How to Build a Zip Line

How to Build a Zip Line How to Build a Zip Line A Zip line is an aerial run away that is often found at outdoor adventure camps and upscale resorts. There are different types of zip- lines that serve as entertainment sources like small-scale zip lines used as children play equipment and higher-scale zip lines with greater speeds, covering much longer distances.

Though there are several options for having your own zip line, like purchasing a kit, or hiring a zip line construction professional installer, building it yourself can be very exciting. Here are some useful instructions that will help you construct a simple zip line.

Instructions

Before you start giving shape to your zip line construction plan, you need to pick a suitable location for it. An area that is slightly downhill is the right place. This is an important aspect of the project because zip lines work on the principle of gravitational pull hence a sloping area is required so that the gravity carries you down the zip line.
After you locate the apt place for your zip line, get the area cleared of trees, branches and bushes which may cause obstacles for the smooth movement of your zip line. You can ensure that the surrounding area is properly cleaned by taking a nylon rope and stringing it across the area that your zip line will cover.
Now install the poles that you will use for attaching your zip lines. If you want you can also use trees as fixing ends of the zip lines. Make sure that these two poles/trees are strong enough to bear the required weights.
Connect your zip line to the poles. There is wide variety of options that you can try for attaching your zip line to the poles. If you want to create a temporary zip line, use a nylon cord for the zip line. All you need to do is to tie the nylon cord firmly around the two points.
However, if you want to go for a permanent structure, then you will have to observe more precautions and take necessary safety measures while installing the zip line. For this, you must go for a galvanized or stainless steel zip line. For the ends, drill a hole through the trees or the poles and use an eye bolt to fasten the cables to the two ends.
Now tighten the hold of your zip line to ensure it is firmly attached to the two ends. While adopting the nylon cord method, make sure when you attach the second end of the zip line, you pull the cord tight. For the steel cable method, tighten the cord after you attach it to the first turnbuckle and then pull it through the second turnbuckle.
Zip line is based on the working principle of pulley system. So, now attach the pulley and harness to the zip line. For zip lines covering longer distances and steeper areas harness attachment becomes very important. It makes your zip line arrangement lot safer.
Once your zip line is done, test its functioning before you get a person on it. This is important to ensure that it can actually work well with the required amount of weight on it. If the zip line works well after the test run, you can experience the real excitement by using it yourself.