Anchoring a Hammock

COPYRIGHT 1999 G.G. ALONZY

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 great risk of the anchor pulling out.

With a stone wall, it is usually easier to install the bolt between the stones in the mortar... some 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!
NH

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