How to Hang a Hammock Safely

When the weather is nice and the sun is shinning, there is nothing better than having the opportunity to relax in you backyard and enjoy your hammock. However, for most of us hanging that hammock properly can be a nightmare. We are here to help you make sure that you hang your hammock safely and properly. Here are some tips on the right hammocks, the proper hardware to hang your hammock and even suggestions on the right trees to use.

Finding the Proper Hammock to Hang Safely
Most experts will agree that a safe and comfortable hammock should have at least a 50-inch spreader bar. A hammock with a spreader bar will give you the optimum in comfort, stability, and roominess. A hammock without the spreader bars is known as Mayan or Brazilian hammocks. These hammocks will create a cocoon that will incase you and make is awkward when you are trying to share the space with someone else. Avoid solid hammocks that don't breathe well in the hot weather. Look for a woven hammock that resists mildew and fading. Avoid cotton, nylon as well as unvarnished spreader bars.

Using the Proper Hardware to Hang Your Hammock Safely
There are two very popular and safe ways to hang you hammock outdoors. The first way is by using a pair of removable tree straps with a loop of fabric on one end and a metal ring at the other end. You wrap the fabric around the tree and pass the metal ring end through the loop. Connect the loop ring of the tree to the loop ring on the hammock by an S-hook that is rated for heavy lifting. Once setup, mark the tree so that you can easily set it up again.

The second popular way to safely hang your hammock is to drive a coarse-threaded 4-inch forged steel eyebolt into the tree. You do this by first drilling a small 1/8^th pilot hole and then thread the bolt into the tree. Again, take your S-hook and place one side in the eyebolt and hook the other side on to the hammock.

Choosing the Proper Tree to Hang Your Hammock Safely
Obviously choosing the right trees to hang your hammock is important. Choose trees that will hold the weight they will need to bare. Make sure that the tree trunk distance between the two are about 13 to 16 feet apart. That is the ideal width for safely hanging your hammock. If you use straps, you could expand from 16 to 25 feet if necessary. If the trees spacing is not cooperative, than you may need to hang your hammock on a stand to use it safely.