I've been away from the forums for a couple years, but I'm back into hammocking! I sure did miss it.
I want to install a single post and hang between it and the only tree in my new yard. I recall reading that a 4x4 might bend? I will dig it 4' deep with lots of cement. Do i really need to go up to a 6x6?
" I have not yet begun to procrastinate!"
You'd have to be pretty fat to bend a 4X4 post.
You'll be fine with your plan. It'll turn out pretty much perfect.
I think the trick is to pick a good 4x4. The ones I've seen posted that snapped have a knot where it broke. I would look for a clean knot free treated piece.
Good luck if you want some insurance just use a 6x6
Really? This has happened? I'm 240 and wouldn't hesitate to climb in there.Originally Posted by OutandBack
I think I need to start paying a bit more attention to what I do.
Even with a knot in the 4x4 I would think it would take some weathering along with some heavy use to fail.
I would try to find a "clean" one without any knots but other than that I'd use a treated 4x4 and maybe tar the 4' going in the ground plus around 6" above ground for a little more life out of it.
I'm not the only one!
...this seriously made me laugh
I was thinking about doing this. I figured a 6x6 would be a safe bet and eliminate the headache of trying to remove the quikrete if one broke. How would one even go about doing that several feet down? Doesn't sound like much fun. I sort of gave up on the whole thing anyway
I don't remember much about the posts where folks were reporting breaking a 4x4.
If your Google-FU is strong you can probably find the old posts, they even had picts, since nothing is ever deleted here.
I broke a 4x4 after many years of laying in a Pawley's Island style hammock in my yard. As mentioned, it broke near a knot. I replaced it with a 4x6 such that the thicker section is in line with the hammock. Never had a problem since. The other end is securely anchored to a large cedar tree. I am 6'3, 250.
I don't think many understand the force that can be placed on a post, tree, line, hardware, or even a brick-and-mortar column. The physics of leverage is amazing. I bet someone can post the link to a fellow pulling down that brick-and-mortar column with nothing more than his own weight ... and a taunt line.
Use a 6x6" post and don't connect to it higher than 6' or use a 4x4" post and well-secured guylines to keep it upright.
Just my two cents.
"You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims." --Harriet Woods
http://www.MeetUp.com/NashvilleBackpacker
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