Tarp Grommet Lock Key

Updates:

2023-10-17
I found that when it was wet and cold it was a little difficult trying to push the clip on and off if the screw was a little tight. To try and overcome this issue I redesigned it slightly. I have added a version 2 of the clip but left the original in case you prefer it..

Summary:
I am always putting up tarps to cover openings from the weather and usually just use a large washer and a screw to fasten them down. The problem I then face is when I need to get access to whats behind the tarp. I end up having to either unscrew the fastener or skip using a washer and use a long screw at an angle. Without a washer I find that the wind often ends ups freeing the tarp from the screw.

I decided to see if I could make a removable washer so it would hold the tarp in place but not require me to remove the screw when I wanted to take the tarp off.

This is a very simple design which I am going to test out this winter. I have some tarps covering the front of my carport which were held with angled screws. I have replaced those with shorter screws and my test clips.

There are some fancier clips available but for my purposes I really just need a replacement for a washer that can be easily removed without removing the screw.