From: turnkey4099@hotmail.com (Harry K)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Hanging a Tree Swing/Chair
Date: 15 Apr 2004 06:19:22 -0700

"Charles Spitzer"  wrote in message news:...
> "Rich Greenberg"  wrote in message
> news:c5jvb2$rfj$1@panix5.panix.com...
> > In article <407d6e13.9402110@news.verizon.net>, v 
>  wrote:
> > >On 14 Apr 2004 09:24:52 -0700, someone wrote:
> > >Myself, I would through-bolt it straight throgh the tree limb, I would
> > >like the bolt approx. 90 degree to the tree. Then  I would have the
> > >eye disk parallel to the limb, not crosswise to it.
> > >
> > >If I told you to use two half hitches for your knot, would that mean
> > >anything to you?  But if the rope is not very long, it will wear at
> > >the eyebolt from rubbing back and forth.  Depending on the rope and
> > >the use, it may last for enough years not to be a concern.  But if you
> > >really wanted to do a good job, I'd suggest putting a split ring or
> > >similar through the eye, and then tying on to that.  If you are really
> >
> > Even better would be a gadget that is called a thimble.  I have only seen
> > them at marine supply stores.  Its sort of a pear shaped metal thingy
> > that you wrap the rope around (its curved to hold the rope) and
> > then tie it.  That way, the rope doesn't chafe on the eyebolt.
> > Available in galvanized or stainless.
> >
> > You can see what they look like at:
> >
> >
> http://www.outdoorsuperstore.com/store/products/category.asp?categoryID=61418
> 
> they have them in hardware stores, usually with the chain and rope.

You are treading on dangerous ground here if the tree indeed is a
poplar.  Those trees have very light, brittle wood and a branch at
that angle is weak to begin with.  If I were doing it, I would at
least also through bolt a brace cable from the branch to the trunk
above the swing attachment.

Harry K