Auto-locking 180° Rope Tensioner (print-in-place)

An upgrade on the automatic tensioner. When I put up a tarp, I like to set my “static” line to a tree and then pull in a direction away from that static line (in other words: toward the tarp), so I made mine have a 180° degree turn back to where the rope came from.

This design also gives you the benefit of physics! It provides a pulley-like 2:1 mechanical advantage when tensioning because of the 180 degree turn.

If you like it, give it a thumbs up, comment, and “make” :)

Specs:

• The model supports up to a ¼" rope/paracord.
• Print-in-place.
• Labelled option showing loading and tension direction
• There is a “windowed” model that allows you to see/poke/fish your rope through, and a “windowless” model that is a 180 curve all the way.

Printing Recommendations:

• I recommend organic supports, “from build plate only”, to ensure the gear track prints smoothly, but otherwise may print well without supports if your printer can do that nicely.
• Strong filament recommended, depending on your usage as it will be under load.