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There is something so idyllic about incorporating a tire swing in your back or front yard for your children. Even if you never had one yourself as a kid, you can't help but want one to provide your child with endless hours of easy fun most days out of the year. Tire swings are more affordable than an actual swing set and they are typically fairly easy to make, no matter the style you plan to go with. These tire swing ideas and instructions on how to make one yourself will help you get started, but really, your kid will be the best test to know if you did it right.
While it might seem like there is only one way to make a tire swing, there are actually a few different ways to go about it and several different designs. At the end of the day, whether you make the swing vertical or horizontal, or paint it to look like your kid’s favorite animal, they will have hours of fun. You can also opt for either a chain or rope to attach the tire to your tree and either way, it will remain secure to hold your child as they swing back and forth.
But before you look at all of the possible tire swings to adorn your front or back yard, you should get familiar with the “how” of it all.
A tire string swing is a simple, but fun, swing that uses a tire as the main component.
The tire is attached to a long piece of string and is swung back and forth by the child. This type of swing is great for smaller children as it is easy to move and doesn't require much strength to operate. The bottom of the tire is usually weighted so that it will stay in the air longer, providing your child with a longer ride.
You can use an old tire, or you can purchase a new tire specifically for this type of swing. If you choose to use an old tire, be sure to remove the rubber from the inside of the tire so that the string doesn't get caught on it. The tree branch should also be long enough to accommodate the length of the tire.
If you want something a little more elaborate, consider building a playset-style tire swing. This type of swing is typically built from two pieces of wood that are attached at the top and bottom of the tire. The front and back of the playset are then attached to the tire using screws or nails. This type of swing is great for larger children as it offers more stability and is easier to move around.
In the tutorial below, you will learn how to make a simple tire swing using a couple of pieces of wood. You can do the heavy duty work yourself or you can buy a pre-made playset.
Before you start to make your own tire swing, you will need the following supplies:
-A large tire
-An anchor bolt or a sturdy tree
-Tape measure
-Circular saw
-Spray paint and a sealant
-Ruler or a straight edge
-Jigsaw or a belt sander
-Pipe clamps
-Carabiner hook
-Drill bit
-1/2 inch hole saw
-Stiles (or boards) to attach the tire to the tree (optional)
-Wood screws and nails
-Swivel
-Nylon rope or polypropylene rope
-Washer bolt
Surprisingly, to make a simple tire swing, you only need a few tools. First, find a large used tire and clean it as thoroughly a you can. Even though it is for an outdoor swing, this is something your kids will sit in and sometimes hold onto.
You will want to use soap and water on the inside as well as outside of the tire before continuing to the next steps. You might even want to use WD40 to cut through any residual grease.
Next, find the branch you want to hang the swing from. Ideally, it should be one that is thick and sturdy and stands at least nine feet above the ground. But even if it’s the highest branch you can find, make sure it is strong enough to withstand the pressure of a tire swing moving back and forth.
Get 50 feet of rope and drill drain holes in the tire. Then, use a ladder to secure the rope over your chosen branch and make sure it is as sturdy and secure as possible. Next, tie the rope around the tire in a same kind of secure loop that won't come undone. Preferably, a square knot or a bowline knot. And after you give it a quick test run, bring out your kids for the real test of how fun it is. The end of the rope should be hanging down below the branch, so they can grab onto it as they swing.
Once you have the tire swing set up, it is time to start painting it.
Use a sealant to protect the wood from the elements and to keep the paint from chipping. You can use any color you like, but we recommend using a bright primary color and a darker secondary color.
Now is also a good time to cut out your swing design. We recommend using a circular saw and a straight edge to make your cuts. Make sure your measurements are precise, as this will be the only way to ensure that your swing is perfectly fitted to your tire.
After you have your design cut out, it is time to start assembling it. Start by attaching the side panels using screws and nails. Then, attach the front panel using screws and nails as well. Finally, attach the back panel using screws and nails. Make sure that all of your screws are hidden by the trim pieces you just installed.
Now it’s time to add the rope handle and swivel. Cut two pieces of nylon rope that are about 18 inches long each and screw them into place on either side of the swing’s back panel. Then, tie one end of each rope around an appropriate post on either side of the swing (or use a swivel).
The drainage holes in the tire should now be usable. Insert a pipe clamp into one of the holes and use a drill bit to drill a 1/2 inch hole. Then, use a swivel to attach the other end of the pipe clamp to the swing. Now, you can hang your tire swing using the rope and pipe clamps.
And finally, tie each end of the ropes together in a knot or bowline knot. Fraying rope is one of the most common problems with tire swings, so it is important to keep them as safe as possible. To do this, we recommend using pipe clamps to attach the rope to the swing. Make sure that the clamps are tight, but not too tight, as this will damage the rope. The rope swing should now be ready for use! That’s it!
What to do with the excess rope?
It is advisable not to tie the rope too tightly to the tire. If it becomes too tight, it could cause the tire to puncture or break. Instead, use a simple knot or a bowline knot to keep it secure. And the more excess rope you have, the more swing you can create!
You can also use the excess rope to create a swing frame.
This will help to keep the tire in place while in use and will also make it easier to move around. A swing frame is also a great way to add extra stability to the swing. This is a great project for kids to help with.
660lb Weight Capacity 2 Added Hanging Straps Adjustable Multi-Strand Ropes Colorful Safe and Durable Swing Seat for Children Adults
Now that you know how to make a tire swing yourself, take a look at all of these other options, some of which take tire swing up to a whole other level.
This one changes things up by painting the actual tire to look like your kid’s favorite animal. And instead of keeping it vertical, you can turn it to a horizontal angle and attach chains to make it easier for more than one kid to ride on at once.
43″ Large Round Swing, 500 Lbs Weight Capacity, Great for Tree, Swing Set, Backyard, Playground, Easy to Install, Blue
Covered Tire SwingTo make this variation, you go by the standard instructions, but wrap a soft rope around the entire tire. This keeps it from getting too hot out in the summer sun and adds a little cushion too.
Unless you are already experienced with complicated DIY projects, this horse tire swing might be a little ambitious. Still, it’s a unique take on the classic tire swing and still requires the same tools to get it done.
(Includes 3 Eye Bolts, three 6′ Long Plastic Coated Chains & a 3″ Quick Link) Child and Adult Tire Swing Set Accessories For The Porch, Trees
Although the blog where this tire swing idea originated from is in German, it’s easy to see how this was accomplished. You can thread soft rope or bungee cord in a pattern on the tire to provide a comfortable seat in the middle of the tire rather than an open hole.
If you have more than one kid, you can go with this horizontal tire swing which places a smaller tire above the larger tire to provide two places for kids to sit as they swing back and forth together.
It’s a little more complicated to make this chain tire swing than a more standard rope tire swing, but it can also be more long lasting. Plus, with three anchored spots where the chain attached to the tire, it’s easy to balance on it.
You don't need much more than rope, a few small pieces of wood, a drill, and a sturdy tire to make this swing for your little ones to enjoy outside. But instead of knotting the rope around the tire for a vertical swing, turn it horizontal and drill holes to attach the rope in three different points on top.
Making your own tire swing can be a hard and strenuous project, depending on which type you go with. But if you remind yourself that it is all in the name of giving your kid a memorable outdoor toy to last their childhood, it makes it all worth it in the end.
660lb Weight Capacity 2 Added Hanging Straps Adjustable Multi-Strand Ropes Colorful Safe and Durable Swing Seat for Children Adults
A tire swing is a great way to have some fun outside and get some exercise at the same time. It is also a great way to get your children moving and enjoying themselves. You can make your own tire swing using simple materials that you likely already have in your home. These materials include a tire, some rope, and a few simple tools.
To put it simply, to make your tire swing, first take the tire and place it on a flat surface. Make sure that the tire is large enough so that it can support your weight. Then, tie the rope around the tire in a loop. Make sure that the loop is large enough so that you can swing the tire easily. Finally, use the tools that you have to make a simple frame out of wood or other sturdy material. Place the frame on top of the tire and make sure that it is securely attached.
It is important to note that your tire swing should be properly maintained in order to ensure that it lasts for a long time. Make sure to keep the rope clean and free of knots. Additionally, make sure to check the frame periodically for signs of wear and tear. If the frame is damaged, you will need to replace it before you can use your tire swing. Safety is always a top priority when it comes to swings, so make sure to keep your children safe while they are enjoying this fun activity.
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When I was little, my grandparents had a huge garden which connected straight to a forest. On one of the trees near the house, they had a tire swing, and I can honestly say that it was one of the things I looked forward to most when visiting their house. Aside from valuable family time of course.
Tire swings are a great addition to any garden, whether they’re for kids as a fun thing to play on or for adults as a unique and calming seat.
Because they are suspended, you don’t even need too much space to make one, just some form of sturdy branch or beam that you can hang it from.
There are far more ways of customizing a simple tire swing than I ever thought, meaning that you can really make it your own, and make it perfect for your own garden and vibe.
This technique looks like the simplest way of hanging a tire swing that I have ever seen. There is no tricky screwing or puncturing involved, you simply need a bit of rope work and a sturdy branch.
If you’re not too confident with your handyman skills, this simple one rope tire swing would be just perfect, and very risk-free. I love that they have decided to spray paint the tire in this DIY, and think it brings new life to it, transforming it from something old and used into something new and fun.
I am absolutely gutted I didn’t know about this horse tire swing DIY when I was younger, although my parents probably am glad I didn’t, as I would have begged and begged for one.
It’s a lot of fun, and I can imagine that it would be loved by kids of a large range of ages. Of course, because of the design, it will take a little longer to construct than a plain tire swing would, but the end result would be worth it, and your kids would be exceptionally grateful. You could go the extra mile and use spray paints to jazz it up a bit, I bet you could even turn it into a magical, colorful unicorn.
Although most tend to have the tire hanging vertically, there is a lot to be said for tire swings which use the tire horizontally. They are arguably safer, as kids can sit fully in them without the need to hold on tightly, and would be really great for younger kids.
This DIY requires a bit of elbow grease and work, but the result looks incredibly sturdy and is bound to last many years. The length of the chain can also be adjusted to fit wherever you wish to hang the swing. One of my favorite things to do as a kid on a tire swing was to wind it up and sit on it screaming with excitement as it spun out, and this swing looks like it would be perfect for that.
This double level tire swing looks like something that your kid would see at the play-park and instantly run right towards. If you have more than one kid this would be an amazing way for them to be able to play with the swing together, making it more fun for them and avoiding arguments as it’s a win-win.
It may look like an adventurous DIY, but in reality, it isn’t too different to other tire swings other than the fact that you have to do everything twice. Your kids would definitely want to show this off to their friends, and you’ll probably have their parents asking for tips on how to replicate it.
You could get so creative when taking inspiration from this painted animal tire swing. The ladybird is really cute, and your kids would feel like they are flying through the air on the back of the insect.
There are so many different things you could try out, and because it is simply painted on you could even change it every now and again at a very low cost.
As if your kid wasn’t going to be happy enough when they see their new tire swing, imagine the looks on their faces when they see that it looks just like their favorite animal.
A lot of my aunts and uncles have really young kids, and I know that they would feel safer having them play on this tire swing which is hung with chords instead of chains.
Not only does it look safer, it also looks somewhat more simple to make, with simple looping removing the need for tricky knots or screws. I am sure you could use this technique to hang a tire vertically or horizontally dependant on your preferences.
If you are looking for a totally different type of tire swing for your backyard then this could just do the trick. Not only is this a cheaper alternative, but it is also a really nice option for someone who doesn’t have enough space for a more traditional form of a tire swing.
It looks incredibly simple to make, with not too many confusing materials or tools, and it looks a bit like the swing on a flying fox to me, which was one of my favorite things to play on when I was little.
Okay, this isn’t for the backyard, but it’s just such a cool idea and looks so good that I couldn’t leave it out. I would have absolutely loved this indoor tire swing when I was younger, and to be perfectly honest I would probably still love it now. I wouldn’t exactly play on it anymore, but just the look of it is something so interesting and cool.
You could paint this any color you wanted, and use different ropes or chains to fit the style you want. That being said, I think the white looks really cool, especially compared to the usual black of a tire, and the thick and almost messy rope is a really stylish touch.
This nest style tire swing is the ultimate way of making a tire swing safe for smaller kids who would otherwise fall right through the middle of the tire. I was definitely one of those kids.
The instructions for this DIY are in German, but they can easily be translated online if you can’t get the general idea from the photos.
Not only would this form of tire swing be fun and safe for kids, but it would also be a really comfy swinging chair for adults. I can imagine sitting on this with a book on a summery day, lightly swinging, which would be highly pleasant.
It is more the pattern on this painted tire swing that caught my eye as opposed to the making of the swing itself, unsurprisingly.
Turning the process of making a tire swing into a fun, crafty experience for the whole family is something that is really appealing to me. Kids would enjoy planning out what they wanted to paint onto their new swing, or more so have fun not planning and throwing every color they can on it. Once they’re finished, they will be proud to see their creation hung in the backyard, and showing it off to all their friends before you know it.
I think this is a really cool alternative to the average tire swing and would enable kids to lie back and relax in it.
You could adjust the size of it to fit your kids by using different sizes of tires, making sure that it is a perfect size for them and therefore most comfortable.
Minus the cutting which might be a bit tricky dependant on the thickness of your tire, this seat tire swing looks pretty simple to recreate. You could even make one of these and have it alongside a regular styled tire swing so that you have a bit of variety, and all your kids’ needs from chill to play will be covered.
If you live somewhere hot then it is a really good idea to mimic this rope covered tire swing, especially if the swing won’t always be in the shade. That way you can save your little ones from getting their skin scorched, and make it look pretty at the same time.
It will be really important to have a look around for decent quality, soft rope when making this DIY, as there would be nothing worse than attempting to play on a scratchy and uncomfortable tire. I would love to try making this using different colors of rope, crossing them over or making patterns.
A tire swing would be a positive and fun addition to any backyard in my opinion. Of course, you can buy ready-made ones, but why do that when you can make and customize your own for a lower price? Whether you have a tree to hang one from or you have to erect a support beam, it really isn’t too tricky, and there are so many options for different styles and sizes.
I love anything bright and colorful, especially out in the yard, so I think I would be decorating my tire swing, whether it be like an animal or a simple solid color. The idea of having a tire swing inside has also really appealed to me, and I think it would be such a cool addition to a kids’ bedroom.
Do you have fond memories of playing on tire swings growing up? Would you prefer to stick to the traditional style for your own backyard or are you feeling the urge to try something new?
There are many toys in the land of childhood.
Girls are one, boys are completely different. But as soon as a building appears in the yard where you can ride, it attracts children of all ages, both boys and girls. Even if this swinging structure is unprepossessing, the children will still be delighted with it. Such an impression on them will be made even by a simple swing from a tire, which someone caring dad will build with his own hands. nine0003 The device of the simplest children's swing made of tires
It will bring joy not only to your beloved child, children of the yard, but also to young people who are not averse to swinging on this simple device. Swinging structures, in addition to being fun for children and adults, also strengthen and develop the vestibular apparatus. Such are the usual tire swings. Any parent can build them.
If a child, when he rides in a car, gets sick, feels sick, then he should swing on this structure at least once a day. nine0007 When rocking, all the muscles of the body are evenly loaded, and this makes the baby physically stronger and more self-confident.
Weakness and dizziness will stop, fear of rapid movement and heights will disappear.
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Material Content
Such devices have pros and cons. Positive aspects:
The disadvantage is the smell emanating from the rubber, which not everyone likes. You can get rid of it, or at least reduce it, if you paint the tire inside and out. It will also make it look more attractive.
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First of all, they must be very reliable, as they are set for the most privileged members of society - children.
Therefore, a strong tire is needed, without cracks, damage. The tires of SUVs, tractors, trucks are preferred. But it is better if it is of medium size, so that it is convenient to swing for both children and adults. nine0041
Hang the tire on a strong rope or metal chain. So that the seat is securely held in a horizontal position, does not turn over, it can be made with triple fixation. From above, the device is attached to a horizontal crossbar, which can be a strong beam, a metal crossbar, or a thick branch of a strong tree.
The distance from the ground to the seat must be such that the child can easily climb onto it. The classic option is a double tire fastening with chains. It is the most durable, very comfortable, safe, because, while swinging, you can hold on with both hands. It is necessary to install a ground or suspended garden swing in the country so that playing children are always in front of their parents. When assembling ground structures using half rail as a support, always ensure their high stability.
nine0003 Animal-shaped children's swing arrangement
To prevent the rocking-balancer from falling on its side, it is better to use both parts of the cut tire for the base, fastening them together along the entire semicircle. Handles should be made on the lever board for the children to hold on to while swinging.
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It would seem that with such a limited material, one cannot count on diversity. But home craftsmen do wonders with their own hands. Therefore, tire products are as follows:
This is the classic version of the swing. Not a single playground in the yard can do without such a simple design. Two sit down on the edges of the board-lever and swing, then rising, then falling.
nine0003 Instructions for making a ground rocker out of tire
To raise one arm of the swing, the child sitting on it pushes off the ground and his partner lands on his feet.
Such devices are of the following types:
To make this DIY balancing device, you will need a solid, smooth board made of wood or some other material and a solid support for it. The original basis for the swing can be two automobile wheels with tires, connected along the axis by a metal cross member, to which a lever is attached in the center. nine0003
Children and adults like to swing on this structure. It is also convenient because it can be easily moved around your own yard or summer cottage. There is another version of the rocking chair-balancer.
Take a wide tire from the wheel of a large machine such as a tractor or tractor, cut it across and use one half as a support.
You will also need two boards. One should be equal in size to the diameter of the tire and fit tightly into its upper part, where it is attached to the rubber with nails or self-tapping screws. The second, long, superimposed on the first and fastened to it. nine0003
For comfortable and safe rocking, handles should be attached to the board, preferably made of soft material. Holes must be drilled in the bottom of the tire so that water does not accumulate in its cavity.
More stable devices will be those that have two halves of the tire as a support.
They will need to be bolted together around the entire semicircle, and a long board should be attached on top. Rubber for greater attractiveness should be painted in bright colors, apply drawings. nine0003 An example of painting a children's swing from a tire
You can make a small swinging balancer with your own hands to decorate a children's room, moreover, without having special skills. The technology of its manufacture is the same, only the upper plank in length should not be more than the diameter of the tire.
Swing while sitting on it, you can only sideways, left and right. Armrests must be made along the edges so that the child can hold on to them.
And if you ride the balancer from above, you get a new fun: it will be possible to swing back and forth. On one side, instead of a handle, you can fix a horse’s head carved from wood, and on the other, a tail. Such rocking chairs are very popular with small children. You can come up with a stylized figure of another animal. It depends on the ability and creative imagination of the pope. nine0003
They are also very easy to build yourself. The main thing is to find a suitable crossbar to hang them. It can be a horizontally growing thick tree branch, a beam in a barn, or a specially assembled metal structure. And as a seat, of course, a car tire is suitable.
You need to choose rubber without damage, and reinforce it with the more attractive side up.
Wash the bar well with detergent before attaching ropes or chains. The simplest swing is a tire hanging vertically on one rope or chain. Making them with your own hands is easy. They ride on such a swing, passing their legs through the wheel and hanging them from the other side.
The original design of the suspension swing made of tireThey swing with both hands on a single mount. But this is not very convenient. Such a device is usually suspended from a tree near the river itself, and the boys, standing on the tire, or grabbing its lower edge, swing as hard as possible, and then jump into the water. True, not every child will decide on such entertainment. nine0003
In the yard or in the country it is better to make a swing, in which the horizontal seat rests on a double mount. It is desirable that it be a metal chain. They attach it to the tire using cargo bolts that have a ring instead of a head. For them, holes are drilled in rubber, fixed, and S-shaped hooks are inserted into the eyes.
They are threaded into the lower chain links and clamped with pliers.
The upper ends of the hangers are fixed on the crossbar. For convenience, a round wooden board is placed on the tire, and a pillow or rug is placed on top of it. nine0003
There is another version of the hanging swing - a cradle made of tires. It is also made by hand. With a shoe knife or other cutting tool, the protector is cut in a circle to the power ring from the metal cord, leaving only a part of the rubber for the seat. From above, ropes or a chain are attached to the resulting circles and suspended from the crossbar. On such a device, even very small children can be rocked.
You can cut anything out of rubber from a tire. By bending it, you can make a chair with a back. Home craftsmen make swings in the form of various animals and birds.
Sometimes near a private house there is a figurine of a horse, on which a baby is swinging, sitting on horseback. Some make rubber birds, dragons, even cars and motorcycles. Children enthusiastically climb onto such rocking chairs. The fantasy of dads is limitless and they willingly share it on the World Wide Web. nine0003
Contents
You can get the younger generation interested in going to the country in many ways, one of these incentives is to equip an interesting playground.
Build a house or a hill from the remnants of lumber, assemble a sandbox. And in order not to go beyond the budget for rest, make a swing out of a tire with your own hands. It will turn out unusual, but the kids will like it. Moreover, homemade tire swings provide more freedom in games with skillful handling of the attraction. nine0003
Even a tire can make a pretty decent swing
Homemade versions of a children's attraction are always inferior to purchased models made of beautiful plastic in design and design. Tire swings look simpler and even rougher than glossy Chinese rocking chairs, and their device and decorative finish are primarily designed for safety and the most brutal treatment from the children, and certainly not for the successful sale of the product. nine0003
On the other hand, there is always an abundance of material and schemes, you can make a swing out of old tires with your own hands at least every trip out of town. Moreover, the manufacture practically does not require special skills, except for common sense, physical strength and the ability to work with a bench tool.
Most often, the model and device of a swing from a tire is chosen depending on the mobility and age of children, these can be: nine0016
It is clear that, in addition to the age of the children, it will be necessary to take into account the weight of the participants, the place and circumstances of the installation of the children's attraction. For example, a do-it-yourself swing from a tire on a rope is easy to make and install on the nearest tree when going out into the forest for a picnic or when going fishing with the whole family. In other cases, the site and method of attaching the suspension must be carefully thought out and planned. nine0003
A hiking version of the swing can be made in a couple of minutes
The simplest models are a regular car tire suspended on a canvas belt or an ordinary old tow rope made of polypropylene fibers.
Tire size must be at least 19”, smaller tires often have too little interior space.
The tire can be hung horizontally to form a swing with a nested seat. Tire size in this case does not really matter. nine0003
Often you need more than just making a simple seat and hanging it correctly under a canopy or on a tree branch. For most children familiar with modern children's rides, this is often not enough. In this case, for the playground, you have to make a rope swing from a tire with an unusually shaped seat with your own hands.
Polypropylene ropes give the suspension increased elasticity, allow you to swing on the swing in almost any direction. A carved cradle or even a tire chair provides an interesting design and safe use of the swing. nine0003
Tip! If you plan to build a full-fledged attraction with the possibility of swinging with a large amplitude, then it is best to make a swing from a tire with your own hands on chains.
This is not a whim or a desire to play it safe. For younger children of 5-6 years old, you can make a rope swing out of a tire with your own hands, the weight and load are small, so there will be no problems. Chain suspension is preferred for rides designed for older children, it will provide stabilization of the direction of movement and fastening strength even under the most extreme overloads. Whereas ropes and belts made of synthetic fibers can stretch and even delaminate. nine0003
It is clear that random materials of unknown origin cannot be used in the manufacture of swings from machine tires. It is best to choose tires from old stocks; chains or ropes with fasteners must be bought new. And most importantly, before commissioning, the entire structure of a garden swing made of tires must be checked with your own hands several times, tested and loaded to the maximum to make sure that they are completely safe.
To work with tires, depending on the chosen model, you will need:
You can use a carving knife for meat or fish; The tire can also be cut with a hand saw or a jigsaw. It all depends on the size and device of the cradle. If a seat of a special shape is made from a tire for a swing, then the amount of work will increase several times. In this case, you can use scissors for cutting reinforcement or an ordinary grinder with a stone disc to cut the tire. nine0003
You can also cut with an ordinary hacksaw
To make a children's attraction, you can use old worn tires 15-20” for winter driving and always with synthetic cord. These tires are much softer and require less effort to cut. The more worn out the tread, the better. It only increases the level of comfort.
If possible, it is best to use high-profile EU tires.
These tires do not contain special softeners and oil-based chemical additives. They do not exfoliate even when stored for a long time in the open sun and do not sweat with soot and lubricants. nine0003
Manually cutting a tire requires a lot of physical effort. Cutting rubber with a thickness of 5-10 mm by hand is difficult even with a very sharp knife. Cutting a tire with a jigsaw is even more difficult. Rubber is difficult to cut, and the cord gathers and clogs the backstage of the tool.
A simple cut on the tire can be made with a sharp knife dipped in soapy water
Therefore, in the manufacture of a hanging swing from a tire, two technological methods are used:
The disc must enter the thickness of the tire by no more than 8 mm, otherwise the tool may be broken. With the second pass, the tire is cut through, if desired, the second incision can already be made with a knife. True, cutting a tire with a grinder takes only 5-7 minutes, while manually cutting blanks from tires into a swing for a playground will take at least an hour and a half.
There are two proven ways to make a children's attraction. In the first case, the swing can be hung under a canopy near the house. To fasten ropes or chains, it is enough to lay an additional bar 90x90 mm or a steel pipe with a diameter of at least 70 mm.
The second way is to hang the swing tire seat with ropes on a horizontal section or a thick branch of an old tree. It can be walnut, acacia, oak, maple. Poplar or fruit trees are not suitable for installing a swing, the wood is too weak. nine0003
In any case, the place for a children's attraction should be flat, without holes or humps, and be clearly visible from the windows of a summer house or a resting place for adults.
The most affordable option that you can make yourself is a simple swing from a large diameter tire suspended vertically. You can not even drill the sidewalls to fix the suspensions with bolts, but simply tie the wheel in the upper part with several loops of polypropylene or polyamide rope and fasten it to a branch or canopy crossbar. nine0003
Large diameter tires are the best solution. For example, 17” tires have an inner diameter of at least 50 cm, which is enough to seat one child.
In this case, it is better to fasten the tire with eyebolts, in which a mounting ring is made instead of a hexagonal head. It is enough to make one hole for a vertical seat or four for a horizontal one, wrap the fasteners, hang the seat, and the swing for giving from a tire with your own hands is almost ready. You can decorate the seat or additionally lay a soft pillow. nine0003
If it is possible to use large tires, at least “22”, then you can try to build a more complex version of a swing with cradles.
Such attractions are made for playgrounds, where several children can play at the same time.
The following step-by-step instructions will help you make a tire swing for at least four kids
First of all, you need to make a frame for the swing. To do this, two vertical metal racks from a pipe with a diameter of 70 mm are concreted into the ground. At the level of 150-170 cm, a horizontal crossbar is laid on the racks, with a diameter of at least 90 mm, it is welded to the supports and additionally reinforced with pieces of reinforcement.
The swing cradle can be made from a truck tire. You just need to cut the tire into two equal halves, drill holes along the edges for embedding the ropes and hang the cradle on the crossbar. The rigidity of the seat is enough for a small child to climb inside entirely with their legs.
Cradle version for the little ones
For teenagers and older fans of children's attractions, it can be advised to make a swing with a horizontal tire.
But in this solution there is one significant drawback - the landing hole for the disk turns out to be very large, and it is not very convenient to sit on such a seat.
Therefore, the tire is most often designed in the form of a socket. To do this, holes are drilled on the sidewalls of the tire, but only on one side, four groups of four each.
The next step is to stitch the rope through the holes. It turns out a sewing zigzag. nine0003
Next, without cutting the rope, we pass it through the holes in the transverse direction. In this case, the cord should cross the previously laid stitches in a “braided wave”. The result is a wicker base on which you can lay a soft rug or pillow.
The ropes are tied at the holes in a knot to prevent deformation of the wicker part of the seat, and hung on the crossbar with a regular loop.
Children are especially delighted with the irregularly shaped seats.
For example, they can be made in the form of an impromptu humpbacked horse, as in the photo.
It is not difficult to make such a swing for children out of tires, but their practical value is not great, and they are often used as an element of landscape design.
A swing with a chair-shaped seat will be much more comfortable. To make a similar design, you will need one car winter tire 175/70, a sharp knife, soap, an electric drill and a rope. nine0003
Initially, we will mark out, mark two sections of 20 cm and 30 cm on the sidewall, separated by a small cutout. This will be the seat and back of the chair, respectively. An additional cutout between them is needed so that the swing seat can be freely deformed under the weight of the person sitting.
The remains of the sidewalls must be cut with a knife, periodically wetting the blade with liquid soap.
After trimming the tread and sidewalls, the chair frame will remain, as in the photo.
It will only be necessary to deploy and hang the seat on polypropylene ropes. nine0003
You can make almost a real chair, just cut off part of the sidewall and wrap the tread tape “behind the back”
Balanced models have always been considered the safest for children, besides, they are easy hide in the cottage at the end of the day, no need to untie or cover with a film during the rain.
The simplest version of a swing - a pendulum is a half wheel, with a wooden board laid on top. The tire is cut into two parts, one half is slightly shortened, cut off and put inside the other. This will provide the necessary rigidity of the support. nine0003
Next, two pieces of timber or a thick board are hammered into the cut tire along the edges. Improvised plugs are bolted to the sidewalls of the tires. The next step is to cut out the board - the seat, it can be made for swings from thick plywood.
A pair of soft handles are immediately cut in, they can be made from a rope or a water hose.
The wooden top of the swing is attached to the rubber base with metal staples and self-tapping screws. It is easy to make a swing balancer from tires with your own hands in advance in the garage or in a home workshop, and upon arrival at the dacha, simply assemble the structure from a prepared set of parts. nine0003
There are two ways to hang a finished seat or armchair. If the swing structure is suspended from a metal pipe or crossbar, then it is best to use a chain hanger with U-shaped threaded brackets.
Polypropylene ropes on metal, as a rule, are suspended in a sliding way. This means that in the process of swinging the seat, the rope loop rotates on the crossbar simultaneously with the movement of the suspension. The upper part of the loop must be covered with thick leather or polyurethane tape to reduce fiber wear.
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If the swing is hung on a tree branch or a wooden floor beam, then the suspension loop, whether metal or polypropylene, is fixed “tightly” with the help of an additional strapping of hemp or jute rope.
One of the disadvantages of tire swings is the poor durability of the rubber. The tire gradually ages and emits micro-dust that remains on the hands and clothes of children. Therefore, after completion of work, the finished chair or seat must be washed with soapy water and dried thoroughly in the shade for several days. nine0003
Before installation, the tire must be painted with any plastic paint, acrylic and furniture varnishes are not suitable, it is best to use polyurethane or latex coatings, they do not slip, are practically not subject to abrasion and do not collect dust.
Do-it-yourself tire swings can be made by any summer resident or motorist, but even for beginner DIYers, most designs are not particularly difficult.
