How to Make a Swing Out of Half a Tire
A backyard swing is a cheap but fun way for children to spend time outside exercising. A half-tire swing is a hybrid of the traditional wooden plank and rope swing, and the full-tire swing. Its flexibility offers comfort and, depending on the size of the tire, can even seat two people at once. Making a swing from an old tire is also a good lesson for children on the importance of reusing materials.
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Things You'll Need
- Old car tire
- Hacksaw
- Drill with spade bit
- 5/8 inch braided polypropylene rope (100 feet)
Instructions
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1
Place your old car tire flat on the ground and saw it in half with the hack saw.
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2
Drill a hole in each end of the tire for the rope using the spade bit.
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3
Thread the rope through the tire and secure it using a stopper knot.
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4
Thread the rope through the tire and secure it using a stopper knot tied underneath the swing.
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5
Form a running bowline knot on the ends of your rope pieces. Toss the ropes over the branch and pull the knots taut. This knot prevents the rope from strangling the branch as it grows. You don't want to swing on a dead branch.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure your used tire is not reinforced with steel treads. The sidewall will tell you what materials the tire is made from.
Make sure your cutting surface is stable when cutting the tire.
Follow the knot instructions to the letter. These sturdy knots are crucial for swinging safety.
