year-round fabric cover for more delicate tools/implements

[notaz3]

do you have a link?

https://www.costco.com/10%27-x-20%27-steel-frame-canopy.product.100768239.html

Says they are out of stock; however, my local Costco has a pallet full.

 

[alexpops]

#4 Duck. There are treatments you can apply to the outside that repel water but it can still breath. I had a tarp of this I kept in my truck for about 12 years with no problems protecting stuff in the bed.

Establishing a secure connection ...

 

[vagem55]

Maybe not for you, but I store my tractor attachments on warehouse shelves under excess billboard tarps: a large black one on back and top to conceal from the rear, and smaller white ones in front I can lift to remove equipment with forks, if necessary.
Billboard tarps are much stronger and more durable than any of the online ones I found, and you can choose different colors and mil strength.
You can get end of roll pieces at half what you'd pay for a decent large tarp.
You can have the ends processed, but I bought a decent eyelet tool.

 

[joea99]

https://www.costco.com/10%27-x-20%27-steel-frame-canopy.product.100768239.html

Says they are out of stock; however, my local Costco has a pallet full.

Where is that?

 

[sailonner]

Bought a used vinyl Billboard similar to truckers tarps. Very heavy, reinforced flexible vinyl covered mesh material. Affordable. Reused Billboard Vinyl Archives - billboardtarps.com

 

[joea99]

Maybe not for you, but I store my tractor attachments on warehouse shelves under excess billboard tarps: a large black one on back and top to conceal from the rear, and smaller white ones in front I can lift to remove equipment with forks, if necessary.
Billboard tarps are much stronger and more durable than any of the online ones I found, and you can choose different colors and mil strength.
You can get end of roll pieces at half what you'd pay for a decent large tarp.
You can have the ends processed, but I bought a decent eyelet tool.

How do the eyelets hold up? Link to the tool?

 

[Tony H]

I had the same scenario. I have big equipment on land that I am building my home on. Any tarp over equipment does too bad things. #1 makes nice warm cubbies for mice and #2 tarps crest a waterproof tent for moisture to come up out of the ground and create moisture from the bottom up.
The potable garages protect from above and are open enough not to help out the critters. Put plastic on the ground to keep the moisture from rising up out of the ground and you are in good shape. Even the inexpensive potable garage will last 3 years of UV rays and heavy snow. My Tractor Supply inexpensive 9x25 one did. We get snowfalls of a 30". I did broom it off, but it handled it for 3 years.

 

[vagem55]

How do the eyelets hold up? Link to the tool?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0854BJLV3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I doubled the edge of the tarp prior to installing the eyelets, one every 5 feet or so.
If you were taking it on and off frequently, and had to tie on, you'd want them more often.
The distributor will even roll cord in the edges if you need that.

 

[kyryder]

On craigslist you can find used billboard material. They cost more than tarps but are large and extremely durable. For a sawmill shed roof I'm sure you don't mind advertising for some product that is probably gone.

 

[vagem55]

FWIW, my billboard tarps were new, but end of roll. no ads.
9 Oz 10x40 black, 6x30 white and 5 x 41 white was $100 with 60 shipping.

 

[joea99]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0854BJLV3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I doubled the edge of the tarp prior to installing the eyelets, one every 5 feet or so.
If you were taking it on and off frequently, and had to tie on, you'd want them more often.
The distributor will even roll cord in the edges if you need that.

How do the grommets hold up over time, distortion and rust for instance? Any tricks to getting square secure grommets with it?

Some of the reviews claim they rust quickly and don't always install square. Last part is probably operator error.

 

[vagem55]

Only problem I had was one side dropping out before I closed it.
Not rusty, but only been in there since October.

 

[joea99]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0854BJLV3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I doubled the edge of the tarp prior to installing the eyelets, one every 5 feet or so.
If you were taking it on and off frequently, and had to tie on, you'd want them more often.
The distributor will even roll cord in the edges if you need that.

A lot of the comments say the grommets rust easily. Did you find that to be so? Are there stainless grommets that will work with this tool?

 

[toolslinger]

I expect that Amazon grommet tool uses standard grommets. A 3/8" opening grommet would be #2. At least the photos of the tool in question has the same kind of dies that my grommet tool does. You can get brass, nickle plated brass, aluminum, and stainless grommets through McMaster. I've used the brass from them with no real issues. The tarps have given up before the grommets.
I should add that I always prepunch holes...

 

[alexpops]

Sailrite has grommets/fabric hardware for boats in saltwater environment. hold up great.

Grommets: Metal, Brass, Plastic, Stainless Steel

Shop for grommets at Sailrite, including super-strong eyelet grommets and spur grommets plus plain brass and metal grommets.

www.sailrite.com

 

[mydanielstory]

Looking to make a cover for my sawmill and a few other less-weatherproof tools** which at least for a the next several years will be stored outside.
Nox Vidmate VLC
I've tried tarps, but:

1. with the relatively harsh & consistent sun we get they degrade faster than i'd like
2. because they are fully waterproof (not breathable like ~sunbrella), pinhole leaks and/or moisture from the ground seems to collect inside, leading to the surface rust i'm trying to avoid.
3. it's in full view, at least until we can finish our permanent house, and the wife would greatly appreciate if it looks "nice" for what it is.

I've made covers for some similar (but much smaller) things outside out of awning fabric (Sunbrella), which is great - decade+ in full sun, very waterproof but also has some air-permeability so nothing rusts under it. But it's expensive at $25+/yard, and it's realtively thin so i'd have to double it up many places with ~sharp edges.

Any ideas for something "very water repellant" UV-resistant, and durable, but cheaper?


**If i find a fabric i like, i'll probably also make it for my BH, as I only use it a couple times a year and it lives outside otherwise as I have no space left in my barn. It should survive fine outside, i suppose, but i'd feel better keeping it covered.

I have a hoop barn with a tarp cover and even when its closed up relatively tight, a cool night followed by a warm humid morning leaves some condensation.

 

[John_Mc]

I have vehicles in two of these and both have lasted about 10 years....

View attachment 762293

We had one of that looked identical to that. Purchased at Costco. Lasted 2 or 3 years until the fabric got so brittle from the sun that it just started falling to pieces.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Seems like tent of non woven geotextile/cowcarpet might work.