Since 1984 I have made stakes for anchoring runners from old Cedar Shingles or Cedar Shakes. They last for many years. I have two 55 gallon barrels full of them that were saved at the end of last season. The longer ones are 14" and are used innially to keep the wind from whipping plants around. The short ones are 10" long and used to stake runners about every 2 feet. I split them with a hatchet with an aim width of 3/4 inches.