How to Repair Coleman Tent Poles

Going camping is a fun way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. That is, until you find that one of your tent poles has broken due to weather extremes or improper handling during storage. Thankfully, Coleman tent poles can be fixed quickly with items around your campsite and permanently repaired after your trip.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing line or wire
• Duct tape
• Rubber banding
• Scissors or box knife
• Coleman repair kit
• Super glue

Instructions

Short-term Fix - Elastic Cord

1. Identify where the broken cord ends are located by looking inside nearby poles with a flashlight.

2. Lay out the pole sections to be reconnected to the elastic cord in a straight line.

3. Tie a thin piece of wire or fishing line to the end of the broken cord. Thread the poles onto the elastic cord.

4. Tie the cord in a tight overhand knot at the site of the break. Secure the knot by pulling on it a few times to ensure that it does not slip.

Short-term Fix - Broken Pole Section

1. Remove the pole from the tent. Lay the entire pole flat on the ground.

2. Straighten out the broken pole on the ground. Ensure the pieces lie flat.

3. Reconnect the pieces using a weather-resistant tape such as duct or electrical tape. Wrap the tape around the break and 2-3 inches on either side.

4. Test the strength of the tape by gently pushing and pulling on the break. Wrap the pole again if the joint is too flexible, making sure to keep the pole thin enough to fit into the tent's pole sleeves.

5. Place the pole into the tent using tent assembly instructions.

Long-term Fix - Elastic Cord or Pole Sections

1. Remove the metal or plastic tips at the end of the pole by gently pulling them off with your hands or pliers. Cut the knotted end of the elastic cord found within the tent pole sections with scissors or a box knife.

2. Pull out the length of elastic cord and discard.

3. Lay out the pole sections in a straight line on the ground or level surface. Replace broken sections with new sections found in your Coleman tent-pole repair kit.

4. Thread the needle packed in your Coleman tent pole repair kit with the elastic cord. Secure the end of the elastic cord to the needle using a thin, clear tape.

5. Thread the pole sections onto the first section. Tie a double overhand knot at the very end of the cord to keep it from slipping through the pole.

6. Thread the second and remaining sections onto the elastic band. Pulling the elastic band tight, tie a knot at the end of the last pole section.

7. Replace the caps over the ends of the pole and affix with a strong adhesive, such as Super Glue.

8. Allow glue to dry according to manufacturer's instructions. Place the tent pole into the tent sleeves and follow instructions on assembling the tent.

Tips & Warnings

• Package your tent back in its original bag to protect tent poles and elastic cords.

References

• Coleman: Repair Parts