Tie Down Straps - Help Needed

I purchased 3 sets of "Screwits". They are made in Australia, and shipping
to the USA doubles the cost for one set. My thinking, by buying 3, was to
save on shipping and re-distribute them to friends locally.

The Screwits website erroneously claims they have an anodized finish. Since
all of the screw-in type anchors I've ever seen are made of steel (including
the "Screwits" as it turns out) I was thinking the Screwits must be made of
some super tough aluminum alloy - - as anodizing is an aluminum (and alloys)
surface treatment, not done to steel.

The "Screwits" look to be cadmium plated steel. The screw portion of the
anchor is relatively small and the shaft is also thin compared to other
screw anchors I have. This saves weight, but detracts from holding power.
The weight savings and smaller size, would make it possible to pack the
Screwits into many gliders.

Bottom line, there's no way I would trust Screwits to hold my glider down in
a "blow". There are many other screw-in anchors available in this country
that less expensive and more robust (though at a slight weight penalty). On
the flip side, the Screwits are nicely made, they come in kit w/ handle to
turn in or remove the anchors, and they will do the job in some soil types.
If they are in your glider, they'll work a lot better than heavier ones you
left in the trailer.

bumper


"user" wrote in message
...
Try http://www.screwits.com Small, light and they work !

The site has a comparison of all the tie downs available




wrote:
A very cheap solution that I use is to buy 2 18" long 2x2 steel angle
iron. Cut 45 degree edges at one end to make a point (the metal
supplier that you buy the angle from can do this). Drill a 0.5" at the
other end. Drive the angles into the ground at a 45 degree angle with
a sledge hammer at a place where the tie down rope will be at right
angles to the stake. Total cost: $15-20, not including the sledge.

You need as much surface area as possible for maximum hold strength.
Consequently I don't favor any kind of tie-down that looks like a tent
stake or an over-sized nail. It is important that the tie-down rope be
at right angles, or as close to it as possible, to maximize this
surface area. I also got a couple of cheap, small plastic buckets to
put over the tie-down so I wouldn't stub my toes or drop a wing on
them.

If you want a permanent high-strength tie-down get 2 or 3 used tires,
some cable or chain, and a shovel. Attach the chain to each tire and
bury the tire as deep as you can. The tires are free, the chain about
$1 a foot, and you probably already have a shovel.

Tom Seim