How To Install A Round Spike For A Rotary Washing Line (It Easy Anyone Can Do It)

The wind blows just a little too hard and your line falls. We’ve all been there. Mugs of tea crashing to the ground dramatically as you race outside to catch the line and pray you picked the dog poo up earlier that day. What if I told you that doesn’t have to happen anymore? 

To instal a ground spike for a rotary washing line, all you need to do is dig a hole, pour in the cement, and use a spirit level to make sure the spike is straight. This ground spike will keep your rotary washing line upright in all weather so you never have to panic again. 

Ready to tackle a little garden DIY? It’s quick, it’s cheap, and it’s so easy that you could do it with your eyes closed. Time to get your hands dirty… metaphorically. 

What Do You Need? 

In order to get started installing your new washing line spike, you will need the following:

• The ground spike
• A shovel or spade (whatever you have available)
• A bag of post-mix concrete 
• A spirit level 
• Water 
• Gloves 
• Goggles if you want to be extra safe

Step One: Get Digging 

The first step is often the most obvious, and you’re going to need to grab your shovel and get digging so that you have a hole for your ground spike. The hole should be the same depth as the spike, and the width should be equal to your shovel/spade. 

Step Two: Spike Time 

Once you have your hole, it’s time to slide the spike in. Make sure the spike is pointing downwards into the ground (this gives it extra grip) and place it vertically into the hole so that it is standing upright. Don’t worry about it being wobbly, step three fixes that. 

Step Three: Concrete Time 

Take your post concrete mix and pour it into the hole so that the ground spike is surrounded with concrete. Ensure the spike is standing straight so that you are ready for the next step. 

 

You might be thinking you should have the concrete mixed and ready to pour at this stage. It is important that you ONLY pour the dry ingredients into the hole at this time if you want the best results.

Step Four: Is it Level? 

Now that the concrete is added and ready, you need to ensure that your ground spike is level. This is a crucial step because no one wants a wonky washing line. Imagine looking out the kitchen window every morning with your coffee and there it is, your crooked line. Shameful. 

For this step, you’re going to need your spirit level. You can use this to check that it is nice and vertical and that it is level at the top. This will ensure a beautifully upright washing line that you can be proud of. 

Step Five: Just Add Water 

Now that you’ve become the master of even levels, it’s time to add water so that the concrete can set. Take your time with this, ensuring that your ground spike doesn’t move around while you do it. Follow the instructions on the post mix concrete carefully as well to avoid disaster.

Step Six: Make Adjustments 

Your concrete is going to dry fast, we’re talking five minutes – ten if you’re lucky. This is some Indiana Jones level of tension stuff, so you’re going to want to make your final adjustments now. This includes double checking the level and ensuring the ground spike is securely in place. 

Step Seven: Finishing Touches 

Wait for the concrete to dry and check that there are no raised edges. If there are, you can smooth these down with sandpaper or cut them off – whichever works best for you. Once you are happy with your work, you can slide the washing line in and enjoy your lovely dry clothes. 

Final Thoughts 

Installing a rotary washing line isn’t hard, and anyone can do it. It really is one of the easiest things out there and it will take you well under an hour to do. The results? A beautifully straight line that allows your clothes to enjoy the natural breeze and sunlight for drying. 

DIY, appliance care, little maintenance jobs, they build up and they can be difficult. Trust us, we get it. That’s why we’ve compiled a series of guides to help you through every home task – from the very simple to the really complex. All this made by the experts for your enjoyment. 

Last Updated on October 4, 2021 by Gemma Tyler