How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

[jayhanig]

I've got a hammock stand very much like the one in the photo sitting on the back porch. Unfortunately, the stand has a bad tendency to want to tip over if I concentrate my weight over any particular area, as in when mounting or dismounting the hammock. The tubing in the frame measures 2" outside diameter and I've thought about possibly using pipe strapping screwed directly into my wooden deck to secure the legs.



Of course, that makes the installation somewhat permanent. There is also the salt air consideration, although the straps are galvanized. I live on an island and any galvanized metal will rust given enough time.

This was my solution. Does anybody have any other ideas?

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

You could use PVC pipe 2 hole straps. No galvanized there...and pretty inexpensive. Just use SS screws.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

Couple of dog chain holders for the lawn.
Amazon.com: 18" Dog Canopy Tie Down Cork Screw In Ground Chrome Stake Post: Pet Supplies

For the deck, maybe a couple nylon loops screwed into the joists coming through the gap in the deck boards. One on opposite corners so that you could just rotate it out of them if you wanted to move it off the deck,.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

During the summer, I have two hammocks up all the time, but they are tied to fir trees that are over 100 feet tall, so no chance of tipping over! If you are afraid of your brackets rusting, then dip them in tool handle coat, it is a product that is sold at many hardware stores, for insulating tool handles, it is liquid rubber/PVC that coats the handles and prevents rust and shocks, and improves your grip on the tools.

Performix Brand Plasti Dip-11603-6 at The Home Depot

It comes in black as well

 

[foodfisher]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

Keep the center of gravity in the safe zone?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

Keep the center of gravity in the safe zone?

Less time in the hammock until moving doesn't tip it over? eep:

 

[bigdee]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

Is it possible to get rid of the stand and just use eye bolts screwed into the walls? To me this would be a better approach b/c when your not using the hammock you could unhook one end and roll it up out of the way.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

It would have been my preferred method as well but the porch construction is just 2 X 4 studs spaced out enough to support screens but little more. The top is a pergola which lets the sun through. Nothing was constructed with the thought of hanging a hammock. Now underneath that porch, yes. Big 12 X 12 pilings sunk may feet into the ground. But if I put the hammock under there, no direct sunlight. That defeats the purpose of having a hammock out back... laying in the sun listening to the ocean, sans mosquitoes, no-see-ums or barn flies.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

Less time in the hammock until moving doesn't tip it over? eep:

I've looked, but the Farmer's Almanac doesn't seem to list the day Hell freezes over. Sheesh... everyone's a comedian. :lol:

 

[greenbush future]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

I have the same unit I think. My tube system is extremely heavy duty. Each pipe weighs a ton, when they are all connected it's a two person lift, and it doesn't get tippy at all. Is your frame this heavy too?

May want to lower the center of gravity(chains), but then they are tough to get out of, w/o rolling out on your knee's, then getting up.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

Mine's real high in the air because the hammock is still brand new and not stretched out yet. If I don't keep the hammock high, I bottom out. I just need to lay in it for a while so it stretches... the too high problem will resolve itself.

As for tipping, I've bought both PVC metal conduit straps and will try the PVC ones first. If they hold up, then I'm done. If they don't, then I'll use the plasti spray on the metal ones and see how that holds up.

FWIW, they don't keep the straps in the plumbing department with the pipes at Lowes; it's in the electrical department with the conduit.

Thanks to everyone who did me the service of offering their ideas. It is appreciated.

 

[Splat]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

Can you extend the cross braces?

 

[jayhanig]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

Can you extend the cross braces?

I probably could but I'm already putting my toes at risk the way it is. I don't want a larger footprint than what the hammock already occupies. There's nothing like stubbing a toe at full speed ahead.

 

[Splat]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

Brother i hear ya. That's like using your shins to find furniture in the dark. Outch.

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

Drill holes thru the legs/floor supports, then use SS lags?

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

During the summer, I have two hammocks up all the time, but they are tied to fir trees that are over 100 feet tall, so no chance of tipping over!

I bet my first wife would make you question that statement....


Jay, what about a set of outriggers, like training wheels attached to the vertical supports? you could even put wheels on them?

 

[Lurch77]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

I see you have a potential solution. But another idea is using a few sandbags. Those would keep it non-permanently mounted. Not the best looking, though. I hate the idea of adding holes to a patio or deck for something that isn't permanent. Another idea is to move it off the porch into a shaded area in the lawn. Put posts into the ground and hang the hammock. I did this for my hammock with treated 4x4 posts.

 

[LongLine]

Re: How to keep a hammock stand from tipping over

Take the caps off the horizontals. Get 4 pieces of a little smaller diameter pipe & put in each open end when you're going to use it. Maybe 18" long or so. Push them in when you're not going to use it/extend them when you are going to use it.

Tom B.
(LongLine)