HOW TO HANG HAMMOCKS

Safety First
For your safety and comfort please read and observe all the precautions listed here. Use only hardware strong enough for the purpose of hanging a hammock, such as the Hammock Hanging Kit that includes 3/8” steel hooks and welded steel chain. Follow installation directions carefully. Prior to each use inspect your hammock, hardware, installation points and objects supporting the hammock for wear or weakness. Proceed carefully and take your time getting into and out of your hammock. Any hammock may tip if your weight isn’t centered. Excessive swinging and other rough play may result in falls and may wear out your hammock and hardware prematurely. Maximum safe weight is 450 pounds.

▲! CAUTION: FALLING AND STRANGULATION HAZARD! CHILDREN CAN BECOME ENTANGLED IN HAMMOCK STRINGS. DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED IN HAMMOCK.

Hammock Length
Your new hammock may initially be shorter than its full length (approximately 13 ft (396 - 411 cm). It will stretch to its proper length after a short time in use.

Height And Distance Between Hanging Points
Hammocks are versatile! Although traditionally slung between two big trees, you can also hang them between posts set in the ground, on a porch, or on a hammock stand. It is easiest to hang your hammock in a 15’ space, a foot longer than the overall length of the hammock. If you have less space try hanging the hammock higher than the height recommended below, though this will make the hammock hang more bowed. The hardware should ordinarily be mounted 5 – 6 feet off the ground. You may wish to hang it higher or lower depending on the distance between your supports and your personal preference.

Using Hammock Hooks
We recommend using a Hammock Hanging Kit, which includes welded steel chain and 3/8" (1 cm) steel hammock hooks designed with enough curve to keep the hammock ring from slipping off as the hammock moves. Please use this or hardware with equivalent strength and design.

Hammock Posts or Wooden Supports

Make certain the wooden supports you are using are strong enough. We recommend trees or posts are a minimum of 6” in diameter or 4” x 6” lumber. Do not use supports which are cracked, split or rotten. Drill a pilot hole where you want your hooks, approximately 1⁄2 the diameter of the screw of the hammock hook screw. For example, if the screw to be used is 3/8” in diameter, then the pilot hole should be drilled 3/16” in diameter. Screw the hammock hooks into the pilot holes. Seat the eye of the hook 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 tree or post facing the hammock. Your hammock should not pull sideways on the hook. Do not wrap chain around the hooks, and 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 the chain.

Placing Posts For The Hammock
Setting posts in the ground allows installation of the hammock in you yard regardless of available trees. Read earlier instructions for post dimensions and strength information. Post holes should be at least 3 ft. deep and carefully back-filled with concrete. Remove air pockets when filling with concrete. Posts may be tilted slightly away from the hammock direction when concrete is still fresh. Wait at least 24 hours for concrete to cure before hanging and using hammock.

Installing The Hammock
Use one or two lengths of chain and S hooks as necessary to reach between the hammock and the hooks. See Figure 1. It is normal for your new hammock to stretch considerably when it is new, so the first time you hang a new hammock stretch it very tight, and then be especially careful when getting into the hammock the first time! As it stretches under your weight be careful not to hit the ground, or if using a hammock stand not to hit the center pipe. Be careful not to let the hammock tip as you get in.

As it stretches, keep shortening the chain. If you store it for months, you may have to stretch it like this again. After it stretches you can get into it much more easily.

Once the hammock is stretched out, it should be hung loosely enough that when the hammock is in use (when there is weight in it) the angle of the chain as illustrated in Figure 2 is at least 25 degrees from horizontal. Hanging your hammock more tightly than this greatly increases the load to the hardware and supports.

Caring for your Hammock
Under normal use your hammock will last for many years. You can increase its useful life by putting it away during cold seasons (store it dry), and by hanging it where it will be shaded most of the day.

Cleaning your Hammock

The synthetic rope of your hammock is washable with warm water and a mild detergent or soap. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners or bleach. Rinse well and dry thoroughly before storage.