For specific instructions on using eye bolts to hang the swing, read on! The hole you drill to fit the bolt through won't damage the tree, and the living tissue of the limb will eventually grow around the bolt, creating a better hold. Screw a washer and a nut down onto the threads until they are pressed against the branch. That is a lot of movement and force for a living tree. If you want add a special touch to your yard, you can hang your very own swing from a sturdy tree. The eye of the bolt should be on the bottom of the tree limb. Both these effects put a lot of pressure on the fixtures holding the support beams to the tree. Step 2: Drill the holes Drill a hole in each tree about 5 feet above the ground, all the way through the tree. Pigtail eye bolts : These are a formed from a length of bar, similar to ordinary low strength eyebolts, but the head is bent into a helix so that it does not fully close on itself but can continue past 360 degrees. There are simpler methods, but this one certainly avoids the issues of direct rope attachment. Alternatively, you can attach a metal chain to the link for the swing instead. When its stem is joined to the fixed surface, the eye jolt is utilized for snaring a link, chain, rope or wire. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Wrap rope around the branch four times and then through the eye-bolts, knotting tightly. Slide the bolt in, eye side down. Attach a washer and nut to the ends of the bolts tightly to secure the … If you are hanging a rectangular swing, you will need 2 holes. Arrives before Christmas. The branch should not be more than 20 feet (6.1 m) off the ground. Use a wrench to tighten the nuts as far as possible. Use one eye bolt for each branch and at least one for each wall. below. For two-piece stands, slide the pieces together and press the center hubs until theyclicks into place. Thanks in advance for any help! Insert the eye bolt through the tree so that you can attach a washer and a nut to secure the bolt to the tree. In case anyone is curious how this turned out, with an auger bit we were still unable to get a drill bit through the larger tree. This method can also cause damage because wounded bark exposes trees to infection. Although this sounds destructive, the tree will heal around the bolts. Currently I screwed piece of 2x4 along the trunk and 2x4 on top of that, so that there's kind of a small shelf on each trunk and 2x6 plank between the trees just rest on top of those shelves. Step 3: Screw in the bolts Screw the eye bolts all the way through the holes in each tree. If the swing is for a child, you can place the seat about 13 inches (330 mm) off the ground. You may need to replace the rope every few years. You can also just tie the rope directly to the tree, but this may cause damage to the tree over time. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Using a drill and screw eye to power drive a screw hook into a board. 07-04-2012, 10:58. If it is for adults, make it the same height as the seat of your pants. Eye bolt. which continually abrades the bark where the loop is. Why would a thru bolt move more than the bolt that is only 1/3 way through the tree? This heavy-duty piece of hardware is one of the most important structural elements of treehouse building. Eye Bolts: Carefully drill a vertical hole all the way through the center of the branch, and insert a 1/2” diameter or larger, corrosion-resistant eye bolt, using washers and nuts to secure it to the tree. Those should hopefully hold. The magic lies in the Treehouse Attachment Bolt, or TAB . https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-install-a-tree-swing-safely/, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ask-toh/hanging-tree-swing, https://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/how-to-make-a-tree-swing-zmaz92aszshe, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-build-tree-swing, https://www.handymanhowto.com/how-to-tie-a-double-running-bowline-knot/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Use for up to a 10-foot tree, 6. For example: A lag eye bolt will hold more load when screwed into a new oak board, compared to an old pine fence post. Would a 3/4" x 6" ship auger drill bit with an 18" extension work? 5. We have seen thousands of tree houses built by others over the years as part of our tree house consulting practice. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 56,239 times. Simply hook or loop the chain onto the link. Eye bolt. But the arborists on the websites I read all said that the single hole eyebolt is much healthier for the tree than a rope/cable/etc. Or a spade bit? Drill a hole in each tree about 5 feet above the ground, all the way through the tree. The eye bolts, screws eyes, or hooks should be installed 2 to 4 inches wider than your swing’s length. Non-shouldered eye bolts are only designed to be used for completely vertical lifts. Option 2: Wrap a sling around the tree. The trees will be able to recover from the bolts installation. I feel it is very dangerous to use an eye screw. Turn the bolt in all the way. I am pretty new to any of this type of work, so I apologize if my question is ignorant; I have spent a bunch of time reading different things on the internet (which is how I arrived at this design) but I'm having trouble finding useful info on installing the eye bolts. Option 1: Drill a stainless bolt through the tree, and seal around the bolt with sealant. 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