Supplies for a Tire Swing

With a few supplies, your kids can enjoy a tire swing in their backyard.

With a few supplies, you can hang a tire swing in no time. Children and adults will get hours of enjoyment out of it. Make sure to purchase the best materials for safety and durability against weather and use. Whether you choose to hang the tire swing from a tree or A-frame support, most of the required materials will be the same.

Swivel

When using a A-frame, purchase a heavy-duty, 360 degree ball swivel with lubricating stem. Choose a three-pronged swivel to easily attach the support chains. If attaching to a tree branch, use a connector link and a locking swivel hook. Make sure that it is wide enough to hold three chain links. Also purchase enough extra chain, preferably a chain wrapped in plastic for added support, to hang over the branch.

Chain

You will need three hardened-steel chains. Make sure they are thick enough to support the weight of the tire and those riding the swing. Another option is to use thick rope, but the chain support will last longer and there will be no danger of fraying. The length of chain will depend on where the tire will hang from, so measure the distance carefully. In most instances, the chains will probably need to be between 4 and 6 feet long.

Chain-to-Tire Hardware

Purchase three eyebolts, six lock washers and six fender washers. These will go into the holes drilled into the top part of the tire. Check hardware stores for what kind of hardware will work best. There are some S-hook connectors that are specifically used for tire swings instead of eyebolts.

Tire

Avoid using a steel-belted radial tire. Just about any size tire will work as a swing. The bigger the tire, though, the thicker your chain will need to be. Drill holes in the bottom portion of the tire for water drainage.

References

• Popular Mechanics: One Day Project: Kid's Backyard Tire Swing: By Harry Sawyers
• Landscaping Ideas: Building a Tire Swing