Build A Rope Tree Swing This Summer!
For our latest blog post, we wanted to try something different and provide information on building a rope tree swing! A rope tree limb swing can provide a lot of fun for children and even for adults during the summer and fall. Of course, the swing must be constructed properly, and the right tree branch must be selected for tying the ropes to. This article will provide suggestions about what materials to use and how to construct the rope tree limb swing. Proceed at your own risk!
Here is a list of materials you may need:
- Pressure treated 2in x 8in board, 2 feet in length
- 5/8in dia braided polypropylene rope (hollow-core)
- 3″ deck screws, Qty: 10
- 5/16in quick link (stainless steel) (working load 1760 lbs), Qty: 2
- Gorilla Wood Glue
- 3 inch corrosion resistant screws
Choose The Correct Tree Limb
The safety of the person using the swing relies on using a limb that is safe enough to hold the weight of the person using it. Make sure you chose a tree limb that is strong enough to hold the weight of the person swinging.
Choose the Correct Rope
The 5/8 inch braided polypropylene (hollow-core) rope is necessary because it has a safe 294 lbs. working load. It should be noted that this rope appears to be 3/4 inch diameter; but under the load of person using the swing, it thins to 5/8 inch diameter. It is essential to use a large diameter braided rope. A good overview of ropes recommended here is at the supplier Rocky Mount Cord Company, Inc.
Secure two ropes to a tree branch using a Swing Hitch knot. This type of knot will require you to put your arms around the branch and secure by tying the knot. The Swing Hitch knot needs to be retied once a year. Otherwise it may kill the branch as the tree grows. A Running Bowline knot can also be used and it will expand as the tree grows.
Personal safety demands that the proper knot be used. Either of these knots should be strong and secure and will not weaken the rope.
Making The Tree Limb Swing Seat
Mark and saw the 24 inch seat bench.
Saw two 4 inch pieces of a 2 x 8 board.
The rear and front edges of the seat bench should be rounded off to protect the person’s thighs.
Using the Gorilla Glue, attach the reinforcing blocks to each end on the bottom of the seat and further secure with five 3 inch screws for each block.
Drill 3/4 inch holes for the rope 2 inches from the seat board ends and 1-1/2 inches from the front and back sides.
Secure Ropes To The Swing’s Seat
Cut two sections of rope 10 feet each, and insert each end of this length into the holes drilled in the ends of the seat. Then tie an Ashley’s Stopper Knot at seat ends on the ropes to secure the seat to the ropes.
Secure these ropes by looping them onto a 5/16 inch stainless steel quick link.
Using one of the two knots recommended above, secure the ropes to the limb of the selected tree.
Hanging The Rope Tree Limb Swing Seat
The seat should be 24 inches above the ground. The ropes can then be tied and secured to the limb and to the stainless steel quick links with a Buntline Hitch. Make any adjustments necessary to make the seat level. This will most likely be achieved by adjusting the Buntline Hitch. The steel quick link will cause a flat spot on the hollow core braided rope. This is essential for the stability of the seat so that the seat doesn’t spill the person sitting on it.
Caution!
As with any project of this kind, the person building the rope tree limb swing must exercise caution to ensure that every aspect of the construction will not pose a safety concern. Critical to this concern is the strength of the tree limb and the using the best knots. Disclaimer: Tree Images is not responsible for any safety issues arising from the construction of tree swing utilizing these instructions. Be safe and have fun!
