an apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a collapsible support structure strut , which may include a strut member ; a hollow tubular terminal end portion of the strut member having an inner surface ; and a detachable looped eyelet having at least one loop and a pair of extending legs , the legs being springedly biased to engage the tubular terminal end of the strut , thereby frictionally holding the looped eyelet in place at the terminal end of the strut . the apparatus and method may also employ a holding plug , with first and second holding groove opposingly placed in the periphery of the holding plug , having at least a portion thereof that is shaped and sized to frictionally engage the inner surface of the tubular terminal end of the strut , to frictionally hold the holding plug in engagement with the strut . the detachable looped eyelet may also have at least two loops .