Rope tensioner

Motivation

I do have a shadow sail, that is mounted with ropes and those got loose over the time. I did not want to re-mount that when a simple rope tensioner would do it. I was pretty sure I saw a similar model once here, but could not find it anymore – so I re-designed it from what I thought could work.

Solution

The rope can go through the one end, around the middle part (one or more times..) and then out the other end, which allows to keep it around the middle part. I created two versions, as the first version did not seem to be strong enough for my application, I attached both versions though.

Size adaptation

The model is too small, too large, too wide, not long enough, not thick enough? I attached the FreeCAD design files, so you just can apply changes for yourself. FreeCAD is open source and freely available for all major platforms.

Printing

I printed it with PETG as it is partly mounted outside (no direct rain or sunlight, but still could reach higher temps..). Just use the orientation of the model for printing, and depending on your printer and layer height also some support. If you suspect strong forces, you can use gyroid infill and larger number of walls (perimeters).  As far as I remember (have it in use some time already) I printed without support and it came out well. But if unsure, please use support.

The stronger model (#2) works quite well for my use case and it improved tensioning quite a bit, and my sun sail is not sagging anymore.