Hangin swinging chair help

[thatguy]

I am hanging a swinging chair on my porch off a 2x8 rafter.

After reading up i bought some SPAX construction screws 5/16 x 3" to install a 'hanger' ( Amazon.com: High End MARATHON Swing Hanger of stainless steel AISI 34 - Heavy duty hanger with Ball Bearing Technology up to 6 min continuous moving, New model 216 with improved runnability by die-schaukel de: Toys & Games ) that do not need to be predrilled- BUT as I was screwing these into the wood the beam started splitting. I stopped and opted for a #3000 lb nylon strap over it instead of using the hanger. BUT i am going mount another hanger on the other side of the house so i can move the swing as needed.

The instructions called for a .276 diameter screw (between 1/4 and 5/16) x 4" long - which i cant seem to locate locally (i only needed 4 total)

Would a 1/4" x 3" similar structural/construction screws (2 per hanger) work to hold less than 300#?

Im having trouble figuring out which structural/construction screws are rated for hanging stuff ?

any help would be appreciated..

 

[RNeumann]

With the movement/shrinkage of wood screws aren’t typically designed for weighted vertical tension.

With that, My first choice would be something into the side or top of the structural member. If that wasn’t possible I’d pre-drill to 75% of the fastener size, make sure the hole was clean and screw in the fastener with a polyurethane (something like Gorilla Glue that is water reactive) glue. I think that’s your best bet for a lasting hold.

To directly answer your question- I’ve never seen a fastener rated for pulling strength in an outdoor setting in old lumber- simply too many variables.

 

[/pine]

FWIW...There are millions of hanging porch swings where the chains are attached over appropriately sized lag hooks...except in the case of very wide rafters, joists etc... it is important to drill correctly sized pilot holes...

 

[Industrial Toys]

If the lag style hook had sufficient length, good diameter, and after predrilling (requiring a tool to turn) , still went in, nice and tight, I would have no issue with trusting that. I often use a test piece for stuff like that. Once the hole is too big, your screwed!

 

[thatguy]

Thanks

 

[deere36]

Sounds like you are figuring out how to mount it, we have two & the local hardware store owner strongly recommended we put springs at the top of chain which I was skeptical but he is right it absorbs a lot of shock not to mention makes the swings feel like they have a shock absorber.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

My porch swing has lag bolts, and springs on the chains.

 

[Diggin It]

I would loop chain OVER the rafter and use a proper sized quick link chain coupler. Every penetration in or through a board weakens it and provides a starting point for rot.

 

[LouNY]

If you can access the top I'd be tempted to bore a hole thru and use a machine threaded hook or eye bolt with fender washers or plates on the top.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I hung my swing with a couple of J bolts, each about 6" or so long . I put a couple of large washers on the end, along with a nut and lock washer, and sandwiched them against the beam, with a section of 2X4 about 8" long, of course with the "J" portion down. I drilled each end of the 2X4 and through the beam and secured them with a couple of stove bolts. Works great.

 

[thatguy]

here is a link to the structural screws i was talking about for anyone interested.. I was trying to use the 'bracket' listed in the first post for hanging the swing.. The mfg recommented .276 structural screws for mounting it.

Structural Screws vs. Lag Bolts Screws — The Family Handyman This is a good magazine for a DIY type person..

I have used similar screws to mount TVs to the wall etc and they install very easily with no pre-drilling required.. NO issues with them so far in these applications..


here is also the "ratings" chart for these screws - id love the opinions/thoughts in general for usage..

Brian

 

[thatguy]

OK. seeing if this will show up

 

[thatguy]

Sounds like you are figuring out how to mount it, we have two & the local hardware store owner strongly recommended we put springs at the top of chain which I was skeptical but he is right it absorbs a lot of shock not to mention makes the swings feel like they have a shock absorber.

ill look into the springs.. seems like a good idea..

brian

 

[Mace Canute]

FWIW... 0.276" is 7 mm.

 

[Wakey]

My swing can fit as many as 3 people so I went into the attic above and screwed some 2x10's spanning across the 2x4 rafters. I measured and purchased long threaded eye bolts with nuts and washers. Not only did this give me a more sound mount, it allowed me to center the swing on the porch perfectly.

I also have springs, they are helpful for people that like to plop when they sit :laughing:

 

[thatguy]

The springs are the bomb!!! they really add a LOT to the comfort of the swing..

thanks for the suggestion

b