Is PVC pipe strong enough to make a swingset?
Question:I can purchase chain swings, ring swings, etc., separately. I just can't seem to find a new swing set in my budget, and wondered about putting something together with PVC pipe. I assume I'd have to anchor it in the ground as with a metal pipe swingset. My child is 3 1/2 and probably weighs about 40 lbs.
Answers:
Definitely not. PVC pipe is meant to transport various liquids not support the stresses of external force. Even the industrial application "black pipe" variety is only meant to deal with evenly expanding pressures from the inside/out. In other words if all of the pressure, such as the pressure where the eye bolts will be installed to hang the swing chains from, is directed to a specific area of pipe, the the pipe will shatter.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I don't want to see your child get injured by accident.
if you use the bigger pvc and put it together properly with enough pvc cement it should be fine
I wouldnt trust it and I wouldnt be willing to wager the health of my child on it either. I doubt much that it would support the weight, but its not just that. You have to consider joining the chain from the seat to the pipe. That connection is your "weakest link."
If you cant afford one, isnt there a park close by?
no PVC can support some weight in short lengths...like schedule 40 (thick walled) can be used to make chairs or a small table..but at long distances it loses the ability to support weight. basically if you make it out of PVC or CPVC it will bend and break.
No! Pvc is too weak for that and gets brittle in the sun too long. Wood or metal and fiberglass are the only suitable materials.
You might be able to. A couple of other girls in my class and I made a catapult out of PVC pipe, and it held up okay. We put a lot of weight on it to pull it better, and it was sturdy. Now, I know wood is expensive, but it might make a good investment if you want to keep this swingset for a long time. PVC pipe isn't going to hold your little girl for the next couple of years. Wood would definitely be a great investment. And you could paint it too, because that helps with preventing the wood from rotting. Good luck!
Pvc is not strong enough to last unless you get like 5 inch tubes then maybee but i think that would not work for the most part no.
Even if you cement it well it will break above the joints.
I would advide against it as the other pros mentioned PVC can get brittle and crack. It's is not ment for structural support. Especially a swing set.
not a good idea,look in the ads 4 firewood 4 sale.call & ask if they have any 10 foot x 3-6 inch diameter poles,you will need 7. drill,bolt 2gether & if your concerned about tipping connect the legs to a t. wood is safer than plastic or metal. good luck!
You can find some pretty good 2 inch, 2 &1/2 inch and 3 inch galvanized pipe and fittings to make one but you need someone who is familiar with plumbing and has the tools and a good set of pipe wrenches.
Good Luck ! ! !
i would not try it
you would need tiple strength schedule 40
better off gettign 4 pcs 2 x 4 pressure treated and a 4 x 4 for the beams
cost about the same
and Safer for the kids
Noral
Standard pvc for home use is probably not rigid enough to work. You can buy thick walled pvc...schedule 80, which will be much more rigid. However it will cost more, and you may have to look around for it.
Have you considered using pressure treated lumber? If you put a good coat of polyurethane over the pressure treated wood, it will hold up pretty well, and it's easier to use. Of course you will want to use brass or stainless bolts to hold it togther.
NoNoNo dont use PVC for that it will brake in the cold and hot
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