Installing Your Wizzfox Zip line pulley & cable
• What do I attach the zipline cable to?
• How do I tighten the zip wire?
• Is there any way of putting a safety stop at the end of the zipline cable?
• How do I attach a zipline tyre brake?
• How do I stop the zipline cable sliding down the end supports?
• Will the zipline cable damage a tree?
WHAT do I attach the zipline to?
Well established trees are the obvious choice for attaching your flying fox cable to. Otherwise a simple tripod could be built for either one or both ends of the zipline. We DO NOT recommend fixing your flying fox cable to a brick wall. Cement around bricks can be weakened over time. Walls may also need suitable bracing to prevent falling over. If you need assistance with installation of your Wizzfox flying fox we suggest contacting your local handyman.
How do I tighten the zip wire?
There are various ways to tighten the zilpine cable wire. Here are some ideas. We suggest these but we have heard of other inventive ways.
Method 1 - Using people
After securing one end of the zipline cable to one of your supports, form a temporary loop on the other end of the zipline cable using one of the u-bolt fasteners. This allows you to tie a rope to the zipline cable and with the help of a few friends you can hold wire tension while tightening the other 2 fasteners. (3 fasteners required each end of flying fox cable – total 6)
Method 2 – Mechanically Tighten Ziplines
If you can drill through one of the supports, you can use an “eye bolt” which can be purchased from a hardware shop. An eye bolt is simply a threaded rod with a loop on one end. You can put the rod through your support and use a nut and washer to wind onto the threaded end and create tension on the flying fox cable.
Method 3 – Use of Ratchet Straps & Rope
The use of ratchet straps with rope allows you to pull the zipline cable around your support from a temporary fixing point.
Is there any way of putting a safety stop at the end of the zip line cable?
We recommend the use of a tyre brake. The angle for the ziplining cable should be set so the flying fox can be enjoyed while not causing too much speed at the end of the zip line cable. A tyre brake system consists of a flexible motorcycle or car tyre placed at the end of the zipline cable
How do I attach a tyre brake to the zip line?
Old worn tyres are free! Your local tyre store will be only too happy to let you take them away. Motorcycle tyres are good because they have more “give”. Don’t choose tyres that are inflexible. You may want more than one tyre to create distance from the stopping support. Drill a hole through opposite sides of the tyre’s tread. Feed the zipline cable through both holes. Remember to put the cable through before you attach the zipline cable to the supports.
How do I stop the zipline cable sliding down the supports?
We suggest the use of a nail or screw under the zipline cable at the rear end of the support.
Will the zipline cable damage a tree?
Injury can occur to a tree if the bark is removed or damaged to the point that it affects the layer under the bark. Beware of any continual rubbing of the flying fox cable that could possibly work through the bark. One way to avoid this is by putting the zip line cable through some sturdy tube like a garden hose or pressure tube available from your Clark Rubber or your local hardware stores. Ringbarking occurs usually when the tree is “strangled” by a wire as the tree grows outwards. In short, damage is unlikely to occur with the Wizzfox Flying Fox but if you have any concerns we recommend you consult with your local arborist.