Using Coghlan's Tent Pole Repair Kit

Derek Kitching

2 min read

Got a bent or broken tent pole in the middle of your camping trip? No worries! Our Tent Pole Repair Kit is a quick, reliable solution to get your tent back in shape, so you can get back to enjoying your time outdoors.

The kit includes heat-activated repair sleeves and a durable aluminum splint, designed to fix both fiberglass and aluminum poles. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have your tent pole repaired and ready in no time. It's a simple fix that you can handle.

Fiberglass Tent Pole Repair

Fiberglass poles are generally quite sturdy and don't break easily. However, you may encounter varying degrees of fraying when damage occurs. During field repairs, we recommend leaving the shock cords in place, as removing them can make it difficult to thread them back through the repaired section. We designed the repair sleeves and splint to be wide enough to slide over different sections of the tent pole without needing to remove the cords.

Step 1 - Locate damaged area

Identify where the damage is on your fiberglass tent pole and position the repair sleeve over that spot to ensure even coverage.

Step 2 - Heat the Repair Sleeve

Using a controlled heat source, like a lighter, candle, heat gun, or hair dryer, slowly warm the repair sleeve. Heat until it reaches approximately 75°C or until the tubing begins to shrink, ensuring you apply even heat.

When the sleeve has completely shrunk to the size of the pole, let it cool down for a couple of minutes before you proceed to the next step.

Step 3 - Apply Pressure on the Repair Sleeve

While the heat repair sleeve is still warm, gently apply pressure to it. This helps the sleeve adhere properly to the tent pole, ensuring a snug, long-lasting fit.

Aluminum Tent Pole Repair

Aluminum tent poles can become brittle over time if too much stress is placed on the same area over their lifetime. This may lead to a noticeable weak spot, which can lead to it snapping apart. If you begin to see the signs, such as color deterioration or warping, we'd advise bracing the pole with the aluminum splint and securing it in place with the heat-activated sleeves. If your pole has broken in half, don't fret, you can still repair it with our kit.

Step 1 - Locate and straighten the damaged area

Find the damaged section of your aluminum tent pole. If the pole is lightly bent but not broken, gently straighten the bend as best as possible. In our experience, a severe bend will most likely break the pole in half when you try to straighten it back. Then, place the aluminum splint over the affected area.

Step 2 - Attach the first Repair Sleeve on One End of the Splint

Allow for ¾” – 1” of overlap between the splint and the heat shrink

Step 3 - Heat the Repair Sleeve

Use a controlled heat source, such as a lighter, candle, heat gun or hair dryer, toslowly bring the material to 75° Celsius or until the repair sleeves begins to shrink

Step 4 - Repeat for the Second Repair Sleeve (Opposite End of the Splint)

Once the first sleeve is in place repeat steps 2 and 3 on the opposite end of the splint, securing it in place with the second sleeve.

Step 5 - Apply Pressure on the Two Repair Sleeves

Wait for a few minutes to cool down the repair sleeves on both ends of the splint. While still warm, press down on it lightly to ensure proper adhesion to the tent pole and splint.