Question for those using METAL awning tie down poles

[doc73]

I have PVC poles I made for the OC brackets but they are starting to warp in the heat. They work fine but was thinking of either the EMT conduit but that seemed heavy compared to the PVC pipe I am using now. Any other ideas like an aluminum conduit or similar and where to get if that is even a thing. Thanks.

[Flybob]

I am using aluminum painters poles. Sturdy and collapse for storage.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by Flybob

I am using aluminum painters poles. Sturdy and collapse for storage.

Can you locate/post a link to the poles you used?

[doc73]

Originally Posted by Flybob

I am using aluminum painters poles. Sturdy and collapse for storage.

Do they stow on the poles or do you remove them?

[Iwannacamp]

I used 2 sizes of metal conduit/emt. 1/2 and 3/4 I think. Worked good for me. I painted them black. I wanted something smaller in od than the painters poles and too tight to pay $60-75 for a pair. Got the conduit for about $10 or $15.

[doc73]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

I used 2 sizes of metal conduit/emt. 1/2 and 3/4 I think. Worked good for me.

Not too heavy? It seemed pretty heavy when I was holding it at the depot. But I guess it's 10ft of it.

[Iwannacamp]

Originally Posted by doc73

Not too heavy? It seemed pretty heavy when I was holding it at the depot. But I guess it's 10ft of it.

Not heavy at all. I made them the same length as the support arms. I leave them attached.

[Iwannacamp]

If you leave them on the only thing you move is the smaller piece. It prolly weighs a couple of pounds. Maybe

[doc73]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

If you leave them on the only thing you move is the smaller piece. It prolly weighs a couple of pounds. Maybe

Copy on both thanks

[Iwannacamp]

Here is a pic of mine

[dsiegler]

If you have the metal poles standing on the ground it would be a good idea not to hang on to them or aluminum chairs during a thunderstorm. We usually had to take at least one soldier to the La Crosse hospital from McCoy every year. McCoy would have lots of thunderstorms every June.

[satdog01]

I picked up a couple of adjustable poles at Northern tool. They come in different lengths that are adjustable in increments of 1/2 inch. The 6 foot ones will run up to roughly 11 feet. They are called cargo poles and are use to secure freight in large trucks. A little pricey considering conduit but a lot cheaper than OC. Think I paid $30 or so per pole. Removed pad off one end to secure to awning. Screwed a 8 inch pice of lumber on bottom which I stake into ground with tent stakes. Love the adjustment feature.

[Springerdad]

I use the extending aluminum pool brush poles. I've drilled them to be pinned at various heights. Painted them medium brown so they blend in with the surroundings. Lightweight, simple, and cheap. ( I find them being thrown out down here all the time when they get nasty looking or the extension clamp fails. )

[SailorSam20500]

If you find a partially damaged easy-up canopy, the legs make a decent pole. They usually have the spring loaded button for length adjustment. If you need them a bit longer, you can use a short piece of nm conduit as an extender.

[old40ford]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

I used 2 sizes of metal conduit/emt. 1/2 and 3/4 I think. Worked good for me. I painted them black. I wanted something smaller in od than the painters poles and too tight to pay $60-75 for a pair. Got the conduit for about $10 or $15.

How far apart did you drill your holes? I am a little confused on that for mine, like you I am too tight to pay for the painters poles.

[Capt. Mike]

I use aluminum painter's poles from Lowe's. $12.98 each at Lowe's.

Fasten to the OC brackets with the threaded end pointed down (there is a hole in the end of the handle that the pin goes through.) Screw a cheap paint roller to the threaded end, then cut off the portion of the roller where the pad actually goes, leaving the handle - screwed to the pole - with a 2" spike sticking out of it. The spike goes in the ground.

I do not leave them on the brackets. They are stowed in my rear bumper.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/mr-longarm-...yABEgIbZ_D_BwE

[DaGrinch]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

I used 2 sizes of metal conduit/emt. 1/2 and 3/4 I think. Worked good for me. I painted them black. I wanted something smaller in od than the painters poles and too tight to pay $60-75 for a pair. Got the conduit for about $10 or $15.

I did the same as "Iwannacamp".... used EMT. I drilled my holes approx 1 1/2" center to center. Cut a "V" in a 4x4 about 18" long and set the EMT in the "V" after I marked where I wanted the holes. Put the 4x4 on my drill press. Been using them now for about 4 years.
Larry

[lewisra]

Originally Posted by old40ford

How far apart did you drill your holes? I am a little confused on that for mine, like you I am too tight to pay for the painters poles.

Mine are 3-4", I'm using black PVC.

[ependydad]

I was debating using square aluminum tubbing. I was thinking two 8' pieces to give me plenty of overlap at full extension. A little expensive and no idea on weight, but seemed like it could be sturdy.

My awnings are both 11' off the ground on level ground. Frustrating as all hell. And since we're stuck in the heat of Florida for the summer, we need to do something so we can deploy them more often.

Anyone have a link to the EMT that y'all are using? Is it hefty?

[DaGrinch]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I was debating using square aluminum tubbing. I was thinking two 8' pieces to give me plenty of overlap at full extension. A little expensive and no idea on weight, but seemed like it could be sturdy.

My awnings are both 11' off the ground on level ground. Frustrating as all hell. And since we're stuck in the heat of Florida for the summer, we need to do something so we can deploy them more often.

Anyone have a link to the EMT that y'all are using? Is it hefty?

EMT can be had at any Lowe's or Home Depot.