Buzz
Setting up a zip line is a fun project, but safety should always come first. Take your time to consider all the precautions involved.
Steps
Choose a distance between two sturdy anchor points, preferably trees or other reliable structures. The distance can range from 50 feet (15.2 m) to 500 feet (152.4 m).
Stretch the cable between the two points. Ensure the cable has enough slack to form a gentle sag between the anchor points. Avoid pulling the cable too tight, as this can cause dangerous speeds and potentially hazardous landings, resulting in a painful crash—and you might find yourself saying, "Hey, watch this!" just before you head to the ER.
Secure the cable to one anchor point. If attaching to a tree, loop the cable around the tree several times and then fasten the free end to the starting point using clamps. Make sure to use high-quality clamps that match the cable's diameter. These clamps will need to be tightened with a socket set. Place two clamps about six inches apart for stability. Adding a third or fourth clamp will enhance safety. The opposite end of the cable will be where you tighten and lift it off the ground.
Place a temporary clamp about 20 feet (6.1 m) from the cable's free end. Attach the winch to the clamp and secure it to a tree. Winch the cable upwards. Once it’s up, wrap the loose end around the tree and secure it with clamps. Position the clamps about 8 feet from the tree. After this, remove the winch from the first clamp and attach it to the permanent cable clamp at the far end. This allows you to make adjustments as the cable stretches and needs to be tightened with the winch.
Decide who will go first. This is a tough choice! It's important to test the zip line before using it.
What You’ll Need
- 1/4 or 3/8-inch steel cable
- Come-along manual winch
- Correctly sized cable clamps
- Ladder
- Zip roller
