How to Install a Swing on a Tree Branch
Tree swings are fun for the whole family. Kids love them, and adults who had them hold fond memories of playing with them when they were younger. If children will be using the swing, you do not have to use rope that is very strong. There are rope types available that will hold around 300 lbs., which is perfect for children only. Other rope types are available that can hold multiple adults on one swing with load ratings up to 1,400 lbs. Decide how strong you would like to build the swing and use the rope type that is appropriate for your plans. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Ladder
- 5/8- or 3/4-inch diameter rope
- Garden hose or flexible tubing
- Scissors
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Piece of 2 x 6 lumber
Instructions
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1
Place a ladder against the tree branch, climb up and take with you the ends of two pieces of rope, an 18-inch piece of garden hose or other flexible tubing and pair of sharp scissors.
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2
Wrap the hose around the tree branch and cut the hose to the correct length. Slide the end of the piece of rope through the middle of the hose or tubing.
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3
Pull enough of the rope through the hose or tubing to allow you to easily tie the rope in a bowline knot. Wrap the hose as tightly as possible around the tree branch. The garden hose protects the rope from the tree bark. Climb back down the ladder.
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4
Drill four holes, two holes on each end of the board, through a piece of 2 x 6 lumber that will act as the seat for the swing. Make the holes large enough to allow the rope to easily pass through them.
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String the rope down one hole from the top of the swing seat and up through the other hole on both sides of the swing seat. Tie another bowline knot to secure each side of the seat.
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Tips & Warnings
Different types of rope provide different weight limits (or load limits), depending on the material the rope is made of and the diameter of the rope. Here are a few options: 3/4-inch twisted nylon/polyester (1420 lbs.) 3/4-inch twisted polypropylene (1090 lbs) 5/8-inch twisted polypropylene (700 lbs.) 3/4-inch manila rope (695 lbs.) 5/8-inch braided polypropylene (294 lbs.)
