How to Make My Own Zip Line From a Laundry Line
Zip lines can be a fun, though sometimes dangerous, outdoors activity. Most professionally manufactured zip lines are made of steel cable, but you can make your own zip line using any piece of polyethylene rope, such as a laundry line. A zip line only has five main components: the launch zone; the landing zone; the line itself; the pulley; and the handle, making a zip line's assembly more about planning than building.
Things You'll Need
- Laundry line (three times the length of the zip line)
- Pulley
- Waterski handle
- Utility knife
Instructions
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1
Determine the start and end points. The start point must be high enough off the ground to allow you to be suspended in the air and the end point must be low enough to allow you to safely land on the ground. As a general rule, the start point should be around 3 to 5 feet higher than the end point. You also need to consider the length of the zip line. If it is too short, all of your hard work goes to waste and if it is too long, the zip line will slow to a halt before you reach the end.
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2
Attach the rope to the start point of your zip line. Wrap the rope around the attachment point (tree branches and cross beams work best) at least five times and secure the rope with a taut-line hitch. A taut-line hitch will allow the rope to be adjusted if necessary but will hold tight when your weight is applied to the zip line.
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3
Thread one end of the ski handle rope through the hole in the pulley. Tie the ski handle rope in a double-overhand knot. Tie a small section of rope to the ski handle with a double-overhand knot. This small section of rope will allow you to guide the handle back to the starting position after each use.
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4
Thread the zip line rope through the pulley. Guide the rope to the zip line's end point and pull the rope as taut as possible. Wrap the rope around the end location attachment point at least five times and secure the rope with another taut-line hitch. Your zip line is now finished and ready to use.
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Tips & Warnings
Only use a rope and pulley that is rated to hold your weight.
Place an old mattress or some other form of padding at the end of the zip line to prevent a collision when you come to end of the ride.
The knots used to secure the zip line may weaken over time, so inspect the knots before every use.
If you have any concerns regarding the integrity of your zip line, do not attempt to use it.
Only use this zip line under close adult supervision.
Improper use or failure to properly secure a zip line can result in serious injury.
