Child's Swing - best rope to use???

[MilDoc]

A friend asked me to make a swing for her 8 year old son, one that hangs from a sturdy tree branch.

I plan to use oak for the seat unless someone has a better wood to suggest.

But what would be the best rope to use? This boy is autistic - I don't want to use a chain. So I need a rope that could hold him from now until he's older - figure up to 125 pounds weight + a safety margin.

[cabinetman]

The braided polyester has one of the highest strength figures, and one of the least in stretch characteristics. It will probably hold up for outdoor use.

Just a personal opinion, I like the feel of braided nylon, but the stats are on the side of polyester. Of the many rope manufacturers, there are differences in the feel (texture, if you will). You should do a "hands on" to decide.
.

[cabinetman]

Paul

I should add it would make sense to "fit" the rope with ENDS LIKE THIS.

I would use a minimum of 1/2" rope, and "fit" the ends, and backbraid to the rope. Having a metal to metal connection on both ends will prolong its life.
.

[twistsol]

My brother in law is a merchant marine and had to take a course on ropes and knots in college. When I asked him the same question, he recommended a 1" hemp rope. His reasoning is that polyester and nylon will break down in sunlight and suddenly snap at sometime in the future while having no visible wear.

[LCHIEN]

Don't just buy a rope rated for 62.5 lbs.
It will degrade in the sunlight
There's extra G's from swinging vigorously that multiplies the weight
Sooner or later some fat man will come sit on it.

Be very conservative on the load rating.

Also consider getting those swivel hangars so that the rope itself isn't bending back and forth, I'm sure that will break down the fibers eventually.

[Tom Slick]

a 1/2" braided polyester rope is rated for just over 500 lbs working load, and that's not a very thick rope.

1" manilla is rated for just over 1100 lbs.
3/4" manilla is rated for just under 700 lbs

both have the same exposure ratings, the polyester is cheaper

buying any rope over 1/4" will have a rating over 200 lbs.

[SARGE..g-47]

The braided polyester has one of the highest strength figures, and one of the least in stretch characteristics. It will probably hold up for outdoor use.

Just a personal opinion, I like the feel of braided nylon, but the stats are on the side of polyester. Of the many rope manufacturers, there are differences in the feel (texture, if you will). You should do a "hands on" to decide.
.

That's interesting about the stats being on the side of polyester over nylon. I was not aware of that and quite surprised frankly. Little thin braded nylon rope used to hold me up pretty well at about 2200 feet above the ground. But on second thought.. there were quite a number of the them. Possibly strengh in numbers I suppose.

Again.. very interesting...

[bmyers]

FYI: Think about sunlight and breakdown of the rope. I had a child swing for my kids and here in AZ. It didnt take long for the nylon rope to break down to the point it started giving everyone nylon splinters and they hurt!


Bill

[docrowan]

On a separate note, consider protection for the tree limb. You don't want to damage the tree if you can help it. I've been considering the same thing myself. Anyone have any ideas for durable padding for the tree limb? I was thinking about a piece of garden hose slipped over the rope.

[Tom Slick]

these might help
http://www.machovec.com/rope/compare.htm
http://www.boatsafe.com/marlinespike/index.htm

[bfrikken]

Sooner or later some fat man will come sit on it.

hahaha, so true.

[atgcpaul]

I don't want to use a chain. So I need a rope that could hold him from now until he's older - figure up to 125 pounds weight + a safety margin.

Just curious, why not use chain? Is it because of getting pinched fingers?
I've seen chain swings with a protective sleeve on them.

[mschrank]

Just curious, why not use chain? Is it because of getting pinched fingers?
I've seen chain swings with a protective sleeve on them.

I'm curious about the no-chain requirement as well. My kids' play structure has a couple swing chains that are covered with a vinyl sleeve, and another that has a heavy soft vinyl-like coating on the links themselves. No chance of pinched fingers with either.

http://www.a-project-playground.com/Chains.htm

[MilDoc]

Just curious, why not use chain? Is it because of getting pinched fingers?
I've seen chain swings with a protective sleeve on them.

Exactly. This boy has been a patient of mine since he was 2. He explores everything, and I can just see him grabbing the chain while swinging. Those "coated" chains are nice but a bit pricey.

Thanks for all the advice folks! I've learned more about rope than I thought there was to know (isn't that usually the case?). Looks like polyester might be the best choice. This swing will be under a large shade tree and not exposed to the sun.

[LCHIEN]

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/askt...212571,00.html

using an eyebolt and thimble (recommended earlier) by cab'man.

Better yet, this kind of hardware
http://www.swingplans.com/images/hangerbolts.jpg

I seached for tree swing hardware on Google.