Hobbies And Interests
The Basics of Choosing a Tire and Hanging the Swing
When choosing a tree to hang a tire swing from, look for an oak, maple or ash. The tree should be shady with a high canopy of branches. The limb from which the swing will hang needs to be at least four inches in diameter. An apple or cherry tree requires a 6- to 7-inch branch. Check the tree for dead wood, the presence of which might indicate the tree isn't healthy. Choose a healthy tree that will be around for a while. According to marthastewart.com, you should look for a limb that's close to horizontal. Compensate for a slightly nonlevel branch by adding extra rope or chain to the higher side.
The old method of throwing a rope over a branch and attaching a tire damages the tree by choking off nutrients. Instead, insert eye bolts into the wood and anchor the rope into the eye bolts. The tree will grow over the eye bolts, which causes little harm and secures the bolts.
It's important to tie the rope securely. Use the nautical knot called the three-strand-eye-splice. Choose a half-inch-thick nylon rope. Make sure it will reach up to the tree and back down. The tire should hang high enough that your feet won't drag, but low enough so that a child can touch the ground if he needs to.
The Classic Tire Swing
Use a small tire that is a nonradial. Place the tire swing in the back or front yard. Drill a couple of holes in the bottom of the tire to keep water from building up. Tires have a tendency to leave black marks on clothing. Avoid this by painting the tire with a marine-grade urethane varnish.
The Monster Tire Swing
For the child who likes to invite many friends to play, consider building a monster-tire swing out of a tractor tire. Larger tires can weigh up to 400 pounds with a circumference of up to 9 feet. Such a swing can hold as many as 13 children. Find a monster tire at a used-tire shop. A large chain needs to be used to safely secure the tire to a large tree.
The Horse Tire Swing
Hang the horse tire swing under a raised deck, from a ceiling beam or from a metal or wooden swing set. Obtain two horse tires and hang them close to each other to play bumper horses. A horse tire swing can be found in many mainstream stores or purchased online. The swing is generally made of recycled tires and comes assembled and ready to hang. The horse tire swing holds up to 200 pounds and is generally painted with water-based paint.
The Sideways Tire Swing
Put the tire on its side and it becomes a sideways tire swing, providing space for three children to sit. Three ropes or chains are attached to the side of the tire to secure it. This version of a tire swing acts more like a seat. Little girls tend to love this swing because they can talk and spin together.