This is a product that is designed to hold a tablecloth on to a picnic table. It is found in the outdoors section of any major store. The product is a lightweight, small, triangular shaped piece of flexible metal. In fact it is so simple that you could make one yourself with a couple of tools. You get 6 clips in the package.

How to use it.
After you place the tablecloth on the table you need to use 3 of these clips on each side of the table. You expand the clip, place the flat side on top, and allow the clip to spring back to apply force that holds the tablecloth in place. To release it you simply pull it away from the table. It is purely spring activated.

Size limitation
The maximum thickness of the table it can surround will be 1 and ¾ inch.

How I have used it.
I have used it at various picnic tables at campgrounds as well as my picnic table in my backyard.

Why do you want it?
Campground tables are inherently dirty and a cheap tablecloth will calm those germaphobics out there. It is merely a comfort item but I do recommend it for car camping. Both the clips and cloth are small and will fit easily in the smallest of vehicles. But in order to keep the tablecloth in place you need to put heavy objects on each corner or you can use these clips. If you just use heavy objects then the edges will continually flap in the breeze. This is really annoying but the clips solve the problem.

Durability
Durability is pretty much the same as a large paper clips. It will deteriorate if exposed to the elements. Over time it will lose its spring. But you will probably lose this before it dies, on you so don’t worry. I have gone through 2 tablecloths but still have the same clips.

Problems.
The major problem is they do not protect the cloth well enough. If you encounter strong winds then the cloth will slide down the clamp causing a hole. The object needs a rubberized end that has a wide tip to increase surface area.

What else can you use this for?
Your kids they can use it as a cheap pea/corn kernel flicker.
A cheap musical instrument to annoy your camp mates.
A stress reliever (but this would eliminate the springiness.)
Holding together your Coleman Weathermaster tent.

Dimensions and weight.
Weight: .25 inch
The top blade length: 3.25 inches
Width of the metal: .47 inches
Height: 1.75 inches

About Coghlans.
When I describe these products I describe Coghlans as a manufacturer of cheap camping equipment. Not something that I would trust in the backcountry, but their equipment is fine for car camping. I also view them as one of Coleman’s major competitors. Upon looking at their website I found that the founder used to work for Coleman half a century ago. It all makes sense now.

Why the rating?
I gave it a three because it does the job and works. Had I not taken price into consideration then I would have rated it a 2. The reason why I did not rate it higher is because the clips can rip the cloth in high winds. This could be rectified if the body was surrounded in rubber and the ends were about an inch wide.

Summary
There is something wrong in a world where someone can write this much about a stupid piece of metal. In fact I feel a little embarrassed reviewing a product like this (but only a little.) So my summary is as simple as this device, this is a springy metal thing that works.


Other reviews you might be interested in.
Vasque hiking boot
Coleman weathermaster tent
Coleman stove


Recommended: Yes