Zip Line Installation Instructions

Install a zip line in your backyard.

Zip-lining is an exhilarating activity. Racing across a taut line up to hundreds of feet from the ground all while holding unto a single handle, will increase the pulse of even the most seasoned daredevils. Those who truly enjoy zip-lining can install their own zip line. Some companies offer zip line kits which include the line and other materials to install the zip line. You can also purchase individual pieces from hardware and other equipment supply stores, but be careful to use materials that are strong enough to support the riders.

Things You'll Need

• Zip line kit (includes: stainless steel or galvanized trolley, zip line, 2 eyebolts (at least 5/8 inches dropped forged), turnbuckle (at least 3/4 inches in thickness), 8 cable clamps and thimbles)
• Drill
• Auger bit
• Ratchet with 1/2 inch
• Ratchet with a 3/8 inch drive and a 1/2 inch, 6-point socket
• Rubber mallet
• Used or new tire
• Riding equipment (includes the zip line handle, trolley and locking clips)

Instructions

1. Locate two healthy trees that are at least 15 inches in diameter. The distance between the two trees is up to your personal preference, and must be slightly shorter than the length of the actual zip line. It is important that the trees be in good health. Adding a zip line to an ill tree can kill the tree.

2. Tie a mason line with the colored thread around one trunk and run the string to the other tree. Tie the line around the other tree trunk. The mason line is temporary and meant to provide a visual of how the actual zip line will sit---the height it will sit on both trees and the slope that is created by that height. The slope is the amount of decline from the start tree to the end tree. The slope contributes to the gravitational pull on the rider. The steeper the slope, the faster and potentially more dangerous the ride down the line will be. If using a zip line kit, follow the recommended height guidelines for attaching the zip line to both trees.

3. Mark each tree trunk with dab of paint, or use some other material, where each side of the line should be situated on the tree.

4. Drill one hole through each tree trunk with a drill and auger bit. The hole should be placed at the height the the zip line will be placed and level with the mason line. The bit must be longer than the diameter of the tree.

5. Tap one eyebolt through each tree (the start and finish tree) with a rubber mallet. The eyebolt must be longer than the diameter of the tree and stick out of the other side of the tree. Locate the remaining portion of the eyebolt hanging out of the other side of the tree. Screw a washer and nut around the other side of the eyebolt with a ratchet. (The drive used on the ratchet may be 1/2 inch or longer depending upon the particular nut size.)

6. Attach the cable to the eyebolt on the start tree. To attach the cable, loop one cable thimble around the hook of the eyebolt. Thread the cable into the eyebolt as well, and depress the cable into the conclave of the thimble. Attach one double-bolt clamp with a ratchet (with a 3/8-inch drive and a 1/2-inch, 6-point socket) directly below the thimble to shore up all the slack within the cable. The cable is now secure to the thimble. Six inches below the first clamp, attach another double-bolt clamp. Twelve inches below the second clamp, attach a tertiary double-clamp bolt.

7. Attach the turnbuckle to the eyebolt on the finish tree, or the tree that the rider will zip down to. Remove the cotter pin from the bolt in the jaw end of the turnbuckle. Then slide the bolt out of the turnbuckle with your hand. Line the jaw end of the turnbuckle with the eyebolt and slide the bolt through the turnbuckle and eyebolt. Place the cotter pin back in the bolt.

8. Prepare the tire to use as the zip line brake. The tire is attached near the finish end of the zip line to help stop the rider. To prepare the tire, use the drill to drill a hole in the bottom of the tire so rainwater can drain out.

9. Run the cable along the zip path to the finish tree.

10. Pull the cable through the center of the tire. Secure the tire about six or more inches from the finish tree.

11. Attach the cable to the eyebolt on the finish tree, or the tree the rider will zip down to. Make sure the cable is taut. If there is a great distance, over hundreds of feet between each tree, adding a little slack will help the rider to slow down as he approaches the belly of the line. To attach the cable, tighten one cable thimble around the hook of the eyebolt. Thread and loop the cable into the loop of the cable thimble, pull the cable through and secure the cable to itself with a cable clamp. One cable clamp should secure the cable right underneath the thimble. The other two should be spread a five to six inches apart along the line.

12. Secure the tire in place. To help keep the tire in place, secure two additional cable clamps between the cable clamps used to secure the end of the zip line and the tire. The cable clamps must be placed on the side of the tire that is facing the tree, not the rider.

13. Remove the mason line.

14. Place the trolley on the top of the zip line near the start tree. Insert the loop on the top of the handle into the safety clip. Then insert the safety clip into the holes on the bottom of the trolley. Now the zip line is ready to be tested.

Tips & Warnings

• A rider may also want to purchase a pair of zip line gloves to protect her hands as she is zipping along the metal cable, a zip line harness or seat that attaches to the trolley and a helmet to protect the rider's head from falls. A zip line handle, trolley and locking clips are not necessary to enjoy a zip line but makes zipping across the line easier. Holding onto other materials, such as cloth or rope, can create friction which can be hazardous and other materials will snag and get stuck during zipping.

• You may also want to throw some rubberized mulch, or other material, along the path of the zip line to soften the fall of any riders that have trouble hanging on.

• Zip line components can be purchased individually or in a kit. Use caution and consult an expert when purchasing individual components.

References

• OutdoorFunStore: How I put up our zip line
• OutdoorFunStore: Zip Line Kit
• OutdoorFunStore: Zip Line Info
• DangerouslyFun: How to make a zip line
• BrianGreenStone: How I Built My Zip-Line