How TO
HANG A tire swing

A good-size tire, some simple hardware, and a sturdy, well-positioned tree can offer you hours of old-fashioned swinging enjoyment.

Supplies

• Tire
• Cordless power drill with ½-inch bit and ⅜-inch bit
• One ⅜-inch-diameter eyebolt long enough to go through the branch and extend a little, plus a washer and locknut
• ½-inch-thick nylon rope, long enough to reach the branch plus 10 feet
• Garden twine
• Quick-link hook

Tip

To provide a soft landing in case of a fall, you may want to include a 6-inch layer of double-shredded bark mulch under and around the swing, spreading it equal to the height of the swing in all directions.

first things first

Take your time scoping out the best place for the swing, keeping safety in mind.

Find a tree: A hardwood, such as oak, sugar maple, or ash, will safely hold a swing on a branch that’s 8 or more inches in diameter; the farther out you hang your swing, the thicker the branch should be. The branch should be at least 9 feet high and shoot pretty much straight out, parallel to the ground, as it leaves the trunk. You’ll also want at least 3 feet of open space in every direction.

Obtain a tire: One from a light truck, such as a pickup or SUV, is best. You can get a castoff from an auto shop; avoid steel-belted tires, so you won’t have to worry about the metal working its way through the surface. To avoid standing water, drill ½-inch-wide holes in the bottom of the tire every 4 inches.

Get a length of nylon rope: Nylon is softer on hands than natural rope. Also make sure you have the right hardware to hang it from the tree following the instructions below.

how to hang the swing

Screwing a bolt through the branch is safest for the tree (a rope tossed over the bark will cut off nutrients). A trip to the hardware store will net you all you need to hang the tire.

1. 1. Drill a ⅜-inch hole through the limb. Attach eyebolt with washer and locknut.
2. 2. Loop rope around tire; tie knot (see page 277). Loop other end around quick-link hook, adjusting length (tire should hang high enough that feet won’t drag but low enough so kids can stop themselves); cut off excess and knot. Fasten to eyebolt.

Note: Make sure all of the hardware is grade 5 or higher and has an appropriate working load limit, which is determined by the total weight of the entire assembled swing (tire and eyebolts) and the estimated weight of the children using it. Always supervise children when swinging.