This post describes a simple modified holding ring that can be used to hold down a tent stove flue pipe in windy weather. It also can be used to tie up a top ring to the top of the pipe or spark arrestor.
Introduction
When using an ultralight tent stove in an ultralight tent there can be a tendency for the flue pipe to pull away from the stove top when the tent canopy is buffeted by strong winds.
Previously, I have described a stainless steel ribbon tie down with a sharp bend in it that can be ‘hooked’ onto the lowest holding ring on the flue pipe. This has been described in my earlier post on my bento box stove. This current post describes an improved simple holding ring for this purpose
Method
The bottom of a roll up flue pipe requires the fitting of a compression ring or sleeve device to prevent the inward collapse of the pipe. Such a device ensures that the diameter of the pipe can not reduce below a particular diameter. The device can also take the form of a conical connector/guard tube for the stove pipe. If the diameter of the guard tube is made just a little larger than the diameter of the flue pipe holding rings, it will provide a simple stop to prevent the lowest ring from falling or being pulled off. This ring then becomes a suitable tie-down point for the entire flue pipe.
My new holding ring device has a small flattened ring that it interlocking with a holding ring. The flattened ring provides an easy attachment point for simple tie wire to be connected to the flue pipe. The wire can be simply tied down to some suitable part of the stove mount or even a wooden peg in the ground or snow. Alternatively, once the wire section of the tie-down is past the hot portion of the stove, light nylon cordage can be used as an extension of the tie-down.
At the top of the flue pipe, many stoves have a spark arrestor that is clinched in place by sliding the top flue pipe holding ring upwards until it is tight. Consequently, a second similar modified interlocking ring can also be used at the top of the flue pipe to prevent the ring from slipping down. Alternatively, if there is no need for a separate spark arrestor (As with all my stove that are designed to be spark arrestors.) the wire can be formed into a small hook shape that can be attached to the top lip of the flue pipe.
[Add a photo of the tie down ring pulled down above the compression ring on the 61.5mm diameter flue pipe.]
[Add a photo of the tie up ring held up by wire from the top of the 61.5mm diameter flue pipe.]
[Add a photo of the tie down ring tied down to the leg of a KISS Stove]
Conclusion/discussion
The modified interlocked holding ring provides a simple means of holding down an ultralight flue pipe in a windblown tent. Another interlocking ring can be used to hold up the top holding ring and clinch the spark arrestor.
I make the modified holding rings substantially wider than the regular ones so that they are strong. This and the addition of the interlocking ring also makes it easier to find the rings, if they should fall off (as they often do) during the hurlyburly of packing up the camp on rough ground or snow.
Tim
