Tandem spreader bar strength?

[jdy98p]

How strong does a spreader bar need to be for tandem hanging? I guess I’m asking if the forces are simply compression...so would an aluminum shaft work? Or perhaps a thin double layered metal curtain rod (think arrow shaft where the ends slide inside and meet in the middle of the 37” rod to double the thickness)?

I know I’ve seen a few examples here on HF with PVC failing if it’s not reinforced with a dowel.


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[Snaps]

I just ordered two 18" aluminum bars from Dutch this week. <$10, with tips to fit into the Beetle Buckles. 3' should be enough.


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[DannyRosa]

I just ordered two 18" aluminum bars from Dutch this week. <$10, with tips to fit into the Beetle Buckles. 3' should be enough.


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This ^ dutchs bars are at the right width and are plenty strong.

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[kitsapcowboy]

30" to 36" inches works well for your head-end spreader bar, depending on the size of the occupants and (possibly) their respective lay directions. I believe all of Dutch's current Double Dutch products are made for a 32" spreader bar.

[jdy98p]

This ^ dutchs bars are at the right width and are plenty strong.

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I'm good with the length and know that 30-36 inches it recommended most often. I was wondering more about what materials could be used and how thin. I've read posts where dowels, arrow shafts, and PVC pipes where used.

Are the forces mostly compressive in a single spreader set up?

[tangara]

I don't double hang very often, but I've used 3/4" pvc with Tees and it worked fine. When there is push along the bar, it also sways, so unless you are actively swinging against each other, the forces aren't that great.

[Snaps]

I believe all of Dutch's current Double Dutch products are made for a 32" spreader bar.

That was my understanding, too, but it wasn't obvious to me how to buy 32" of spreader from Dutch... so I ended up with 36". If I ever go the Double Dutch route, I'll have a whole lot of outlay that getting another pole won't be a show-stopper, though.

Are the forces mostly compressive in a single spreader set up?

If set up correctly, yes... with obvious stuff like suspension (straps) being of equal length and height.

Since it's only connected at two points, and those points spin freely, there's no torsion or bending forces. And if tension occurred, the bar would just fall to the ground...


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[James Fowler]

That was my understanding, too, but it wasn't obvious to me how to buy 32" of spreader from Dutch... so I ended up with 36". If I ever go the Double Dutch route, I'll have a whole lot of outlay that getting another pole won't be a show-stopper, though.

https://dutchwaregear.com/product/58...der-bar-poles/, set ya back $11.50

[DannyRosa]

That was my understanding, too, but it wasn't obvious to me how to buy 32" of spreader from Dutch... so I ended up with 36". If I ever go the Double Dutch route, I'll have a whole lot of outlay that getting another pole won't be a show-stopper, though.


If set up correctly, yes... with obvious stuff like suspension (straps) being of equal length and height.

Since it's only connected at two points, and those points spin freely, there's no torsion or bending forces. And if tension occurred, the bar would just fall to the ground...


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You can just cut your female pole too.

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[Snaps]

https://dutchwaregear.com/product/58...der-bar-poles/, set ya back $11.50

Ah... I bought 2x 18", .665 dia for $9 and change. I thought the lengths for each diameter were the same. Guess not.


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