How do I repair a broken tent pole?

Broken tent poles can be easily repaired/replaced. Just because an individual segment is broken doesn't mean you need an entire new set! 

Why did my tent pole break in the first place? Well, there are a few different factors. More often than not, what we see in our Repair Shop is tent pole segments broken, cracked, or flared out near the end. This typically is a result of the female side of the pole segment not being fully inserted onto the ferrule (the metal insert) or hub. Always make sure all pole segments are fully inserted into one another to avoid bending and tension at incorrect points on the pole segment. Another great way to prevent pole breaks is to guy down your tent system so that it is nice and taut, especially in extreme weather. Using the guy lines on your tent system will help hold your pole set steady. 

Watch our video on how to replace a broken pole segment.

Repair Option 1: Use a Tent Pole Repair Splint

This is a great option for an effective field repair. We recommend you always bring a tent pole repair splint and duct tape on your adventure just in case of an unexpected pole break. 

You'll want to remove the end tip or hub cap so you can easily slide the splint over your pole segments. End tips can either be removed by twisting or pulled straight out. Sometimes dirt and debris can be lodged into the end tips and pole segment; if you are having a hard time pulling the end tip out you can use a set of pliers to gently grasp the end tip to try and wiggle and pull it out. Our end tips are made of plastic, so the key word there is to GENTLY pull on the end tip!

Once you slide your tent pole splint over the broken section, you can use duct tape to secure either end of the splint and prevent the splint from sliding up or down the pole system. 
 

Repair Option 2: Replace the Pole Segment Yourself

Individual pole segments can be replaced at home! Contact our Warranty & Repair department and let us know what kind of tent you have and we'll be happy to send you a replacement pole section. We can help narrow down exactly which pole segment you need, check our inventory, and have our team mail you a pole segment ($5 USD per segment outside of our MSR 3-year Limited Lifetime Warranty). We have a large array of pole segments ranging back to tent models that are 10+ years old.

Once you have the tent pole segment that you need to get your pole set back up and running, you'll also want to grab a pair of scissors, tape, a marker, a lighter, a clamp, and some replacement shock cord. The replacement shock cord isn't necessary if your current shock cord is still retaining elasticity. 

1. Using the marker and tape, mark each segment by number (i.e. 1, 2, 3, etc.) so you can easily reassemble your pole set in the correct order once your swapped out the broken segment for the replacement.
2. Remove the pole end tip either by twisting or pulling the pole end tip straight out. After the end tip has been removed, untie the knot in the shock cord that is attached to the end tip. 
3. From there, slide each segment off of the shock cord until you've reached the pole segment that needs replacing.
4. Slide the broken segment off and then slide the new replacement segment in its place. Be sure that if your replacement segment has a metal insert (ferrule), that you install the replacement segment the correct orientation so that your system fits together cohesively. 
5. Next step, you guessed it, is to slide the pole segments back onto the shock cord in the same order you removed them. This is where numbering comes in handy!
6. Once your poles are back on the shock cord and in the correct order, you can tie the shock cord back onto the end tip and reinsert the end tip into the last pole segment.
7. Lastly, we recommend you set up your tent completely just to make sure everything is fitting correctly. Heading out to the backcountry only to realize the poles aren't lining up quite right is something we want to avoid! 

 

Repair Option 3: Send Your Pole Set to Our Repair Shop

It self-repair is not something you are interested in, that is no problem! We can repair your pole set out of our Repair Shop. We are currently accepting mail-in packages; to start your repair claim, click here. Be sure to select the option of "I want to send in my product for warranty or repair evaluation" when following the prompts. You will receive an automated email with your assigned Return Authorization (RA) number along with instructions on where to send your item. No need to send in your full tent set, we only need the pole set for a pole repair. Note that inbound shipping is covered by the customer and we will cover outbound shipping back to you. If there is an applicable repair fee ($5 USD per segment outside of our MSR 3-year Limited Lifetime Warranty), you will be invoiced after the repair is completed. If the repair is expected to exceed $50 USD, you will be contacted before any repairs are completed. Do NOT send cash or checks. Repair Shop turnaround times vary; refer to the automated email previously referenced for accurate turnaround times.