It’s good to be here!! to be honest i am surprised i found a knot forum but now i am here i’m hoping to get some good help from the professionals. Anyway i have not long moved into my new house and i have started to renovate top to bottom. We have decided to place a rope swing in the back garden, but was wondering what kind of rope we should get that is strong and safe and then what kind of knot would be best to tie through the bottom of the rope swing seat?? this might be a stupid question for you guys but its better safe than sorry!! I have seen single tree rope extensions online for sale like this http://www.for-sale.ie/rope-swing but i think i would prefer doing it myself but if this is easier.. Looking forward to some reply’s guys
A few factors to consider: Type of rope, laid or braided construction. UV stabilized material since it will be in the sun for a long time. Elasticity and diameter, not too big or too small.
Then there is seat style, though I am assuming the attached picture in you post indicates what you have in mind.
Of course you can use eye splices with laid rope as shown, but you have to pre-plan the length very thoughtfully.
Or you could use a number of easy to adjust, secure eye knots, e.i., bowlines.
Years ago, I did a swing that used whipped eyes that looked great and provided nice hand holds. But, I used braided nylon and over time the rope became brittle, dark and moldy.
Single hole per side of seat:
If the rope will be halved (correct total length) when tossed over a branch (do consider the damage to the tree), etc., then most any stopper knot can do.
If two separate ropes are affixed to a beam, the same stoppers will work although adjusting the seat to level lengths can prove to be finicky.
When it comes the the type of rope i want i have no idea that is kinda why i was here. The swing will be located in a sunny area of the garden so UV-protected would be a bonus. As of the wholes i would like single wholes like what was said here
“Single hole per side of seat:
If the rope will be halved (correct total length) when tossed over a branch (do consider the damage to the tree), etc., then most any stopper knot can do.
If two separate ropes are affixed to a beam, the same stoppers will work although adjusting the seat to level lengths can prove to be finicky.”
But if 2 wholes is safer i might just go with that
I would use nylon or polyester rope about 12mm thick (braided is probably more comfortable to hold). If you are using one hole on each side then it depends on how you are fixing to a branch. Assuming you will fix each end of the rope to the branch then simply thread the rope through the each of the 2 holes - down through one, under the seat and up through the other - it will be self adjusting BUT the fixing points on the branch need to be at close to the same height or the swing will pull to the side in use.
If left outside all year round then I would replace the rope at the start of each summer rather than risk it having been frost or sun damaged which may not be obvious.
Better safe than sorry and it look a lot nicer so i will be replacing it yearly! I found this awesome video online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK1b4aFdv9k Now i have seen this it looks beautiful!!