the steaks part which certainly isn't military.😒

[Overland]

Depends on rank, right?  I’ve met an SGM or two who seemed like they dined exclusively on Steaks, Metal. 

[Geronimo John]

I prefer my multipurpose, strong as nails, self defense throwing spike, the ever popular 90 cent landscape nails at Home Depot.  They don't require a brass hammer, break rocks, and if lost are easily found by the next guy.  And, they don't require oiling for at least 15 years!  However, I have found that by wearing red sketchers they are an eye catcher.  But most wise campers don't generally comment when I have half dozen of these in my nail belt.

 

[John E Davies]

9 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

I prefer my multipurpose, strong as nails, self defense throwing spike, the ever popular 90 cent landscape nails at Home Depot.  

How do you get them out, do you also use a big washer under each head? When I tie down a newly planted tree I use 1/2” x 24” long rebar, driven in with a hand sledge hammer, and after a year you can’t budge them, except if you clamp a big vice grip pliers onto one and rotate it vigorously, it will pop right out of the ground.... So maybe I should upgrade to rebar😜

But I am trying to not have to bring a whole arsenal of heavy tools. It’s interesting how an odd subject like tent pegs can get such varied responses, I thought it would be one of those “dead” threads that makes you embarrassed that you started it.

John Davies

Spokane WA

[Geronimo John]

A stainless steel fender washer helps keep the rope on the nail.  To remove, I use a piece of cord and loop it around the nail.  Pulls out easily.  I really only have three as that's all I need for my OEII patio cover.  Total cost under $3, and they seem to have a lifetime warranty.... unless I lose it.  🙂  I don't carry a heavy hammer.  If the ground is rocky, a rock works nicely.   Cave Man style!  

[connor77]

On 4/23/2021 at 11:01 PM, John E Davies said:

Those look great, but they say to oil them after use to prevent rust, do you do that? I like the hammer too but I am not going to  spend that much cash on one.... Thanks,

John Davies

Spokane WA

 

JD, Evo has the hammer for $20 less than Amazon...if you haven't already purchased one.  I bought a couple of other small things I needed which got me free shipping.

https://www.evo.com/shop?text=hammer

[Ken_Judy]

This might be over kill for a tarp but for large canvas tents on super hard ground they recommend 6 or 8 inch lag bolts and use a drill.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-x-6-in-Hex-Galvanized-Lag-Screw-803996/204647865

[Naegele]

I use landscape nails that can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowes, etc.  They look like a giant nail and are used in landscaping to nail together landscape timbers.  They are 1/4 dia shank and can be bought in lengths of up to 12 inches.  You can buy them individually or in boxes of 50/100 etc.  I have about 40 of them from years of tent camping.  If you lose one its no heart burn.

[Naegele]

Correction 3/8 diameter