specs for rope swing

[marlinspiker]

I have a client that wants a rope swing installed in a tree. I could use any advice regarding safe installation, rope diameter and type, and legality of my liability in case of failure. Any advice would be great.


Thanks

 

[Tom Dunlap]

For liability answers ask your insurance agent BEFORE starting.

The last two-rope swing I made I used long yellow webbing eye-eye slings to go around the horizontal limb. The sling were wrapped around once then the eyes were joined to a shackle. The pin of the shackle was used to hang the sling. The down rope was cinched to the pin. I lock-tited the pin, snugged down tight then wired the pin with copper wire.

I used half inch climbing rope for the ropes.

The seat was made from an 8/4 slab of burr oak

 

[benj]

i have had rope swings my whole life an some of'em wasn't the safest but i would askem what the heaviest load an work it bro better be safe than sorry... kudos on makein a kid happy

 

[benj]

what the heaviest load would be... sorry

 

[TreeTramp]

In researching this very topic I was sad to read that the Head Injury Institute reports that the most common by far harm was caused by people falling out backward out of a swing. You have to ask your insurance agent about your coverage and a waiver releasing you from liability is a start. Even with the most iron clad contract if a person is hurt you still might get sued.

As far as attachment goes I have found a rope wrapped twice around the limb with a sleeve over it eliminates bark ware.

My favorite platform is a three foot round exercise tramp rigged with a six point spider. Up to six small people can ride each with two ropes to hold or one large lug lounging across.

For max thrill I set up the eight foot across hex tramp. At my daughters school carnival I had six teen boys pushing a load and on the backstroke we would spot the "Flyer" that would grab hold as it comes back and launch them high into the waiting arms of the spotters. Uber-FUN!

Thats how I got my handle "TreeTramp"