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How To Hang a
Hammock Properly
Choosing a
Location
With
the variety of hammock styles available today, you should be able to
find one to fit virtually any spot in or outside your home. Although
traditionally hung between two trees, you can also hang a hammock
between posts set in the ground, on a porch, on a hammock stand and
from a ceiling beam.
Make certain that any trees, posts or beams that you plan to use are
strong enough to support the extra weight. We recommend trees or
posts be a minimum of 6" (15 cm) in diameter or 4" x
6" (10 cm x 15 cm) in size. Do not use wood supports which are
cracked, split or rotten or which are too soft to properly hold the
screw hooks. For outdoor use, we recommend you use treated lumber or
types resistant to rot. If using posts, they should be at least 2
feet deep into the ground, deeper if you have sandy soil. Simply dig
the hole, place post in hole, fill with cement and let dry
completely.
How
to hang a hammock using hammock hooks
1.
Drill a 3/16" (0.5 cm) or smaller starter hole where you
want your hooks. If you don't have a drill you can use a hammer and
nail.
2. Screw the hammock hooks into the pilot holes. Be sure to
set the screw deep enough that the eye is against the wood, but do
not over-tighten the screw or allow the hook assembly or eye screw
to be twisted or bent. Install screw hooks only on side of the tree
or post facing the hammock. Your hammock should not pull sideways on
the hook.
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Hammock
hanging instructions
Use
one or two lengths chain and S-hooks as necessary to reach
between the hammock and the hooks. See Illustration. It is
normal for your new hammock to stretch considerably when it is
new, especially if it is made of cotton. As it stretches out
to its full length take up the slack in the chain. Do not
wrap chain around the hook. Do not allow chain to become
twisted between the hook assembly and the ring of the hammock.
Either of these conditions may damage or weaken chain. |
Avoid
stretching your hammock too tightly as this greatly increases
the load on the hardware and supports. Ensure that the angle
of the chain is at least 25 degrees when the hammock is in
use. |
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We'd
Love To Hear From You!
Your comments and suggestions
are welcome! If you have discovered some "tricks"
that make for a better hammocking experience, let us know!
Maybe we will post your ideas on this website! Email us at
info@betterhammocks.com |
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Distance
It's
easiest to hang your hammock in a space at least 1 foot (30
cm) longer than the overall length of the hammock. For
example, a 10' hammock requires two posts or trees 11' apart.
Height
The
screw hook should be mounted anywhere from 5 to 6 feet (1.5 m
to 1.8 m) above the ground. You may wish to hang it higher or
lower depending on the distance between your supports and on
your personal preference.
Troubleshooting
If you have less space, or the
hammock is sitting too low to the ground, try raising the
hooks and hanging the hammock higher. If the hammock seems to
tight, or too high, attach a length of chain between the Screw
Hook and the S Hook (see photo below). |
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Hammock Care Instructions
As
with most products, the time a hammock will last is dependent
upon its care and treatment. If you wish to leave a hammock
outside in the elements all year, we recommend a fabric
or polyester rope hammock. Other types are fine
during the summer, however for users North of the 24th
Parallel, we would suggest that they be taken down during
periods of prolonged rain or snow! All hammocks will last
longer if you take them down during severe weather and limit
the time they are exposed to the sun.
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