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How to Restore an Old Swing Set

Wooden swing sets can be a lot of fun for children, but it is important to make sure they are safe. If you have purchased an old swing set or are reusing a swing set that was purchased several years ago, you may want to take a day or two and restore it to ensure your child's safety. The restoration process for a wooden swing set is rather simple and inexpensive, costing $50-$100.

Things You'll Need

Medium- and fine-grade sandpaper
Electric sander (or sanding block)
Sealant
2 paintbrushes
Wood stain
Garden hose
Paint scrapper
Ductile Iron Beam Hanger (two for each swing)
Power drill with screw driver attachment or electric screwdrive
S-Hooks (two for each swing)

Instructions

Restoring the swing set
- 1
  Remove any old stain or paint from the swing set using the medium-grade sandpaper and the sanding block.
- 2
  Finish the wood and make it smooth to touch by using the electric sander or a sanding block with the fine-grade sandpaper.
- 3
  Wash the wood by spraying it with water from your hose. This will remove any lingering paint chips and dirt.
- 4
  Seal the wood by applying the wood sealant with the paintbrush. Use even strokes and go with the grain of the wood. The layer of sealant should be relatively light. One coat should suffice. Allow the sealant to dry for about 2-3 hours.
- 5
  Stain the wood by applying the wood stain with another paintbrush. Again, apply the stain using even strokes, going with the grain of the wood. You will need to apply at least two coats of stain, allowing it to dry for about five hours between coats.
- 6
  Seal the stained wood by applying another coat of wood sealant with a paintbrush. Brush up and down very gently, being sure to keep with the grain of the wood.
- 7
  Scrape any rust from the chains of the swing set using the paint scrapper.
- 8
  Remove any old hardware using the power drill with a screwdriver attachment or an electric screwdriver.
- 9
  Attach the new ductile iron beam hangers using the power drill with screwdriver attachment, making sure the hangers are securely attached to the wooden beam. The beam hanger will have a long base with two screw-holes on either end of the base. Insert appropriate-sized screws into the holes and use the driver to screw them securely into the wooden beam.
- 10
  Attach the chains to the S-hooks by slipping the end of the S-Hook into the end of the last link on the chain.
- 11
  Attach the S-hooks to the beam hangers by forcing the open end of the hook onto the round part of the hanger. It will be a tight fit, but the hooks will attach to the hanger. The tightness of the fit is important for the overall safety of the swing set, as it will prevent the seat from easily sliding off.

Backyard Toys