'How To' Guides
So, You're Thinking of Purchasing a Zip Wire Kit?
Installing a zip wire kit in your garden is a brilliant way to turn your outdoor space into a source of fun and excitement for family and guests alike. But zip wires aren't just about attaching a cable between two trees and going for a ride — safety, tree health, and correct installation are vital.
This step-by-step guide is tailored for UK homeowners and will walk you through the entire process, from tree selection to accurate cable tensioning and safe braking using a spring brake system.
🧭 Step 1: Planning the Location
🏡 Choosing the Best Route in Your Garden
Look for the longest, clearest run available in your garden. A zip wire is more fun the longer it is — most kits range from 25m to 50m.
Ideal conditions:
A slight slope is preferable — not steep, just enough for gravity to do its job.
Avoid obstacles: low branches, fences, sheds, patios, ponds.
Ideally, end the ride in a clear landing zone, such as a grass area.
🌳 Step 2: Selecting Suitable Trees
Tree Size Guidelines
Use mature, healthy trees with:
Minimum trunk diameter of 30cm (12 inches)
Deep root systems — avoid young, shallow-rooted trees
No signs of disease, decay, or infestation
Avoid trees that heavily lean or sway in high winds
Good choices include oak, beech, ash, and sycamore. Avoid softwood species like pine unless using support brackets or extra reinforcement.
Tree Protection
Before attaching anything:
Wrap the tree with a rubber sleeve, old hose, or tree protector pad to prevent cable cutting into the bark
Use sling kits if your zip wire kit provides them, which reduce direct pressure and avoid drilling
📐 Step 3: Measuring the Zip Wire Path
You need to determine:
Total cable length
Starting height
Finishing height
Required tension and sag
Measuring for Slope
Use a string line, laser level, or builder's line to find the height difference between the launch and landing points.
Ideal drop:
Aim for a 3% to 6% slope — this means:
3m drop over 50m = 6% slope
1.5m drop over 30m = 5% slope
Minimum cable clearance at the lowest point with a rider should be no less than 2m off the ground.
🔧 Step 4: Mounting the Zip Wire Kit
Starting Tree (Launch Point)
Mount the cable 2.5m–3.5m high depending on the drop and garden layout.
Wrap the tree with protection sleeve or sling kit.
Use steel shackles or loop hardware from your zip wire kit to secure the cable to the sling.
Apply 3 or more cable clamps, spaced evenly, for strong grip.
Remember: “Never saddle a dead horse.”
The saddle of the clamp goes on the live (load-bearing) cable, not the cut end.
Finishing Tree (Landing Point)
This tree will take the tension load of the system.
Install a turnbuckle, ratchet system, or come-along winch on this end.
Use the same tree protection and loop techniques.
Allow about 1.5m–2.5m height, depending on how much drop you need and braking zone.
⚙️ Step 5: How to Tension the Zip Wire Cable Properly
Proper tensioning is one of the most important steps in the entire process. Done wrong, and your zip wire will either drag on the ground or snap under load.
Equipment You’ll Need:
Turnbuckle (standard in most kits)
OR come-along winch for greater mechanical advantage
Spanner or wrench set
Helper or support brace to hold the tension while you clamp
Method 1: Using a Turnbuckle Only (Basic Tensioning)
Hand-tighten the cable with someone pulling the line taut.
Begin turning the turnbuckle gradually to increase tension.
Stop when the sag in the middle is approx. 3–5% of the total length when unweighted.
Test tension with a 70–90kg person (or sandbag). The line should dip slightly, but rider must stay at least 2m off the ground.
Method 2: Using a Come-Along Winch (Recommended for 30m+ Runs)
Secure the cable to the starting tree first.
Wrap the loose end of the cable around the landing tree, passing it through the turnbuckle (still loosened).
Attach the come-along winch between the cable and the landing tree (before the turnbuckle).
Begin ratcheting the winch to tension the line well beyond hand tension.
Once the correct tension is achieved, tighten the turnbuckle to hold the tension.
Secure the clamps on the final tail of the cable and carefully release the winch tension.
🔎 Tip: Never rely on the winch alone to hold tension — always back it up with clamps or a fixed turnbuckle.
🛑 Step 6: Installing the Spring Brake System (Recommended)
A spring brake is a must for garden zip wires, especially for kits over 20 metres long.
How a Spring Brake Works:
A stainless steel spring is fitted over the cable near the end of the run.
The trolley hits the spring, which compresses and absorbs energy, bringing the rider to a safe stop.
A stop block on the cable keeps the spring in place.
Installation Steps:
Slide the spring brake onto the cable before mounting the trolley.
Position it around 2–3 metres from the end tree, depending on rider weight and speed.
Fit a stop block (included in most kits) at the far end of the spring to stop the trolley going any further.
Test it with a weighted bag first — ensure the spring absorbs the impact and resets.
✅ Advantages of a Spring Brake:
No ropes or bungees to stretch or fail over time
Cleaner and more reliable braking
Less maintenance than bungee systems
🧪 Step 7: Test Ride & Safety Checks
Before allowing anyone to ride:
Double-check every cable clamp, tension fitting, and brake position
Ensure the trolley rolls freely and grips the cable cleanly
Perform a test run with a weighted sack (70–90kg)
Walk the ride line — clear all branches or wires that could be dangerous
Have soft landing mats or bark at the dismount area
🔄 Ongoing Maintenance & Tree Health
Inspect clamps and turnbuckle tension monthly
Check tree bark for rubbing or damage; reposition the cable slightly if needed
Lubricate the trolley wheels if recommended
Inspect the spring brake every 3 months for rust, fatigue, or compression wear
✅ Final Thoughts
Installing a zip wire kit in your garden is one of the most exciting outdoor upgrades you can make — and when done properly, it’s safe, thrilling, and long-lasting.
Take the time to:
Choose the right trees
Protect them properly
Tension the cable with care
Use a spring brake system for reliable stopping
If you follow this step-by-step guide, you’ll end up with a well-installed, secure zip wire kit that delivers fun and peace of mind.
IMPORTANT NOTES
A harness should be worn at all times if the risk of falling could cause harm.
A weight bag must be sent down the line multiple times before human use.