How to Make a Tire Swing

When you see a tire swing hanging from a large majestic tree, it brings back a lot of memories. It's such a basic form of fun that everyone loves. A tire swing doesn't take too many supplies and it's easy to assemble. Here's how to make one.

Things You'll Need

• Tire
• Strong rope
• Large tree with a sturdy limb

Instructions

1. Find the right tire for your tire swing. Older tires that do not have the steel belts made within the tire are best for a tire swing to avoid any metal that might poke through the tire with age. Try finding a tire at an auto junk yard as they may have some older tires from trucks or tractors that would be great for a swing.

2. Clean and wash the tire as best you can to avoid getting black rubber marks smudged on the clothes of everyone that swings. Take the tire to a self service auto wash and use their power sprays and scrubbers to really clean the tire of build up.

3. Plan ahead and punch a few small holes in what will be the bottom of the tire swing. This will allow rain and dirt to sift out of the tire as it hangs out in the weather elements. You may have to use a power drill to get the holes in the tire.

4. Decide what tree limb you are going to hang your tire swing from. This is important, as it must be an extremely sturdy tree with large limbs. The limbs must be able to withstand the weight that will be stressing the limb when people swing on the tire.

5. Purchase a really sturdy rope for the swing. The rope needs to be relatively thick to handle the stress and weight of the swing. Purchase more rope than you need as you will need additional length in the rope to allow for the knots. Consider putting two ropes on your swing. This will slow down the wear and tear that would come with using only one rope.

6. Assemble the tire swing. Place a thick piece of foam padding or a section of an old water hose on the top side of the limb where the ropes will hang from. Adjust your rope or ropes over the top of the padding on top of the limb, tie a knot underneath the limb to keep the rope in place and hang the rest of the rope downward to the ground. Loop the rope or ropes through the top of the tire and secure with a knot, a classic square knot works well. Tie a second knot to secure the first knot. Secure any loose end of rope dangling.

7. Start swinging in your new tire swing. Have fun.

Tips & Warnings

• Some would prefer to hang their tire swing with chains. These would be heavier than the rope and would require bolting the chains into the tree and tire to secure for swinging.

• Be aware that your new tire swing is going to attract lots of children, young and not so young.