Line Tensioners Made From Bottle Tops

Line tensioners make setting up a tent much easier than tying off rope, and they're incredibly easy to make. Here are a couple I made from the screw-on lids from soda and juice bottles. The only tools you need are a drill with about an 1/8" bit and a sharp utility knife. I also used some channel-lock pliers to hold the lids while drilling.

Step 1

Drill the holes similar to this. Precise placement is not necessary. You want two holes on opposite side of the lid, another hole near one of those first two holes, and the last hole about 90 degrees off from the first two holes.

Comments

[BokChoy]

I just made one with some paracord and a bottle lid I had sitting around. it's a neat trick, but I think learning to tie a proper tautline hitch is easier. YMMV, of course.

[ch5]

Nice!
A hackish yet effective trick, just as I like them.

[jeffharbert]

Thanks!

[ch5]

Just got enough spare  time to try out one of those in a real application...
They work amazingly well and hold tight ,even tied on my inapropriately thin and silk piece of string!

This is really worth knowing to help all your not so knotting enclined friends  ;)
Moreover, it's easyly done on the field with just a spare cap and your favorite knife, which will most likely be both aviable at the time.
All a clever trick needs.

[rimar2000]

I am a bit silly, I need some explanation about how it is used. It cost me understand step 5, so imagine.

[jeffharbert]

I added an additional step, Step 9, with a picture and explanation that should help you understand how they work.

[rimar2000]

Thanks, Jeff.

[shepard1]

Nice ible! You should however, put the disclaimer that this is for people who cannot tie the tautline hitch.

[jeffharbert]

Tensioners like this are a convenience. They're for anyone who either doesn't know how to or doesn't want to bother with tying knots. If you'd prefer a tautline hitch, by all means use one. To each his own.

[l8nite]

great idea, I dont understand how its easier than tying a knot though. I have to say Ive never been happy with tensioners and usually discard them in favor of a truckers knot and half hitch which very seldon ever loosen until you want them to. This is a well done ible. One note that might be easier, instead of cutting between the 2 holes, if you angle your drill you can "cut" a slot avoiding 2 or 3 steps