1. PREPARATION
Have you found the perfect tree branch for hanging your hammock swing chair? Have you determined that the branch is strong enough to support a hammock swing? Is the tree branch level so that the chain supporting the chair will not slide? Have you cleared the ground area of large foliage and debris and created a level surface? If you are ready to enjoy your relaxing hangout but are having difficulty starting the process, follow these simple guidelines. There are many supplies which will work for hanging a hammock swing chair from a tree, but here is just one approach which involves the help of a friend, the use of a tape measure and a sturdy ladder, as well as the purchase of these items:
-Link or Coil Chain
-Quick Links (Quantity 2)
-Plastic Tubing
Before you go to the hardware store, ask a friend to help you to measure for hammock swing chair hanging supplies. You will use the tape measure to determine the length of the chain and plastic tubing (for tree protection) needed for properly suspending your hammock swing. The chain will fit inside the plastic tubing before you wrap it around the branch.
While you carefully stand on the ladder with a tape measure in hand, have your assistant hold up the hammock swing chair so that the bottom of the chair is approximately 2 feet above ground level. Keep in mind the hammock swing stretches when someone sits in it, so you will have to allow for this factor, also. Now calculate the distance up from the hanging ring (attached to the top of your hammock swing chair) to the bottom of the branch, plus the additional distance that is needed to encircle the branch with chain. Add eight inches to this number to allow some slack. (In other words, measure the circumference of the branch, add the eight inches slack, and add the additional distance you measured the chain must hang down to reach the hanging ring.) The length of the plastic tubing should be the circumference of the tree branch plus eight inches of slack.
Remember, you are encircling the chain around a living and growing tree and you want to protect the cambium of the tree with the plastic tubing. Be sure to write your calculations for chain length and tubing length onto a note pad so that you are not scratching your head and trying to remember what you measured later when you are at the store purchasing your supplies.
2. SHOPPING AT A HARDWARE STORE
Visit your local hardware store to buy the necessary supplies:
Outdoor Link or Coil Chain (Read chain label and select chain with strength to support significantly more than the weight capacity of your hammock swing chair, for example, 1000 lbs.)
Quick Links--Quantity 2 (These links look like a link of chain with the addition of a side that can be unscrewed to be attached to a link of chain. Select Quick Links that will hold significantly more than the weight capacity of the hammock swing chair, for example 1000 lbs. Check to make sure that two links of your chain will fit on the Quick Link selected.)
Plastic tubing (This tubing can be found in the plumbing section of most hardware stores. Select a type big enough for the chain to slip through the tube.)
The sizes and dimensions of supplies required to hang a hammock swing will vary according to the type of chair, height of tree branch and circumference of tree branch, etc.
3. HANGING YOUR HAMMOCK SWING CHAIR
Once you have purchased your premeasured length of chain, the two Quick Links, and the predetermined length of clear plastic tubing, you are ready to hang your hammock swing chair with the help of your friend.
First, slip the chain into and through the plastic tubing before you climb up on the ladder.
Second, carefully climb the ladder and encircle the tree branch with the part of the chain that is running through the plastic tubing.
Third, connect one end link of the chain back to the body of the chain with one of the Quick Links, allowing for the slack. (Remember the slack allows for continued growth of the branch.) Before you actually tighten this Quick Link, check to see that the remainder of the chain that is hanging down extends the appropriate distance to meet the hammock ring. Having your helper hold up the hammock swing so that the bottom of the chair is the proper distance from the ground will help you make this final adjustment so that you have neither an excess or shortage of chain available. (Be sure to allow for the fact that the hammock swing chair flexes downward when you sit in it because the material stretches to some degree.)
Fourth, connect the hammock swing chair hanging ring to the end of the dangling chain with the remaining Quick Link.
Finally, if there are no minor adjustments to make in the placement of the Quick Links, tighten the Quick Links appropriately, move the ladder out of the way, and enjoy sitting in your hammock swing chair. Have a relaxing day.
ENJOY RELAXATION IN YOUR HAMMOCK SWING CHAIR WITH A GENTLE BREEZE. REMEMBER THAT HAMMOCK SWING CHAIRS ARE NOT TOYS. PROPELLED SWINGING MOTION IS NOT ADVISED.
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