An image of a clear plastic tubing used for a water leveling. This tubing would be used to ensure that a treehouse platform is level by checking the water level in the tubing.
Water Level Tube
Water Level Tube

Sold in increments of 10 linear feet

Accurately install multiple treehouse bolts without expensive equipment.   This PVC tubing is used to level your treehouse bolts in one or numerous trees.  Purchase the length you need by units of 10 foot.  Clear Plastic PVC - Nontoxic.
Regular price $24.99
/
Length

  • What are TABs? Which parts does it include? How’s the installation process?

TABs are an adaptation of timber bolts with built-in sheer collars. Since the late 1990s, the ideas have been applied to treehouse construction.


Our TABs, in their current form, are the best-performing treehouse bolts in the industry based on side-by-side testing.


Our TABs are the strongest TAB on the market.


For an introduction to the parts of the TABs, see our TABs 101 video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRDiUgL8S3s&themeRefresh=1 


  • Which TAB size do I need?

The best TAB size is a factor of the design loading on the tree attachment point, the species of tree you are building in, and the safety factor for your design.

  • Design loading is something that engineers figure out to determine how strong to design a structure – it is based on building codes, whether commercial or residential and geography (zones for high wind or snow).
  • Tree species can vary in North America by approximately a 5:1 ratio, with the hardest trees, like live oak or some of the hickories outperforming ponderosa pine or eastern white pine by 4x to 5x. In most cases, our TABs do not fail, but the wood of the tree can crush beneath the TAB, causing it to tilt down when overloaded. A larger TAB will support more before the wood crushes.
  • Safety Factor: If you think the max load at a given point will be 3000 pounds, then you may decide to get a TAB that will support 6000 or 9000, and that would give you a 2:1 or 3:1 safety factor, respectively.

If you prefer to have “extra support” so that you cover your anticipated loads with a safety factor, then upgrade the hardware to play it safe. 

  • We have various options for consultations to review your intended plans, evaluate your tree species, and make hardware recommendations. You’ll get advice on hardware and learn more about construction. We have decades of experience with over 1000 treehouses.  
  • If cost is no object, larger TABs are better. Our affiliated construction company, Tree Top Builders (www.treetopbuilders.net), seldom uses 1” collars for construction, except in rare situations. The 3x9 and 6x12 TABs are their standard.

  • How much do TABs hold?

The smallest TABs with 1” collars, such as our 1x6 or 1x9 TABs, have been tested at 2,000 – 12,000 pounds each, based on the type of tree.


Some of our systems built with larger TABs hold over 30,000 lbs. However, there are some disclaimers:

  1. Do not make the mistake of assuming that all TABs in a treehouse are supporting an equal amount of load. 
  2. Do not forget to account for dead load, live load, and other loads such as snow, wind, etc.
  3. Do not assume that a TAB from another company will support our exact amounts. Our TABs in side-by-side testing supported 60% more than some of our competition, producing look-alike products by taking shortcuts in the manufacturing process to save a few bucks.

  • My treehouse has grown, and it needs new tabs. What can I do?

If possible, we prefer to work with the existing hardware because it’s better for the tree and usually saves you money and time too!


We make extension brackets that can get you more years of use from the same TAB. 

These solutions are custom. So if you have any doubts, please feel free to contact us here!

https://www.treehousesupplies.com/pages/contact


  • What is the smallest size tree I can attach tabs to?

The smallest size tree you can attach tabs to would depend on the tab used and the tree itself. 


However, typically, the smallest tree we have seen being used is a 10" tree.


  • Why do we need two static and two dynamic arrestors when using TABs? Why not only dynamic arrestors?

We understand you might be wondering about using static and dynamic arrestors when using TABs.


While we don't currently have plans for two static and two floating arrestors, we can provide some general information.


In most cases, when there are multiple trees, one is static, and the rest are floating. If there are any posts, all tree connections are floating (dynamic).


  • Can TABs be removed once installed?

TABs and other treehouse bolts can be removed, but there is a potential risk of causing additional damage to the tree during the process.


The level of risk is relatively low if the bolts were recently installed. However, if the tree has grown around the TAB collars, removing the bolts may require some tree tissue removal, increasing the risk.


Considering the potential for damage upon removal and the extra damage caused by reinstalling the bolts in a different location on the tree, we generally explore alternative options before attempting to reuse the bolts.


These alternatives could involve modifying the brackets, using different lumber sizes, adding spacers, or making other small design changes depending on the specific situation. If possible, it's always best to use the bolt in its original location.


When it comes to removing the bolt, you may be able to turn it out backwards using the same wrench you used to install it. However, with TABs, it is usually not possible to back them out using the nut on the end, so you will likely need a large pipe wrench and turn it out by the perch/shaft. To protect the powder coating and minimize stress on the metal, we recommend wrapping the tab in thick rubber inside the jaws of the pipe wrench. You may also need to use a pipe on the back of the pipe wrench handle to gain enough leverage for removing a TAB.


If removed properly, our TABs can be reused to support a treehouse. However, be cautious not to install the bolt too close to the original hole, as this may cause the two wounds in the tree to join together. While the recommended distance may vary, a conservative rule of thumb is to have 24 inches of vertical separation and 6 inches of horizontal separation.

  • Free US Shipping on Orders over $299

Compatible with

Wondering how this works to level your bolts, Click here for a video on the concept.
Clear Phthalate Free PVC compound formulated with ingredients in compliance with applicable FDA and RoHS requirements.
FDA compliant Phthalate Free PVC Compund

Temp range 25 degrees to 150 degrees
ID - 3/8
OD - 1/2"
1/16" wall thickness
45 PSI


Free Shipping On All TreeHouse Supplies orders over $299.99*

Order total excluding shipping must be over $299.99. *Free Shipping applies only to the contiguous United States of America and is sent by Fed Ex Ground. Shipping time for Fed Ex Ground is typically 5 business days or less once your order is processed, packed, and picked up by Fed Ex. Orders from the USA West Coast are generally 4-5 business days, while East Coast orders are typically 1-3 business days, depending on the distance from our warehouse to your shipping address. If you need the item sooner than a week, please upgrade the shipping method or call us to discuss options and estimates.

Pickups in Exton, PA, are also available by appointment (for most items in our store).

*Zipline cable orders over 150 lbs, live edge siding, and some other oversized items are excluded from free shipping. These items generally must be picked up or sent by freight carrier. Please contact us for details, verification, or shipping estimates.

 

We Ship Worldwide!
International orders, Duties and Taxes:


International orders may be subject to Duties and Taxes by the receiving country. These Duties and Taxes are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Since the amount varies depending on the country, TreeHouse Supplies, Inc. is not able to estimate the amount prior to shipping the order. If you have questions about Duties and Taxes, you should contact the appropriate government office in your receiving country and determine the amount you will be required to pay. If you refuse to pay the duties and taxes, the shipping company will deny delivery of your order and return it to TreeHouse Supplies, Inc. If this happens we will deduct the cost of the return shipment from your refund amount. If we receive a bill for duties and taxes unpaid by you the customer, we will invoice you for those fees and you are obligated to pay.

We will not ship to freight forwarding companies. We use Fedex to deliver all of our worldwide shipments.

 

Window Shipping:

FedEx charges by DIM weight not actual window weight. You can click here to see how they calculate the shipment. So for example: Our 24x36 window's actual weight is 20 lbs, however, FedEx will rate the package at 57 lbs. because the box size is 38" x 8" x 26". Please email us if you have any questions prior to ordering.


Express Order Restrictions:

Express orders must be received by 2pm EST to be guaranteed to ship that day. Express orders received after that time will be sent out the following day. Some exceptions may be made but they are at the sole discretion of Tree House Supplies, Inc. If you have an emergency and need parts delivered by express service, but have missed the cut off time, contact us and we will try to accommodate you. We may charge a fee if the shipment has to be hand delivered to the commercial shipper. The fee is based on a case by case basis. Some products that require customization or special orders are not available for immediate shipping - i.e. Bridge Kits, Rustic Swings. If you are unsure, contact us for clarification.

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