How to Install the Classic Swing Kit

The Classic Swing Kit uses two knots you can easily learn:

rope and swing seat Most of you have used or put together the steel tube swing sets that sell by the ton at the Big Box stores. The dinky little plastic seats are supported by a short chain. This is not the swing experience that we are presenting here. We want you to rediscover the grand sweeping swing sensation of yesteryear when the swing ride was more like a trip on a hang glider than on the stunted tubular swing built for three year olds. On the right is all the equipment you need: A good quality 3/8 diameter double braided rope and an oak swing seat, well finished to survive the elements.

limb with swing hitch The first thing you need is a strong beam from which to suspend your swing. This can be a tree limb, which is the simplest situation. If a suitable limb is not available, lash a beam between two trees at least eight feet apart. The beam should be equivelent to at least a commercial grade 2 2"x8". In another installment we will show you how to tie the lashing and install a beam between two trees.

The tree branch or beam needs to be horizontal. If one rope on your swing is longer than the other, the swing will not ride straight, but will twist and turn. A shady quiet spot is also something for which to look.

Set a ladder securely against the tree limb. Carry two lengths of rope that are each ten feet longer than the height of the limb up to the branch. Tie each rope end to the branch, about 18-20 inches apart, using the Swing Hitch. This method is so much easier than the industrial practice of drilling through the branch and inserting a threaded eye. Cheaper, too.

completed bowline knot in rope tying the bowline Make sure the two swing hitches are secure and tight. After you get back on the ground, choose which side of the oak swing seat you would like to face up. Sometime the grain pattern can be more pleasing on one side. Run the rope down through one hole and back up through the nearest hole. Tie the Bowline Knot. Do the same with the other side of the swing. Work the knots so that the swing is level. The nice thing about this arrangement is that the final leveling of the swing is done on the ground. Cut the excess rope, and seal the ends of the cut with tape to prevent unraveling. If the rope is synthetic, use a lighter to melt the ends. Either way, you don't want to lose the rope to unraveling.

girl on rope and knot swing Test the swing before your children. If it will hold up a full sized grownup, the kids will have no problem. Unless of course the kids are bigger than you, in which case you should be very polite to them.

Can't find an authentic oak swing seat and some decent rope? Make things easy on yourself and order the Classic Swing Kit.

boy on rope swing with knots

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Classic Swing Kit : Old Fashioned Quality. Made in the U.S.A.