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How to Install a Tire Swing

Tire swings can be installed relatively inexpensively in comparison to commercially-produced play sets sold at your local retail store. If you have a large tree with sturdy branches in your backyard, you have the foundation to build your own vertical tire swing. In a matter of minutes you can take an old tire, and some sturdy rope, and create a swing that will last for years.

Things You'll Need

Spray cleaner with bleach
Drill
Thick, heavy-duty rope
Rubber hose
Ladder
Tire

Instructions

- 1
  Remove dirt and grime from the tire using a spray cleaner that contains bleach. Use a garden hose with spray nozzle to rinse the cleaner off the tire, and an old towel to dry it.
- 2
  Drill a few large holes in the bottom of the tire to prevent rain water from collecting inside.
- 3
  Cut one side of the rubber hose along its length to form a channel for the rope, and place the hose over the top of your sturdy tree branch. This will protect the rope from wearing out too quickly.
- 4
  Your thick, sturdy rope, should be 10 feet longer than the distance from the tree branch to spot where you want the tire to swing. Climb your ladder to place the rope over the tree branch and rubber hose.
- 5
  Tie the rope in a square knot around the tree branch, and tug on the rope to make sure the knot is strong.
- 6
  Pull the dangling portion of the rope through the middle of the tire and loop it around the top of the tire. Before you tie a square knot to secure the tire to the rope, make sure you have the tire at the appropriate level from the branch. The tire should not hang too high, nor swing too low to the ground. Once you position the tire at a safe level, tie a square knot.
- 7
  Pull on the tire with a great deal of force to make sure it is sturdy. Also, test swing on the tire before any children.

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