Advanced Anchoring Types Cement Anchors
Advanced Anchoring for Tents, Part II: Cement Anchors
PREVIOUSLY ON THE CELINA TENT BLOG:
“A Box Ratchet is the same revolving mechanism as the ratchet buckle, but instead of a strap that connects to your stakes there is a plate that extends off of the back of the assembly with a staking hole.”
Last time we were discussing a type of anchoring equipment called a Box Ratchet, which provides an increase in holding power. These are used to strengthen a tent installation in your standard field or park, but what are people supposed to do when tents come to the big city? A standard stake and sledgehammer aren’t going to cut it when you’re trying to drive stakes into a parking lot somewhere
Starting with the Don’ts
We really can’t stress this enough, but now is the perfect time to mention it. Anchoring is absolutely essential no matter what surface you are installing on. One of the more popular (and most dangerous) methods that a lot of installers like to turn to is water barrels. Normal guy lines are tied off to barrels filled with water in order to utilize the water’s weight to keep the tent in place.
In addition to our expo videos explaining the numbers behind water barrel use, we’ve also made a short video guide covering the main reasons why this is such a bad idea; you can watch it here.
Driving the Point Home
That brings us to the perfect cement and asphalt anchoring solution. Concrete Anchors are installed in a two-step process that provides the best security at paved locations. First, holes must be drilled for the anchors. A drill bit is required to drill a ½” hole wherever staking is required. Refer to your tent’s instruction manual or the Layout Handbook in order to ascertain the correct spots for drilling.
Once all locations have been drilled, the anchor is set into the hole and tightened. Each anchor has a spreading base that is inserted into the hole first. After it can no long be driven downward, the bolt at the top is turned. This screws the bolt further into the anchor base, causing the sides to spread and grip the sides to provide security for the anchor. The top of the bolt remains exposed, acting in the same way as the exposed head of a standard stake. Ropes or ratchets are attached and the tent installation can proceed as normal.
Choices, Choices
Whether you’re lofting a massive 80’ wide pole tent or erecting a frame tent in the middle of a parking lot, anchoring is instrumental to every single installation. Always make sure that you have the proper amount of guy lines and staking locations as recommended by your tent’s installation manual – manuals for all Celina Tent shelters can be found in here. Have a question for us? Email us at sales@gettent.com or give us a call at (866) 258-1041.