A spinner swing is a safe and fun-packed swing that offers kids hours of endless fun. This easy to set-up swing can be hung in almost every backyard or open space, allowing your kids to be wild and free. The spinner swing is designed to swing and spin, adding a wild touch to the classic swing. To help you get started on having fun, we have listed down an easy and safe way to hang your spinner swing.
The Best Tree To Hang Your Spinner Swing
Start by establishing your tree's strength. Mature hardwood such as:
- Maple tree
- Oak tree
- Sycamore tree.
You should avoid delicate trees such as:
- Evergreen tree
- Ash tree
- Willow tree
- Birch tree.
Note: Avoid trees that have cracks or splits, are dead or decaying. It's best to choose healthy and blooming trees that can support some weight.
How Thick Should A Tree Branch Be To Hang A Spinner Swing?
Once you have established your tree's sturdiness, start by looking for a thick branch. An easy rule to go by is hanging the spinner swing on a branch that is more than 8 inches in diameter. These branches can hold the spinner swing and the additional weight of your kids.
Best Type of Rope You Can Use
Polypropylene - is considered the best rope for hanging a spinner swing. Belonging to the poly-supreme rope family, it offers optimal use for years to come. Polypropylene rope is considered to be the strongest choice in the market today. Additionally, it is lightweight, waterproof, and can hold a knot in place.
You should be cautions with natural manila, nylon, and polyester rope as they are can be more hazardous. They are more slippery and tend to rot over time. To ensure you make the best rope choice consider the following:
- Diameter - The diameter of your rope will determine how strong it is and how long it will last. You should use a rope measuring at least 3/8 or 5/8 inches in diameter.
- Length - To figure out the length of rope needed start by determining the height of the swing from the ground. It's ideal to base it on your kid's height and the height of the branch.
- Safety - Inspect the condition of the rope once a year, and replace it when needed. Polypropylene can last for five years. If you haven't used the swing in a while, you should check the swing's condition before allowing your kids back on it.
How To Hang A Spinner Swing?
When the time comes to hang your swing, you must find an open space. This way you can avoid having your rope get tangled in brush and other trees. Follow the instructions below to hang your spinner swing.
Setting Up The Rope:
- Take the opportunity to ensure you have ample rope to hang your swing.
- Tie a bowline knot in one end of your rope
- Tying a bowline knot is easy, start by holding onto a rope a foot from the end. Then create a loop in the rope and pass the free end through the loop. Keep holding onto the end and wrap it under your hand (over the loop you created earlier). Then end by passing it through the first loop again. Pull both sides of the rope around the knot to tighten it.
- Lastly, tie the loose end to a weight-bearing object you can fling over the tree branch.
Hanging The Swing:
- Stand under the branch of your choice, and get ready to throw over the weight tied to the end of your rope. You may use a heavy object; even a water bottle will work.
- Toss the rope with the weight upwards, and make sure it makes it over the branch. Depending on the height of your branch it may take a few good attempts to get the rope to the other side.
- Once the rope makes it to the other side, untie the weight.
- Take the end of the rope and pass it through the bow tie knot you made earlier. Then proceed to pull on the rope until the knot tightens around the tree branch.
- Tie a double bowline knot on the end of the rope that is nearest to the ground. This knot should be high enough off of the ground to hang your spinner swing.
- Attach a D-ring carabiner to the rope by hooking it through the loop created by your double bowline knot.
- Finally, attach the ropes from your spinner swing by hooking them with the D-ring carabiner.
Considering The Landing Zone
Your landing zone for your spinner swing should be free from hazards, and soft ground. While the natural surface offers a slight cushion feel, there are rocks, exposed roots, and stumps that can pose a threat. Before your kids hop on their spinner swing, trim down intruding branches and clean the landing area - well beyond the landing space. Even if your kids decide to jump from the swing, they should have a clean landing space.
A sloping ground comes with issues of its own. The steeper the slope gets the higher the fall can be. The is also a chance of your kids rolling into something dangerous nearby. Because of these hazards, you should hang the swing over a leveled ground.
To ensure safety, don't hang the swing too far out on the branch. You must leave a some space to avoid a collision with the tree. Once you have found a branch that is thicker than 8 inches in diameter and damage-free you can start clearing out your space.
Determine how far your spinner swing will go out when your kids are swinging. Then clear at least 3 to 5 feet beyond that point. This will give a safe swinging zone.
Weight Limit For Spinner Swing
The standard weight limit for a spinner swing is approximately 100 – 200 lbs. The weight limit of each particular spinner swing will be manufacturer specific. So check the documentation that comes with your swing.
A spinner swing is a great variation to a traditional swing. Your children will be able to swing like they would on a regular swing, but also be able to safely spin. Be sure to test the spinning motion with each of your children to see how they handle it. Some kids may like the spinning motion more than others.
Most important, have fun and stay safe.
