How to Make a Tire Swing
Learn how to make a tire swing, and the kids will be entertained all summer long!
I don't know about you, but when I think about summer, my first thoughts are of fun outdoor activities for my boys.
And my second thoughts?
How to keep the cost down on those outdoor activities!
Well, my friends, it doesn't get much more fun and inexpensive than a tire swing for your kids!
Let me show you how to make one.
It may be even simpler than you thought!
The main supplies necessary for a good tire swing are
U-bolts
Steel chain
An old tire
You will also need a
Chain S-hook
Carabiner
A length of nylon cord
For this project you will need 3 U-bolts.
You can find them at your local hardware store, and they each come with a plate and 2 hex nuts.
You will also need some steel chain.
It does not need to be heavy duty, simply what you would use on a swing set.
For measuring purposes, figure out the length you would need to attach the tire to a tree then multiply by three.
Divide the chain into 3 even sections.
Is it time for new tires for your vehicle?
You might want to hold on to one of them!
Or you can probably snag one for free from a neighbor, family member, or your local dump.
Scrub the tire you use very well with soapy water to remove as much dirt as possible.
Once clean and dry, spray the tire with a clear sealant.
Drill a set of holes in the outer wall of the tire that a U-bolt would fit through.
Repeat ⅓ of the way around the tire, then once more another ⅓ of the way around the tire.
Put a U-bolt through the end of one section of chain then insert the U-bolt through one of the sets of holes you drilled into the tire.
On the inside of the tire, place the plate that came with the U-bolt on the U-bolt ends sticking through the tire.
Screw on the hex nuts.
Repeat this process with the other 2 sets of holes in the tire and the rest of the chain and the other two U-bolts.
Now we are ready to hang the tire from a tree!
Find a nice thick branch that will hold approximately 150 pounds.
Its also nice if you can at least reach the branch with a regular ladder.
Gather the 3 lengths of chain from the tire and hook them to a chain S-hook so that the tire sits level.
Hook the other end of the S-hook to a carabiner.
We are going to use nylon cord to attach the entire unit to the tree. Why?
The nylon cord will not eat into the tree the way chain would.
Knot one end of the nylon cord to the carabiner and the other end to the tree.
Test out the tire swing out before letting your little ones on it!
Now we're really ready for some fun!
My boys love their tire swing and ride it daily if it isn't raining.
It's the first thing they want to do when they get home from school!
>> See where I party! <<
This post was originally shared July, 2013.
This reminds me completely of our backyard tree swing from my childhood. Since I have kids of my own, I make it a point to get them their own tree swings. The design I saw on treeswingstore.com is what most appeals to me, and I can't wait to get my hands on one.
Thanks for sharing this idea. You reminded me of my childhood and I read your article with nostalgia, which made me happy again. I remember how my parents built a similar swing for my sister and me and it was the most wonderful outdoor entertainment. We could spend hours under this tree and ride. In addition, in modern realities, it is also a saving of resources, since you use with benefit what is no longer suitable for its intended purpose. And this is great! After all, in this way we are also trying to save our ecology, especially when you consider that instead of this there could be a swing made of plastic.
You are creating some fun memories for your kids. Great tutorial! Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
I have always loved the idea of having a tire swing! Great post!
What a great project, I remember having lots of fun on one as a kid. Well done.
Oh man, this is such a cool project! We had a HUGE oak tree in our backyard when I was a kid, and this would have been perfect for that! Unfortunately we only have some small spindly trees at our house now, or I would totally make one of these for us!
I just wanted to let you know that you were featured as a Rockstar at last week's Creativity Unleashed party! Voting is now open for MEGA Rockstar, so stop by and vote, and good luck! http://www.practicallyfunctional.com/creativity-unleashed-no-177-stencil-stop-giveaway/
I used to love going on tire swings as a kid!!
Thanks for sharing at #bloggerspotlight, pinned!
Thank you for sharing at What’d You Do This Weekend? Hope to see you back next week!
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda
I wonder if the only and only tree we have would be sturdy enough for this. We have a swingset, but it's fared so poorly, it's gotten a little rickety!! I love how you did the step by step, including the weight, because that was my first question. I'm glad I stopped by from the link party!
So much fun! Your kids are so lucky. I do have one thing to add, I would suggest drilling holes in the bottom of the tire so water can drain out. Sitting water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. I don't know about you but here in Texas mosquitoes are a problem causing West Nile.
Stopping by from House of Hepworths.
Angela
Great thinking, Angela!!
Great post! I so need to get one of these for my kids. They would LOVE it! If you're interested, I'd love to have your over at my Show & Tell party this week. http://www.gingerlymade.com/2013/08/show-tell-39-and-important-news.html
My kids would love this - now we've got to get our trees to grow!
Beautifully done tutorial, Michele! I think every childhood should include a tire swing!
Jenn
I had one of these growing up, too. So fun!
Oh this brings back memories! 🙂 Great tutorial, Michele. 🙂
Great tutorial! oh how I wish we had a big tree!!
This is fantastic!! I would have looooved that when I was little. A fun yard is the best.
I'd love it if you shared this on our new link party - http://muchadoaboutsomethin.blogspot.com/2013/08/tell-us-tuesday-link-party-1-and.html
look at how pretty your yard looks! i bet your boys love this!
I wish we had a tree we could hang this from - my kids would go nuts!!
Thanks for this great tutorial! I know of several grandchildren that would LOVE this!
This is sooo awesome! It's such a great tutorial and the boys look like they just love it!!