How to Attach a Swing to a Tree Limb
- 1). Locate the perfect tree for your tree swing, ideally a hardwood tree such as oak that has a limb perpendicular to the ground and no low-lying branches. A suitable limb needs to be long enough that you won't swing close to the tree and at least 8' thick to support the weight of an adult human.
- 2). Before you continue, measure the length of your tree swing so you will know how far apart to drill the holes. Also measure the length of rope you have on hand and cut if, if necessary, so that you swing will hang at least 18' off the ground once it is hung.
- 3). Set up your ladder so that you can reach the desired branch. Have the drill, tape measure and eye screws in your hand and climb up far enough to reach the desired branch.
- 4). Using a drill equipped with a bit that's the same size as your screws, make a starter hole in the tree branch. Begin to thread your screw through, pushing it deep into the tree trunk.
- 5). Repeat with the other screw. To reduce twisting and tangling while swinging, make your screw holes 1-2 inches farther apart than the length of your swing.
- 6). Return to the ground. Pick up the top end of your rope and tie a bowline knot around the center of the locking carabiner, then repeat with the second end of the rope and the other carabiner.
- 7). Carrying the end ropes, climb the ladder one more time. Open the carabiners, clip each one through the eye of the screw and screw them closed.
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