How to Make a Tire Swing in 10 Easy Steps

Learn how to make a tire swing and create outdoor fun for you and the kids.

Hey guys! I am Bianca, an avid DIYer and I blog over at Bianca Octavia.  I am excited to officially be apart of ToolBox Divas Team as a Contributing Diva. Each month, I will be sharing some of my favorite DIY home and party decor projects and first on the list is an outdoor project that is perfect these Summer months.  Let’s make a swing using an old tire.  

When I was younger, my mom & my brother built a wooden swing for me and I can remember spending countless hours on it until I would get dizzy. Now that I have a yard of my own, I decided to keep the tradition going so my nieces and nephew will have something to play on when they come to visit.

Tire swings are super easy to make and can be fun for all ages. I can attest to the age part because I literally just sat on mine for an hour while scrolling through my Pinterest feed!  

Here’s what you’ll need:

• u-bolts (3)    
• steel chain
• old tire
• carabiner
• spring clip

TOOLS

• 1/2″ drill bit
• drill

OK, LET’S GET DIRTY!

Step 1.

Gather your materials and find an old tire to use. It should be clean and in good enough condition to ensure it will be able to handle whatever weight is put on it. If you plan to paint your tire at all, do so before assembling the swing. 

• You can choose whatever size tire you would like, but keep in mind that a very large tire could possibly weigh too much for a standard tree branch.

Step 2.

Choose which side of the tire is the least attractive and drill evenly spaced drainage holes along it’s sidewall. This will be the bottom of your swing and the holes will help to easily drain any collecting rain water. 

Step 3.

Flip the tire over to the top side to position and drill a set of holes for the u-bolts.    

Step 4.

Repeat 1/3 of the way around the tire, then once more another 1/3 of the way around the tire.

Step 5.

After you have accurately measured each U-bolt placement, begin attaching the chain by taking one side of the U-bolt out and sliding on the very last link of the chain. 

Step 6.

Repeat with the other 2 u-bolt sets. On the inside of the tire, place the plate that came with the u-bolt onto the u-bolt ends that are sticking through the tire. Secure the plates by screwing on the hex nuts.

Step 7.

Find a sturdy tree branch that is ideally 8-12 feet off of the ground and hang a chain over it. Secure the chain onto the branch by fastening one end to another link within the chain using a carabiner. You should have extra chain length hanging below for adding additional attachments. 

• Make sure the point of attachment for your swing is at least a few feet away from the trunk. This will help with avoiding any obstructions while swinging.

Step 8.

At the very end of the hanging chain, attach a spring snap.

Step 9.

Once your hanging chain unit is fully put together, attach the three chains from the tire by sliding them onto the spring clip.

• Each chain should be cut and or adjusted according to the height of your tree branch.

Step 10.

If you’d like to add a comfy cushion, simply wedge a large pillow into the middle of the tire. 

• If your cushion requires extra security, place a piece of plywood across the bottom of the swing and attach it by drilling 2 screws into the tire through each side of the plywood. 

Now enjoy your tire swing and make summer memories with your family that will last a lifetime. 

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