A tire swing is a great weekend DIY that you and your kids can enjoy for years to come. It’s the perfect project to work on together and can enhance the joy that your outdoor space can bring.
Your Outdoor Tire Swing
A tire swing is a great weekend DIY that you and your kids can enjoy for years to come. It’s the perfect project to work on together and can enhance the joy that your outdoor space can bring.
Step 1: Source and prepare your materials
Gather all materials, including a secondhand tire. Use a pressure washer on the tire to remove any dirt and grime.
Step 2: Drill your holes
Measure the outer circumference of the tire and divide this number by three. You will use this measurement to mark and evenly space the holes. Drill your holes at these locations between the wall and the tread of the tire using the flat drill bit in s size that fits your rope.
Step 3: Paint your tire
To paint your tire, use a outdoor primer, covering your tire in a single coat, then allow to dry. Once dry, coat the next layer with spray paint and allow give time to dry completely. Outdoor paint is also an option to use here. If you prefer not to paint and to keep your tire the classic black, you can skip this step.
Step 4: Measure and prepare the ropes
To measure your rope you will first need to calculate the height from the ground and distance from the tree trunk, plus the circumference of the tree branch you plan to hang it from:
• The bottom of the tire should be high enough that your feet do not hit the ground
• The distance from the trunk must be about 10 feet
• The tree branch you hang the swing from must be at least 6 inches in diameter
Once you have these measurements cut your rope with a sharp knife. To prevent fraying you can either use electrical tape before you cut it or carefully expose the end of the rope to a controlled flame in
order to melt and bind the ends.
Step 5: Attach the ropes to the tire
Insert the end of each rope through the holes in the tire and thread through the metal washers, then tie a strong knot on the inside to secure it.
Step 6: Hang Swing
For a permanent installation, protect the tree branch by passing the rope through a tube to prevent damage to the tree. When hanging it, loop the rope over the branch, and tie a strong eight knot. Use the carabiner clip to secure the swing at the desired height.
Attach a wire cable clamp to the top of each rope, this way you can still adjust the height of the tire if needed. Tighten by hand or use a wrench. You can use the clamp to adjust the rope to the right height so if the rope stretches you can still adjust if necessary. For extra security tie a knot under each clamp and cut the remaining pieces of rope.
Time Needed
- 4 hours
List of Materials
- Rubber car tire
- Inner bike tire tube or section of hose
- Outdoor paint primer and outdoor paint or spray paint
- 3 x Nylon ropes – measured to fit your location
- 3 x Washers that fit the rope
- 3 x Wire cable clamps
- Carabiner clip
- Electrical tape
- Chalk
- Marker
List of Tools
- Measuring tape
- Pressure washer
- Wrench
- Drill
- Flat drill bit (the right size for your rope)
- Ladder
- Lighter
- Knife
- Wire
- Leveler
- Safety glasses
- Mask
- Gloves
