Swing Fixing Method
It is not an uncommon method, to anchor a swing using 4 plain metal
stakes, hammered into the ground through holes in the swings metal feet.
This is very unsatisfactory. Even when inserted into the ground at the
correct angle, the stakes soon pull out of the earth.
Concreting the frame in place does not allow easy removal at a future
date and is therefore not advisable. Use of "Metpost" fence
post holders is a much better solution.
The swing uses four 50mm "Metpost" steel fence-post supports
and associated screws to hold it in position.
First the swing frame is assembled, then, using the frame itself as
a guide, the Metpost supports are hammered into the ground. Each Metpost
support is positioned against a leg of the swing and travels along the
leg as it is hammered into the ground. Remember, that to get the right
spacing, two of the supports must be positioned inboard, while the two
at the other end of the swing are positioned outboard.
Once all four Metpost supports are in the ground, the legs are removed
from the swing. These legs are then inserted into the supports, each
standing at an alarming angle, in isolation, as if having just sprouted
from the ground. To the legs, the top of the swing is fitted.
Small holes are drilled
in the legs, corresponding to the holes in the metposts, so that self-tapping
screws can be used to secure the assembly. Once the Metposts and legs
are screwed together, the swing is then rigid and ready for action.
Although the legs were initially very slightly too large to go into
the supports, a small amount of judicious flattening, on four sides
of the base of each leg, ensured that a snug fit was eventually achieved.
The system works well and even an adult can swing to exciting altitudes
with confidence!
