How to Hang a Rope Swing in a Tree
A rope swing is the perfect place to relax on a hot summer day, more enjoyable than a swing set and zippier than a hammock. Whether you're planning on using the rope swing yourself or installing it for children, two important considerations apply: Choose a strong branch before you begin, and check the branch annually to ensure the tree was not damaged in winter storms. Choosing and hanging a swing will only take a couple of hours. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Locate a hardwood tree such as an oak or maple that provides a long branch that's at least 8 inches thick. You will need enough space to hang the rope swing so that you're not swinging too close to the trunk of the tree.
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Set up your ladder beneath the tree. With the drill, screwdriver and bolt in hand, climb up the ladder.
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Drill a starter hole for the bolt. If your rope swing has a plywood seat and more than one piece of rope, you'll need one bolt to secure each side.
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Insert the eye bolt into the starter hole and tighten. For added leverage, thread the screwdriver through the eye of the bolt and turn the eye bolt to tighten until the bolt is snug.
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Climb down the ladder, drop off your tools, pick up the end of the rope swing and climb the ladder.
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Use a bowline or other secure knot to fasten the end of the rope swing to the eye bolt.
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Tips & Warnings
It's better for the health of the tree to use a bolt to secure the swing, since the tree's bark will grow over the bolt. Using a rope can hamper the tree's growth and eventually cause the limb to die.
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