Hammock hanging - dangerous?

**splotnik** · 10-12-2012, 19:29

I recently bought a Brazilian style cotton-canvas hammock with the intent of hanging it from the ceiling indoors. I would be drilling into 2x4, and had planned to use an eye-hook screw with a locking carabiner.

However, I'm having second thoughts after going to pick up the hardware. An employee at home depot strongly suggested against hanging the hammock in this way because over time the screws would lose their grip. I'm no longer sure if it's worth the risk of smashing my spine or head off the concrete.

**Fish<><** · 10-12-2012, 19:41

There are plenty of methods of hanging a hammock indoors. A simple search is all you need to get yourself safely swinging indoors. Good luck.

**ibgary** · 10-12-2012, 19:46

This is how I hang my kayaks. You could follow the receip for your hammock. It the attic I anchored a 2x4 across 2 studs to share the load. I drilled a hole through the 2x4 and through the drywall below. I put a hook through the hole with a washer and 2 note behind it. Tightening the nuts against each other locks them and prevents back out...you could also use locktite or drill a hole and put a cotter pin through, but I did it the easy way. Repeat for other end of kayak / hammock. My.kayaks have been hanging like that for 3 yrs now. If you worried about hitting the floor, well sleep low my friend, sleep low.

**Bubba** · 10-12-2012, 20:43

How are the 2X4's used in the ceiling? Can you access the joists?

**SilvrSurfr** · 10-12-2012, 21:03

I've been hanging from 2 x 8 ceiling joists for almost a year. I haven't see any backout on the eye hooks. I had a rope hammock hanging from eye hooks on the porch for twenty years and they never backed out.

I think this guy was talking to you about super ultra safe - he probably thinks sleeping off the ground is a stupid, risky idea. If you're really that paranoid, then you can put a cross-brace between joists, then have an eye bolt with a nut so there's no chance it will back out in your lifetime. Sounds like overkill to me.

**nryche** · 10-12-2012, 22:24

we have had several hammocks hung this way without one problem.. Just make sure you are getting in the center of the stud. It should hold for years without a problem..