Friday, April 1, 2016

Moved Zip Line

I moved the zip line to the other side of my backyard. This time I decided to make it much simpler. I used the concrete/rebar anchors like before but made some modifications. For the start, I used one 4x6 post placed 1' deep and balanced by two chains. For the end, I used two posts with a cross member on top attached to one chain/anchor. This way the kids don't run into the post at the end. I used 1/2" eye bolts on either end to attach the cable. I used some shackles and additional cable  and hardware to connect everything. Here is the maiden run video:
I still have to install rungs to climb up the start pole and a cable stop or bumper at the end but I am pretty happy with this. It took much less effort than my last design.


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7 comments:

  1. DJLaChapelleMay 3, 2016 at 8:45 PM

    Hi! We used your blog here in a big way to install our zip line - many thanks!! - the photos are great. One thing we did differently is instead of digging holes and making concrete anchors, we screwed heavy-duty mobile home anchors into the ground (this was an out-of-the-blue idea on the part of a good friend - no way that would have ever occurred to me - I was ready to - reluctantly - start digging!). We then used your pulley and chain system. It is working GREAT - it is super solid (and I weigh 220) - and the mobile home anchors were WAY easier to deal with than digging, big piles of dirt, and concrete! Thanks again - your blog is a great resource.

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    1. AlanMay 4, 2016 at 6:41 AM

      I'm glad that my blog was helpful. I wasn't sure if mobile home anchors would hold the tension. I'm glad they are working for you. Definitely easier than digging and mixing concrete.

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  2. UnknownOctober 20, 2016 at 10:27 AM

    How did you attach the balance chains to the 4x6?

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    1. AlanOctober 20, 2016 at 1:42 PM

      The eye bolts have nuts on them that can adjust the position and the main cable has a turnbuckle on it to adjust the tension as well. On the other side i used a cargo strap to tension the cables and attach them to the chain at the proper tension.
      I did have a problem with the vinyl coated cable, the vinyl eventually slipped off and i had to re-tension them without the vinyl covering.

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    2. UnknownOctober 21, 2016 at 4:58 PM

      Thanks! I will definitely be giving this a shot. The kids have been asking for one for ages.

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    3. UnknownOctober 21, 2016 at 4:58 PM

      Thanks! I will definitely be giving this a shot. The kids have been asking for one for ages.

      Delete
  3. UnknownOctober 20, 2016 at 10:56 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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