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How to use “Distance Rings”
Distance Rings are elementary components of our GTS Treehouse Screw attachments.
They secure the position of our Accessories (Support / Bracket / Strut) on the shaft of our large Tree Screws (GTS Allstar, TOP, Friend).
What can happen without Distance Rings?
Without Distance Rings, the individual supports and thus the platform construction as a whole can slip and remain permanently stuck in an unwanted position.
For example, you have placed your platform perfectly in the centre of the shaft during assembly (without Distance Rings!), then a storm comes, the trees sway, and in the end your platform lies completely against the tree on one side, while it lies dangerously far out on the shaft of the GTS on the other side. That should not happen!
When do I need Distance Rings?
Case 1: Support slides completely outwards – too much leverage force
The shaft of the GTS tree screws is up to 21 cm long. If the support slips too far outwards, very large leverage forces occur and the tree screw is overloaded. In this case, the Distance Rings serve as limiting rings.
Case 2: Support slips all the way in – beam is too close to tree
The beam should have a distance of approx. 10 cm to the bark under normal load – this way the tree can grow undisturbed into the width and firmly wrap around the Tree Screw.
Case 3: Triangular construction
In triangular constructions, the upper “static support” is always completely fixed with Distance Rings. The lower bracket usually does not need Distance Rings as it wedges automatically under load.
The platform connects all supports:
It is important to understand that ultimately all Tree Screws are rigidly connected to each other via the platform. If the platform slides in one direction, all the supports will want to slide in the same direction.
We show you an example with two opposite Tree Screws & Dynamic Supports in a tree. It works the same way with 2 or more trees – everything moves together with the platform.
Without a Distance Rings, the (centrally positioned) supports can move freely on the shaft.
With only one set of Distance Rings, both supports are restricted in their movement. (the Rings are white here for simplicity)
Two Distance Ring Sets further limit the range of movement along the shaft. You can either mount the Rings on both screws or only on one screw. Mounted on the outside, it has the advantage that you can remove them more easily later.
The initial position of the supports also influences the subsequent range of movement.
How many “Distance Rings” do I need?
As you can see, not every screw needs the full number of Distance Rings if they are used skilfully.
It is best to draw a site plan (bird’s eye view) with your trees, bolts, supports and beams. The platform connects your beams and supports into a rigid unit. Think about how the platform could & should move and how the individual trees will swing.
