Easiest Hammock Suspension for Kids???

**foxrun** · 06-01-2016, 14:02

Hey guys,
I am giving away my first cheapo hammock to a lady in my office for her grandkid which I purchased before getting into DIY. I had removed the cheap factory rope used at the end of the hammock and replaced with amsteel loops. Trying to figure out the best suspension for a 10 year old to figure out himself. I am not going to be there to teach him how to use it, so simpler is better. I can make the straps and anything amsteel for him as I have plenty of leftover, but I am not going to purchase anything extra- bling, etc. Thoughts?

**Zilla** · 06-01-2016, 14:36

Originally Posted by foxrun

Hey guys,
I am giving away my first cheapo hammock to a lady in my office for her grandkid which I purchased before getting into DIY. I had removed the cheap factory rope used at the end of the hammock and replaced with amsteel loops. Trying to figure out the best suspension for a 10 year old to figure out himself. I am not going to be there to teach him how to use it, so simpler is better. I can make the straps and anything amsteel for him as I have plenty of leftover, but I am not going to purchase anything extra- bling, etc. Thoughts?

Chinch buckles ,, $5.00 and splice the loops onto it and to the hammock yourself,,DONE,,

**breyman** · 06-01-2016, 14:43

Originally Posted by Zilla

Chinch buckles ,, $5.00 and splice the loops onto it and to the hammock yourself,,DONE,,

+1 - cinch buckles are one of the simplest, most reliable things for younger ones to use and adjust themselves.

An additional consideration is how to get the straps connected around the trees - especially with things spliced directly to the hammock - as feeding through the fixed eye at the end of the strap won't work. An inexpensive set of properly-rated carabiners might be necessary - either for you to decide to purchase or to recommend to him to buy.

**Comet_Seeker** · 06-01-2016, 16:11

Daisy chains or cinch buckles are easiest. Both would require buying hardware though, and i know you're wanting to avoid that.

**Campdavid** · 06-01-2016, 16:38

You could make daisy chains if you have webbing and a sewing machine. Then you could pick up some inexpensive steel biners at a hardware store or even some heavy duty S hooks which would be very inexpensive.

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**Girlshangbetter** · 06-01-2016, 17:33

+1 on the daisy chains, that is what I have set up for my little sisters and it works great. But you would have to buy some materials

**Turk3** · 06-01-2016, 19:38

Buckles for kids...seems to be the easiest for my grandchildren and also for new users for hammocks too
Turk3

**kayak4water** · 06-01-2016, 20:15

We need to give ten year olds more credit--they are curious and fully capable of understanding a simple hitch. You can find plenty of youTube videos on how to tie a Marlin spike hitch (including my own 1 minute wordless clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWTOrkZTpeY shameless plug!

).

Here's Derek Hansen teaching the becket hitch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7LZTHcNXs8
seven minutes, but well worth it. That's even simpler than the MSH and you could even include a diagram. Like this:becket Hitch.jpg
and this:
Marlin spike.jpg

When I give away a hammock with a closed loop and strap, I include diagrams of the MSH and Becket, as well as the search terms to find the right youTube videos. Even if I show the new owner after they win the auction, I don't expect them to remember. Also, I include a disclaimer, about how a hammock isn't a trampoline and not to hang higher than a toilet seat (16-18").

After all, if you spent another $5, shipping NOT included, on a pair of cinch buckles, wouldn't you still feel like teaching a slippery half hitch as "insurance" against slipping?

If you have any doubt that the intended recipient will learn how to tie, you'll find another recipient, no problem. Who doesn't like a hammock?

**foxrun** · 06-02-2016, 07:40

Thanks everyone. Made a set of python straps for him last night. Came out real well. Hard to beat how easy they are to use and I have miles of webbing at home- so I didn't need to spend any extra $. Thanks again!