Directions for Hanging a Swing on a Tree

Find a thick principal branch coming from the tree with a circumference of at least 8 inches. Verify that the wood doesn't look rotten or weak and try hitting it with a hammer to test it for rigidity. Ideally, the branch should be able to hold at least 200 pounds.

Measure the length of the plank that you will use as the swing's seat.

Draw two points spaced as far apart as the swing seat's width on the branch you chose to hang your swing from using a marker.

Attach a 5mm wood drill bit to the end of your drill and plug the drill into an outlet.

Set the drill on one of the marked areas of the branch and begin drilling a small dent into the area. Do the same with the other marked area.

Remove the 5mm drill bit from your drill and attach a bit sized about 1mm larger in diameter than the diameter of your eyebolts.

Drill through each pilot hole in the branch out to the other side of it.

Run an eyebolt through each of the holes you drilled; secure each bolt with a washer and two nuts on the top end. The eyebolt should have its "eye" below the branch.

Slide a rope thimble through each eyebolt's hole hanging off the bottom keep the knot loose enough to let the swing move freely, but tight enough to hold the rider of your swing. Make sure that the rope thimble looks like an arc with each side coming out of the eyebolt.

Tie a bowline knot into each eyebolt and around the thimble.

Adjust the rope from the swing seat to level it off.