A rope swing is a good weekend project.There are things you can do to make your rope swing last a long time.Everyone will appreciate a rope swing over a tire swing.Rope swinging is fun at any age.
Step 1: You need to gather your supplies.
A wooden board is needed to create a rope swing.It's important to make sure the wood you use is strong.Two seat reinforcements that are the same type of wood and 2x8 are required.Pressure treat the wood before building a swing.You will need a saw, hammer, measuring tape, marker, and two climbing carabiners.
Step 2: The wood needs to be cut.
Take 36 inches of 2x8 and mark it.Measure out two blocks from the main seat of the 2x8.You should have seen off your reinforcement blocks.They will cut the dimensions quickly if you go to the hardware store with your measurements.
Step 3: The reinforcements should be attached.
Align the blocks at the two ends of the seat to make the corners smooth.The two reinforcements should be underneath the seat.Put two nails on each side with a hammer.You can add more nails to the reinforcements if you want to be more secure.
Step 4: The holes are for the rope.
There are two 34” holes on each side.Go through the seat and the reinforcements.The holes should be on the same side.To make sure you create even holes, use a marker and measuring tape.
Step 5: Acquire a rope.
58” braided hollow core polypropylene rope is needed to create a lasting rope swing.This rope is used for climbing.If you didn't see it at the hardware store, you can find this style of rope at an outdoors store.The rope length is determined by the height of the tree limb.80 feet of rope is needed for a twenty foot branch.Make sure you buy braided rope.
Step 6: The rope needs to be kept from unraveling.
Cut out two strands of rope and heat them with a lighter until they start to melt.Once they start to melt, stop heating.Make an overhand knot under the seat by threading one end through the top.Go into the open hole with the opposite end of the rope.This should be done to both sides of your seat.Two hoops will be secured onto the seat.
Step 7: Attach the carabiner.
Attach a climbing carabiner to each side of the seat.The seat will be attached to the tree ropes.
Step 8: Find a tree.
Make sure the tree on your property is strong.Look for branches that are at least 15 feet from the ground.The tree needs to be in good shape to take the strain of a rope swing.You can tie the knots without using a ladder.
Step 9: Take the rope and measure it.
Measure the height from where the swing will hang after finding a good branch.You have to leave three feet of slack.Measure how long each rope should be, then cut two strands of it.
Step 10: A double-bowline knot is tied.
A rope swing can be created with this knot.Then layer the two small coils on top of each other.The rope should be threaded through the two coils.Then thread the rope back through the two coils.To get the knot that the coils have created, open the hole and secure it.This knot is needed for each strand of rope.
Step 11: Attach the knot to the branch.
The edge is tied over the branch.Pass the other end of the string through the hole and tighten it until the knot is on the branch.This process should be repeated to the other rope.Before you tighten, make sure your rope is in the right position.
Step 12: The rope swing needs to be completed.
Once the two ropes are in the correct place, tie an additional double-bowline knot onto the dangling rope.Attach the carabiners to the ropes end once you secured the two holes.You should have a rope swing.