How do you make a swing swing from a tree?

I have two chains over a limb. On the chains there is rubber at the top to protect the tree limb. The problem is now the swing doesn't swing because there is no give at the top. Is there a hinge or swing hardware I can easily attach to help the swing move properly? I am NOT handy and either is my husband, so explain in the simplest of terms :)|||The way you describe it, I assume you took two very long lengths of chain and tried to throw them over the tree limb, and ending up with 2 hanging lengths of chain on each side of your swing. This is more difficult to get to swing because as you try to swing, one side of the chain fights with the other side. What you need to do is loop the chain over the limb, then you need to attach the end of the chain to a link iin the chainup by the limb, so that a single strand of chain hangs down to your swing. This arrangement would give you 2 strands of chain total hanging from the limb, one for each side of the swing. It should work fine like this.|||come again?|||Cover all of the chain that makes contact with the limb with rubber or you can use two narrow strips of carpet under the chain. It only has to be slightly wider than the chain. Place each chain over the limb so that each is fully wrapped around the limb and at the closest links to the bottom side of the limb insert a bolt %26amp; nut. (use washers if need be so that the bolt won't pull through the link when tightened.) You want to do it so that the chain is as tight to the bottom of the limb as possible without cutting into the limb. by doing that you have moved the pivot point from the top of the limb to the bottom %26amp; it should now swing freely. If you need for any reason to take up some slack in the chain to get a nice snug fit around the limb you can simply add another layer of carpet.


I have used this method for a number of years %26amp; it works great. You can also adjust it periodically to allow for the growth of the tree. If you require any more info. or a further explanation e-mail %26amp; i'll try to help you out further.|||Purchase two 1/2"x6" "eye-screws". Make sure you buy closed loop "eyes" and not hooks. Drill 7/16" in holes in the tree limb approximately 2 feet apart and 3 or more fee away from the main trunk of the tree. Screw in the "eye-screw" the full length of the thread. The limb should be more than 6" in diameter. You must drill the holes or risk spliting the tree limb. Drilling will not injure the tree. Hanging a chain around the branch or suspending a swing from a branch smaller than 6" in diameter will damage the tree and/or not support the forces exerted by the swing. From each of the "eye-screws" hang a 3/8" steel ring that can be closed. From the ring hang a 3/8" steel chain rated for lifting and overhead use of at least twice the weight the swing will carry. Attach the chain to the swing seat with a second steel ring and a 1/2"x3" eye-bolt, washers on either side of the swing seat and either a nut with a nylon center or double bolts under the swing seat. If the seat is wood it should be 1 1/2" thick and 6"-8" wide with 1/2" holes pre-drilled to accept the 1/2"x3" eye-bolts. Parts will run you about $50.from Lowes, HD or your local hardware store. Try the yellow pages under "playground equiptment" for a company that could do this for you or your local handyman.