Build a Zip Line Out of Reused or Recyled Materials.

Hi There! In this instructable, I will teach you how to make a zip line out of recycled materials. What is a zip-line? it's basically a rope between two trees with a seat that travels between them.

DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURIES OR DAMAGES OCCURRED DURING THIS PROJECT. That means try to be safe on the ladder, and try to be safe riding on the trolley.

OK let's get started!

MATERIALS:
Two trees
Rope long enough to stretch the length between the two trees you chosen
A plank for a seat (or an old swing set seat)
More rope for making a seat
A pulley
Ladder
Winch or truck to pull the rope tight.
Nails

All of the materials I use in this project are reused/recycled, except the winch. It is recommended that you use recycled materials, too, but you don't have to.

Step 1: Findin' Some Trees.

"This should be easy. Findin' trees isn't that hard, is it?" Well, it depends. if you have a big piece of property out in the country, it should be easy. But if you live in the city, your outta luck. An ideal spot for the trolley is between two trees that have nothing in between them. if anything is in the way, your trolley will run into it. Try to avoid that. Also, you will want lots of space between the trees. If they are too short, it will be a boring ride.

Step 2: Loop

Make sure your rope has a loop on it. If it doesn't, just grab the rope so there is a loop shape. now wrap the loop behind the rope and pull it through the circle it makes. It's easy to explain it in pictures, so look at the pictures below for a better explanation.

(I found the rope on the beach. Free is always better)

Step 3: Getting the Rope in the Tree

throw the loop over the a tall tree limb. Using the ladder here will help. then stick one end of the rope through the loop and pull until the rope is tight around the limb.

Step 4: Tightening the Rope

Before you do this you need to put the pulley on. (I found the pulley in a free pile. Score!) Then wrap the other end of the rope around the second tree. The tree doesn't have to be horizontal like mine. Then use the winch to tighten the rope. If you don't have a winch attach the rope to a truck and pull it tight with that. BE CAREFUL! the rope will be really tight and if it snaps it can be lethal. Just ask the Mythbusters. So please be careful.

Step 5: Nail It!

Go to the back of the tree where the rope is touching the tree. Then nail in lots of nails into the rope. The more you use the less likely it is to break so be generous. I used cable staples as well as nails but that is optional. When you are done release pressure on the winch and the rope should stay tight. if not try again and put more nails in.

Step 6: Making the Seat

Cut the plank so that it resembles a seat. Then find a piece of rope that is about 5 ft long that has a loop on each end. If it doesn't have loops than go back to step 2 to make some. then put the loops so that they are on the ends of the seat and nail em there. Finally make a small loop in the center of the rope. Hook the loop onto the pulley. Then tie a rope that is as long is the highest part of the zip line is to the seat. (this is so you can pull the seat back up to the top) Then you are done!

Step 7: Ride It!

weeeeee!

I hope you have fun. Mine is short because i didn't tighten it enough. Don't make the same mistake. Thanks for reading my instructable. Please don't forget to vote! if i get a laser cutter i promise some cool instructables! Thanks to my dad, my grandpa, and Micah.