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Hammocks are very versatile and will give maximum enjoyment when hung safely and correctly. Whichever method you use to hang your hammock you should always test new fixings by easing your weight onto the hammock and checking that all is secure. If the hammock is new you should leave it hung but unopened and bounce on it a few times to even out the weave. It will probably drop in height somewhat until it finds it's equilibrium and hence the ropes will need adjusting to take up the slack.
Positioning - When positioning the hammock remember that it is very portable and it's worth trying to find a few different places where it can be used. Before hanging it is important to position it correctly in order to achieve a reasonable arc. If the hammock is hung too taught or too slack you will not realise it's full potential. The ideal positions for the hammock handles are approximately 11ft (3.3m) apart and 6ft (1.8m) high giving the hammock a nice loose curve. Rope should be attached to the hammock handles and the arc continued upto the fixing points. Remember that you don't need two fixing points exactly 11ft (3.3m) apart as you will be using rope on the handles to extend the arc. If you're hanging the hammock in a room where the walls are only 8ft (2.4m) apart you can simply offset the fixing points so that the hammock hangs diagonally across the room. It's also worth remembering that the fixing points do not have to be the same height - one could be 11ft (3.3m) high and the other 7ft (2.1m) high for example - just make sure that the handles themselves are at an equal height.
Hanging (Brickwork, concrete, stone, etc.) - The easiest way to support your hammock from brickwork, concrete or stone walls is to fix in a 16mm expansion bolt (not suitable for cement block type walls). The most commonly available bolt of this kind is the Rawlhook (M10H). To fix the bolt you will need a power drill (one with a hammer action), a 16mm masonry drill bit and a smaller 4-6mmm masonry bit. If you are drilling into brickwork you should first locate the center of a brick as this will be the strongest point (use a very small drill bit to investigate plastered walls). Once you've marked your fixing point drill a small pilot hole with the 4-6mm bit then enlarge it with the 16mm bit to accommodate the rawlhook. Ensure that the rawlhook is fully unexpanded, tap it into the hole and turn it until it is tight. Before using the hammock ease your weight onto the unopened weave a few times and recheck the bolt - it will probably need to be retughtened a few times before it is secure.
Check out our Wall Fixing Kits.
Hanging (Ceilings, plasterboard walls, wood beams, etc.) - Supporting your hammock from ceiling joists or any other kind of woodwork is a relatively simple affair. If the woodwork is fully exposed - as with a free floating beam - simply take the rope over the beam a few times and tie a standard knot. Alternatively you can use a screw eye (approx. 8mm) and fix this into the center of the timber (drill a small pilot hole first to avoid splitting the wood). With ceilings and other locations where the timber is covered by plaster you should first locate the edges of the timber using panel pins and then fix the eye in the center. Screw eyes can be used in place of welded eyes however they will not take as much strain.
Check out our Joist Fixing Kits.
Hanging (Gardens, etc.) - If you do find two ideally located trees where you can hang your hammock, just use rope around the trunk or branch and tie a standard knot. With a little imagination, even without trees, it is a simple affair to arrange fixing points. An eye can be attached to anything higher than 6ft (1.8m) and strong enough to take the weight. If you can't find anything suitable already in place then you can buy a couple of ordinairy 3x3inch (75x75mm) fence posts from most garden centers or DIY shops. These posts can be attached to existing low garden walls or simply set at an angle and guyed down using large marquee pegs. Completely free-standing posts which are sunk and concreted into the ground should be at least 4x4inch (100x100mm). You can make the supports permanent or easily dismantleable as required - all with relative ease.
We also have Guyed Post Rigs and Steel Hammock Frames which are specifically designed for our Mexican hammocks. These portable solutions are quick to assemble and can be easily moved to any location.
The Hammock Knot - It is important to remember not to just loop rope through the hammock handles. The hammock knot shown here is the ideal hanging method as it prevents nearly all frictional wear to the hammock handle. It is safe, strong and easy to tie and release. To release the knot you simply pull the loose rope ends and your hammock can be taken down for storage or relocation in a matter of seconds. We do have a quick release system using carbine clips for those reluctant to venture into the world of knotology.
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