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Hanging a Hammock on a Concrete or Masonry Wall
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Dear NH,
Today a customer in the hardware store where I work asked me what to do to
hang a hammock (which he said should be able to hold 200 lbs.) from a stone and
mortar wall in a basement. I was unsure as to the best method to use, and
hesitant to make a suggestion, since the wrong one could cause someone on the
hammock to fall. I'd appreciate your suggestions on the matter, because I want
to be able to help customers with their projects.
RE
RE,
Normally, any plastic or lead anchor will work well in masonry. However, a
hammock's load is partially vertical and partially horizontal, so there is a
greater risk of the anchor pulling out.
With a sturdy stone-and-cement wall, it is usually easier to install the bolt between the
stones in the mortar, as many stones defy easy drilling! So given these two
problems, the best solution would be to use 1/4" or 3/8" eyebolts.
They would have to be set into the mortar at least a two inches. The hole would
have to be large enough to allow a nut installed on the end of the bolt to fit
easily into the hole. This nut will keep the bolt from pulling out.
A fast setting anchoring mortar would be used to set the eyebolt in the hole.
This should hold the hammock in place safely provided that the wall is sound and
the rest of the mortar is solid and not crumbling.
If confidence in the integrity of the wall is low, though, it might be better
to suggest the customer purchase a hammock frame!
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