Tent Repair
Fixing Continuous Coil Zip Problems.
The most common continuous coil zip problem is slider wear and distortion. It is caused by the use of excessive force to operate sliders on dirty, unlubricated zips, or where something is jammed in the zip. It shows up as the two sides of the zip not closing or meshing properly behind the slider. Slider distortion involves the upper and lower plates of the slider moving apart slightly at the trailing edge. The extra clearance allows the zip coils to avoid each other. Provided the distortion is not too great a solution is to tap the trailing end of the slider closed again. Run the slider all the way to the open end of the zip, and lightly squeeze a slider closed by reaching over to the back end with needle-nose pliers. Be very careful as it is easy to squeeze too hard. In some cases it may be necessary to replace a slider that is weakened from distortion or badly worn inside. Zips should be regularly sprayed with silicon or teflon spray to lubricate them, reducing the force, heat and wear of operation.
Fixing Tears In Insect-Proof Mesh.
Insect-proof mesh is difficult to repair neatly, as stitching remains visible and untidy after patches have been sewn on. One solution for small holes is to hold the damage in place with a patch of masking tape then smear seam sealant over the damage. When this has dried to a tough, translucent film remove the masking tape. The best solution, however, remains repair by hand stitching using a weaving action and a fine thread.
Fixing Tears In Silnylon Fabric.
Fabrics finished with silicone elastomer compounds can only be glue repaired with silicone elastomer adhesives. The simplest and cheapest is neutral-cure, clear RTV silicone. For small tears and punctures apply as for the mesh repair instructions above. Larger tears must be repaired with stitched patches then sealed. Be aware that PU-based adhesives are useless on siliconised fabrics.
Fixing Tears In PU-Coated Fabrics.
Use self-adhesive sail-marking fabric off-cuts, available from any sail-maker, often at low or no cost. Round the corners of the patch.
Re-Proofing Silnylon Fabric.
You will need the following: a large tube of neutral-cure clear RTV silicone, mineral turpentine, and a 50-70mm paintbrush.
1. Erect your tent and adjust the fly so that it is tight over the poles.
2. Clean the outer tent thoroughly to remove any dirt or dust. Set the tent up in the direct sun for a few hours to make sure it is absolutely dry.
3. Give a gentle wipe with a tupentine-damped rag, to assist adhesion of the new coating.
4. Mix one part silicone with three parts turpentine. This can be hard work and will take some time, though the process can be accelerated by use of a drill with a paint-mixer attachment. You need for the mixture to be smooth in consistency and milky in colour, as this allows for good penetration of the fabric. You will need approximately 250mL to cover a normal 2 person tent.
5. Apply the mixture with the brush, spreading it out to a thin, even film as quickly as possible. Do not allow puddles or runs to set, and avoid lapping back over areas already covered. Work the coating well into the seams. Some streaking is inevitable. This may take some time, so if the mixture starts to thicken in the pot due to evaporation of solvent, mix in a few more drops of solvent.
6. Leave the tent where the new coating can cure for a few days. Do not allow the fabric to touch itself during this time and avoid moisture. When the tent is ready to pack away the coating should not be sticky. Test this by pressing it against itself for 30 seconds. It should separate as soon as pressure is released.
Repairing Aluminium Tent Poles
Straighten a slightly bent tube section using your knee or other gently curved and slightly resilient padded surface. Whatever you use make sure it will not crease the tube at any point. Pull slowly against the bend until you feel it yield. Do it a little at a time, checking progress as you go. Badly bent sections (particularly where the tube cross-section is appreciably flattened) will need to be replaced since attempting to straighten them often leads to tube failure or unacceptable residual stress. Broken pole sections may be temporaily repaired by use of an oversized sleeve that is taped around the break, though this should be considered an emergency repair and not a long-term fix.
