|
|
How To Hang Your Good Life
Hammock
Hammock SizeYour new hammock may
measure shorter than the size listed when taken fresh from the
package. This is because, while in storage, the rope has relaxed and
thickened. It will stretch to its proper length after a short time
in use. You will probably have to get in and out of the hammock a
couple of times to make adjustments to the hanging hardware before
it conforms to your personal preference. A large hammock has a board
that is 5’ wide while a small hammock's board is only 4’.
LocationYour Good Life hammock
is versitile! Although traditionally swung between two big trees,
you can also hang it between posts set in the ground, on a porch or
on a hammock stand. (Available from us)
Safety FirstFor your safety and
comfort, please read and observe all the precautions listed within.
Use only hardware strong enough for the purpose, such as 3/8" steel
hooks and welded steel chain. (Available from us)
Hanging PointsIt’s easiest to
hang your hammock in a space at least a foot longer than the overall
length listed for the hammock. If you have less space, try hanging
the hammock higher than the height recommended below. The hardware
to hang your hammock should ordinarily be mounted five to six feet
off the ground. You may wish to hang it higher or lower depending on
the distance between your supports and on your personal preference.
Installing HooksMake certain the
wooden supports you are using are strong enough. We recommend trees
or posts be a minimum of 6" in diameter or 4" X 6" in size. Do not
use wood supports which are cracked, split or rotten or which are
too soft to properly hold the screw hooks. Drill a pilot hole where
you want your hooks. This pilot hole should be approximately 1/2 the
diameter of the screw of the hook. For example, if the hook is 3/8"
in diameter, then the pilot hole should be approximately 3/16".
Screw the hook into the pilot hole. Be sure to set the screw deep
enough that the eye is against the wood but do not overtighten the
screw or allow the hook assembly or eye screw to be twisted or bent.
Install screw hooks only on the side of the tree or post facing the
hammock. Your hammock should not pull sideways on the hook.
Installing the HammockUse one or
two lengths of chain and S-hooks as necessary to reach between the
hammock and the hooks. It is normal for your new hammock to stretch
considerably when it is first used. As it stretches out to its full
length, take up the slack in the chain. Do not wrap chain around the
hook. Do not allow chain to become twisted between the hook assembly
and the ring of the hammock. Either of these conditions may damage
or weaken the chain.
Using Posts to Hang Your
HammockSetting posts in the ground allows you to install
your hammock wherever you like, even if you don’t have trees. If you
only have one tree it is also possible to use a post for the other
side. It is recommended that the posts be 4" x 6" or 6" x 6" in size
and about 8’ long. These should be available from your local lumber
yard. For a large hammock you should dig the post holes at least 15’
apart and for a small hammock they should be at least 13’ apart. It
is always better that the supports be farther apart than to have
them too close together. Post holes should be dug about three feet
deep. Insert the posts and carefully back-fill the holes with
concrete. Remove air pockets. Wait at least 48 hours to allow the
concrete to set before hanging your hammock. Install the hooks on
the posts about 4 1/2 to 5 feet above the ground.
Safe Use of Your HammockFollow
installation directions carefully. Prior to each use, inspect your
chair, hardware, installation points and objects supporting your
hammock for wear or weakness. Proceed carefully and take your time
getting into and out of your hammock. Swing gently. The hammock is
not a playground swing and excessive swinging and other rough play
may result in falls and may wear out your hammock and hardware
prematurely. Small children should not play unsupervised in your
hammock. Maximum safe weight limit is 450 lbs.
Hammock CleaningThe synthetic
rope of your hammock is washable with warm water and a mild
detergent or soap. Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners or bleach.
Rinse well and dry it thoroughly before storage.
The Wood FinishYour hammock’s
spreader boards are solid white oak. Left alone they will weather to
a natural barn grey. If you prefer to keep the attractive look of
finished wood, we recommend you re-varnish it frequently (every six
months of outdoor use). We used a gloss marine spar varnish on it
originally so you may wish to continue with a similar product.
Caring for Your HammockUnder
normal use, your hammock will last for years. You can increase its
useful life by putting it away during seasons when it’s not in use
(always store it dry), hanging it where it will be shaded most of
the day, and protecting it from dogs, rodents and other animals
which might chew or nest in the rope. Do not underestimate the
ability of squirrels and chipmunks to get onto the hammock and chew
the rope. Also, do not underestimate the ability of mice to get into
the hammock during storage in a garage or barn and to make nests in
the hammock with the rope. Do not run over the hammock with lawn
mowers. Do not tie pet dogs within reach of the hammock.
Repairs or ReplacementAt Good
Life Products, we are committed to offering the highest quality
products at fair prices. We guarantee all of our products against
defects in workmanship and materials (not including damage due to
misuse or abuse) for 1 year from date of purchase. If a
manufacturing defect becomes evident within a year of purchase, we
will repair or replace your hammock at no charge (excluding shipping
costs). After one year we will repair your hammock (when possible)
for a small charge. The white oak spreader bars are guaranteed
against breakage for as long as the rope is in usable condition and
the wood has been revarnished every year according to directions.
Not varnishing the spreader bars each and every year invalidates
free replacement warranty on them. Many repairs are possible to be
done by you at home. Please do not send products back to us without
calling for approval and shipping directions first. We will give you
a full credit (excluding shipping costs) if the product is
unrepairable and is within the warranty period.
| |