DIY Temporary Stand with in-ground posts?

[Saint Francis]

I had an idea (which someone else also had, and posted a video on YouTube) to put some PVC pipe in the ground (with quick-setting concrete) that I would put 4x4 or garden rail posts into as supports. When it's time to mow the lawn, I simply pull out the supports and cap off the PVC pipes. My goal is to be able to hang up to 3 hammocks at the same time, with two possible sharing a post at the same time.

Has anyone tried this? Would the rail ties used in garden beds be strong enough? Any other considerations I am not thinking of?

[lxzndr]

I know someone in the past mentioned having snapped a 4x4 post while hanging.

I know many others though hang from 4x4 without issue, so it may vary depending the quality of your materials, or could have been stung to tight.
See the hang calculator for the forces involved.

[Hunter55]

I've done exactly what you've described in my back yard. 3-1/2' of square poly fence post set in concrete, 15 feet apart. Post hole was cut inward toward force of pull. ie inside the post in a wedge fashion to allow a little more concrete. I cut the top of the hole in a wedge down about 1-1/2' and 1' out from post. Not sure if it makes a difference but I've hung over a dozen time with only about a 1/2" movement. I actually set the post originally with 1/2" outward pitch in the seven feet above ground. The post are 4 x 4 treated which I hand picked with minimal and very small knots. If others have had this type of post fail I'm almost certain it was due to imperfections or knots in the material. I'm in the 165# range.

[Saint Francis]

Hunter55, help me here a bit: how deep are the holes? Length of posts? Have any pics? Thanks!

[SilvrSurfr]

Four-inch posts with two people hanging off them? I'll bet that's going to be a short experiment!

I'd look at 6 x 6 or 8 x 8 posts, personally.

[Les Rust]

+1 on 6x6 minimum. Most pressure treated posts are pine and have knots. As an old woodworker we know what that means--not for joining, cutting, carving, and most other woodworking activities. I would think you would save yourself time, frustration, and possible injury by going heavier with the posts.