Having a hammock is one of the most relaxing feelings of all. Not only laying down on it but looking at it fills your mind with joy and bliss.
Although a hammock is a sturdy piece of equipment, the wear and tear from time need to be taken care of. Especially the strings that hold them in place.
It can be the hanging strap strings or the strings that run down the width of the hammock. It might seem a little bit intimidating at first, but we are going to take you through the simple steps of how to restring a hammock. You will not only have a restringed hammock in the end but filled with the immense satisfaction of accomplishment.
How to Restring a Hammock, Two Ways
There are a lot of hammocks out there. Some just have U-shaped ends and some are semi-flat. They have common wide-length strings. The flat hammock has a number of strings attached to it with the strap to keep it flat. We are going to go through both processes.
Restringing a Hammock with a Single String
This is the easy part of restringing a hammock. Most hammocks just require this wide-length string and this is also attached to the strap that hangs with the anchor.
With time and use, the string wears off, and you need to change it. The easiest way to do it is to get good hammock strings. You can also go for other strings of your choice. But instead of cotton strings, it is better to go for nylon strings as it is much more sturdy and rugged.
The things you will need is
- A lighter.
- Some tape.
- A knife or scissors.
Some people take the old string out of the hammock before inserting the new one. It is good in case it is torn or damaged. If it is just worn off, you shouldn’t take it out because it will help us with restringing.
Check the length of the string that is attached to the hammock prior. And measure it with a measuring tape or ruler. Mark it with a marker. Do not cut it off as you might need some more.
Now, lay the hammock flat on a surface. Take one end of the string out of the width of the hammock and attach it to the new string. Secure it with tape.
Some might think a knot would suffice. But the gap isn’t ideal for a knot to go through always. Better use a tape. As it is not a permanent solution, we are just using the old string to pull in the new one.
Now gently pull the old string from the other end of the hammock. And when it is gone through, you can take off the tape.
And you have yourself a restringed hammock. Make sure you burn the ends of the strings or they will wind off in time. Cut and tie the knot with the hanging strap as long as you need.
Restringing a Hammock with Multiple Strings or Spreader Bar
If you have a multiple-stringed hammock, you will need to go through this process. You will need a few things for this one too.
The things you will need are
- 150 ft. of good-quality nylon strings.
- A lighter or flame torch.
- A knife or scissors.
- Measuring tape.
Step 1. Now you have to count the holes you have on your hammock. Sometimes they also have additional holes underneath the hammock for a secure hold. So count the ones that are on the top.
Step 2. After you have counted the holes, measure out the length of the strings you need. Always keep the strings twice as long as it is needed as there are loops and knots to be made in the end.
Step 3. Cut the strings of your preferred length and burn the ends to seal them properly. We don’t want any fuzzy business on the ends. This will leave you with a weak string and will be damaged quickly. So sealing is important.
Step 4. Now, as you have your strings ready, take the ring of the hammock that the strings will be dispersed from. And tie a cow hitch. It is simple, just put the sting ends together and loop them around the ring and run both ends of the string from the middle of the string. Do the same thing with all of the strings.
Step 5. After they are done, it is the securing part. You have to run the open ends of the strings from the hammock openings. It is better if you can put the ring in a safe place that leaves the strings hanging. And secure them from underneath the hammock with a clew knot. If you are not familiar with the knot, a YouTube video will be helpful.
Do the same thing on both sides of the hammock. Take your time and don’t rush it.
In the end, you will have it complete and you can hang your hammock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix a hammock?
Yes, you can. If the body of the hammock is intact, you can fix the straps and replace or restring the hammock. It will be good as new as the hammock material is durable.
How do you restring a hammock with a spreader bar?
Restringing a hammock with a spreader bar requires time and precision. You have to gather all the strings and keep them twice as long as it actually is. Secure all the strings from the ring with a cow hitch and then go on with tying them on the spreader bar.
How do you string a canvas hammock?
Stinging a canvas hammock is the same as stringing a hammock with a spreading bar. You have to cut the strings according to size and then attach them individually with different knots and hitches. Do not rush it or your hammock will hang funny. Take your time and attach each string individually.
Conclusion
Restringing a hammock is a work of art. It takes time and a little effort, but the end results are mind-blowing. Remember to use the proper quality material to ensure the best results. As a hammock bears a lot of weight and weather, you should not skip on the quality at any cost. In addition, you will learn a few new knots and loops. Which is cool to learn and amaze people. Also comes in handy while you are doing outdoor camping.
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