DentonDoc wrote on Aug 18^th, 2010 at 5:26pm:

Kerry wrote on Aug 10th, 2010 at 8:37pm: My problem is how do you order something worth $2.50 when shipping is $20. I just ordered 20 of them from Mil-Spec Monkey.  That makes the unit price $0.45, but you can buy a single for $.65. Shipping via USPS was $2.00 BTW:  Why did I buy so many ... Hey, not only am I going to add them to my boot laces, I'm going to give them a try as quick line tensioners for my tent and tarp.  (I'll report back on whether or not this is a good use for them). dd

dd, be sure to give a report on whether they worked as boot laces. They look just like the ones I bought , but I believe the plastic might be different :-/
Mine hold fast without any knots behind the cord-lock. If yours don't, then they're not the same. I hope they are, because the price you paid can't be beat. I understand there's always a retail price difference, but Brigade Quarter Masters is on the of the largest outfits of its type. I can't believe they'd mark their version up so much, but you never know.

Just a thought on the guy line tensioner idea. I've tried different ways over they years. I had the tensioner's that are slightly curved with a hole on each end. Worked well, except for one big weakness. Unless you wound up each guy-line before stuffing tarp/tent fly in bag, I always ended up with a tangled mess when I pulled it out.

I don't like to take the time to fold or roll fly, I just stuff it in bag. I've found that rather than using guy-line devices, a quick truckers hitch was the way too go. Works around any anchoring object, gives you a little mechanical advantage, and is easily adjusted.