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Sometimes the simplest things can bring the greatest summertime pleasures. Outdoor fun doesn’t have to include expensive, custom-built play sets; you can create instant outdoor entertainment by upcycling an old tire into a one-of-a-kind swing. Read on to learn how to make a tire swing the easy-peasy, old-fashioned way!
Tools & MaterialsRELATED: The Best Tree Swings for Backyard Fun
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This project is perfect for beginners, as you only need a few tools and basic knot knowledge—oh, and you need a tree (a big tree).
Chances are, if you’re looking into how to make a DIY tire swing, you already have a tree in mind for mounting it. Just make sure that it’s large, healthy, and the branch that will hold the tire swing is at least 8 inches thick. If a tree shows signs of decay or has cracks or dead branches, it’s not suitable for a tire swing.
Other considerations include making sure there’s enough clearance between where the tire hangs and the trunk of the tree as well as the ground. And removing large rocks or other tripping hazards from the area beneath the swing.
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Any standard-size passenger car rubber tire will work for a swing, though you could use a smaller or larger tire as long as you factor the weight into your specific project. If you find a used tire, be sure it has some tread left to prevent any wires from popping through the surface and scratching or poking swing users.
Give the tire a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer. If you don’t have the right tool, take the tire to the car wash to clean it with one of the high-pressure hoses on the premises.
When you’re ready—that is, when you’re satisfied with the cleanliness of the tire—drill holes in the bottom of the tire to prevent water from pooling when it rains. You don’t want mosquitoes to get wind of any standing water! On that note, you’ll also want to check for bees, wasps, and other insect pests each time you or your kids use the tire swing.
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RELATED: Weekend Projects—5 Fun DIY Swing Sets
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Determine the maximum weight your tire swing will hold. That includes the weight of kids (or adults) that will use it as well as the weight of the tire you choose. Then select a heavy-duty braided exterior rope that is rated for three times that weight.
Cut a section of rope to the desired length plus a little bit extra for tying a couple of knots. If needed, melt the ends to keep the rope from fraying. Tie a double bowline knot on one end of the rope, making sure to leave a little slack in the loop portion of the knot.
Toss the knot end of the rope over the tree branch. If you need a little help, place a softball in a sock and tie the sock to the knot end of the rope; then toss the ball over the branch. Thread the opposite end of the rope through the loop of the bowline knot and pull it tight. The knot will travel upwards until it finally reaches the branch.
Tie another double bowline knot around the top of the tire, tightening it so the tire hangs at the desired height off of the ground.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Have the heaviest member of your family test the tire swing to ensure its strength. You may not want to tell this person why he or she was chosen…
Let your impatient kid swing already. You can cut off the excess rope later. Pat yourself on the back and admire your handiwork from the street, just like the neighbors will.
RELATED: How to Make a Tire Swing with Chains and Bolts
Got questions about how to make a tire swing? You’re not alone!
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One of our favorite DIY tire swing ideas is to find a tire, clean it thoroughly, and hang it by a rope from a sturdy tree branch.
First and foremost, you need a tire. You’ll also need some tire cleaning supplies (or clean it at a self-serve car wash), braided exterior rope rated for three times the weight of the tire and swing users combined, and some basic knot knowledge. You’ll also need a sturdy branch on a large, healthy tree.
The best rope to use for a tire swing is one that is braided, designed to hold a lot of weight, and rated to withstand outdoor elements such as UV rays, rain, etc.
Kick off your summer staycation by adding a tire swing to your outdoor space. This simple project can add hours of fun and relaxation with minimal effort and expense. Just be sure to keep safety top of mind by thoroughly inspecting the tree and branch that you intend to mount it on, and by selecting rope that is rated for the amount of weight that your specific tire swing will hold.
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By
Kamron Sanders
Kamron Sanders
Kamron Sanders is a home improvement expert and writer with over 15 years of hands-on construction, remodeling, woodworking, home repair, and landscaping experience.
He has also written for HGTV. Kamron's expertise ranges from troubleshooting saws and lawnmowers to painting kitchen cabinets.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 07/08/22
Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier
Reviewed by Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Stephen Simpson / Getty ImagesProject Overview
Introducing a tire swing to your backyard is sure to be a decision that you (and, more importantly, your kids) will be happy you made. If you've seen tire swings and assumed they're too hard to install or difficult to make safe, you may be surprised to know that this project is actually very simple.
And, when done right, tire swings can be a safe form of entertainment for both children and adults.
11 Delightful Swing Ideas for Yards of All Shapes and Sizes
There are two popular styles of tire swings. One type features a horizontal tire with ropes attached at three equidistant points. The second type features a vertical tire with a rope simply tied around the top of the tire. For this project, we'll focus on the latter option as it's quick, easy on the wallet, and a more versatile option for users of all sizes.
A tire swing requires a solid branch at least 8 to 10 inches in diameter that is in good health.
Fruit trees, evergreens, and other softwood varieties should be avoided, as these are prone to breaking under pressure. Instead, look for strong, mature trees such as oak trees, maple trees, hickory trees, and other hardwood varieties.
How to Build a Swing
If you don't have one already, recycled tires in good condition are readily available. Check tires stores, online listings, and family and friends. Look for a relatively large tire with a wide sidewall and no dry rot.
Polypropylene rope is perfect for a tire swing, as it won't be compromised as a result of outdoor exposure. When used properly, 3/4-inch polypropylene rope is more than strong enough to hold the weight of a tire and any potential user. The amount needed will be determined by how far your branch is from the ground, but you should aim for a branch no further than 15 to 20 feet high. In this case, a 50-foot rope should do the trick.
Polypropylene rope is a strong, synthetic rope that is resistant to rot and deterioration due to water. While many styles are colorful, varieties that imitate the look of natural rope can also be found.
If you don't have a ladder long enough to lean on the tree branch, there's an easy way to get your rope over the branch. Simply tie string (something like mason line string will do the trick) around a small object like a bean bag and toss it up over your branch. Once over, tie the other end of the string to your rope and pull it over the branch. Repeat this process once more to double the rope over the branch and prevent it from slipping down the branch.
To secure the tire to the rope, no hardware is needed. Simply slide the two ends of the rope through the center of the tire and around the top of the tire twice.
Adjust the tire until it sits 3 feet off of the ground to account for rope stretch. Approximately one foot above the top of the tire, tie a bowline knot with plenty of excess rope left at the end. This will be trimmed later.
Improperly tied knots can pose major safety risk. If you aren't confident in your knot tying abilities, consult with someone who can help ensure the job is done correctly.
Step back and inspect the tire, the rope, and the positioning of the tire from the ground and tree. Once you've verified that the rope is properly knotted and the tire is adequately spaced from the tree and ground, have an adult carefully test the swing. This will allow the adult's weight to set the knots and stretch the rope.
Once the knot has been fully set, trim the excess rope from the knot, leaving approximately 4 to 5 inches. Use a lighter to burn the ends to prevent fraying.
Without drainage, the tire will be prone to collect water, leading to messes and mosquitoes. To add a drain hole to the tire, use a 7/8-inch paddle bit and drill through the lowest point of the tire.
To further prevent pests, consider treating the tire with a bug repellant that is safe for human contact.
Depending on the size of the user, this tire swing can be used by sitting inside or sitting on top. Always hold the rope tightly and avoid swinging toward the tree.
While the polypropylene rope and the tire will likely last forever, trees are living and ever-changing. Make a habit of consistently inspecting the tree branch and the position of the rope on the tree. Should you suspect anything has been compromised, always act on the suspicion and ensure the safety of the swing.
Additionally, tire swings can serve as ideal homes for wasps, bees, spiders, and other biting and stinging creatures.
Always inspect the inside of the swing before playtime and instruct your kids to do the same.
The 9 Best Swing Sets of 2022 for Your Backyard
This tutorial describes how to make a tire swing. If you have a cottage, then perhaps you should pay attention to it. We have prepared a clear step-by-step tutorial and useful tips for you, as well as collected some great examples for inspiration. You will learn how to make a garden swing out of tires with your own hands and be able to transform your summer cottage at no extra cost.
Children love this swing. Of course, many adults will also like them. Working with tires is quite easy, and most importantly, they are very easy to paint and make them bright, beautiful and original. From several pairs of tires you can make a whole children's town in just half a day!
It is worth mentioning separately the choice of tires for the swing.
Foreign tires are best suited, since Russian ones are more rigid, and therefore drilling and cutting them turns out to be quite problematic. This is especially true in cases where you want to make some unusual garden swings from tires. It is also important to add that it is most convenient to work with winter tires - they are also easier to cut.
It is important to pay attention to the fasteners as well. In this case, we are talking about a chain, but it can be replaced with a strong rope rope.
Also remember to clean the tire with a tire cleaner. If you don’t have it, then feel free to replace it with dishwashing detergent.
First of all, we need to drill six holes for three brackets. Staples must be placed at an equal distance from each other.
At this stage we paint our tire. It is preferable to use spray paint - it is convenient to work with it, it does not stain clothes after drying and fits well on the material.
We put the bolts in the holes and fasten them with washers from the inside of the tire.
Next, we need to connect the structure to the chain. To do this, we take the fasteners and fix them on the brackets inserted into the tire.
We pull the three chains up and on the other side we connect them with another fastener. In the same place, if necessary, we fix a hanging carabiner or a ring - it depends on where you lead the homemade swing from the tire.
Done! It remains only to securely fix the structure on a solid beam.
This is the easiest DIY tire swing. Of course, you can do something more original. Take a look at these examples for inspiration and try to repeat the master class or make something of your own.
The tire must be cut in half and the side part must also be cut off. Holes are made in the same way as in the master class above. You can insert staples with a chain into them or just a rope.
It is better to paint tires for such a swing from all sides - it will be more beautiful.
The manufacturing principle will be exactly the same. Just in this case, the tire is mounted vertically.
In this case, it is preferable to use a chain rather than a rope, since there will be only one fastening, and not three, as in the horizontal version.
If you are making a swing for a small child, it makes sense to make something like a hammock. To do this, the tire must be cut and unscrewed. The excess is cut off.
Hanging this swing is easy - just wind the tire with a rope. You can also use staples and a chain. If desired, an interesting pattern can be made on the tire.
Two tires are needed to make the chair. The first part is cut and turned inside out. The second part is attached to the first with screws and is a piece of the flattened part of the tire.
It is best to fasten such a swing on a chain. If desired, you can put soft pillows or a blanket on it.
Make your swings colorful to make them even more fun for children to use. If you are making a DIY tire swing for the first time and are not too confident in your artistic abilities, draw a ladybug - this is the easiest. This option looks very funny and beautiful.
Choose any of the presented tire swings, get inspired and repeat in practice! The kids will definitely thank you for this, and you yourself are unlikely to refuse the opportunity to immerse yourself in childhood at least for a few minutes. Such a swing will definitely decorate the summer cottage and will give everyone pleasure.
We advise you to look: a hanging hammock from a hoop
There are a lot of toys in the country 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.
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. When rocking, all the muscles of the body are evenly loaded, and this makes the baby physically stronger and more self-confident.
His weakness and dizziness will stop, the 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 installed 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.
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.
Animal-shaped children's swing arrangement In order for the rocker-balancer not to fall 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
They are also very easy to make 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.
They 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.
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.
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.
