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A giant skeleton catches a lot of wind, and once you add a costume, it catches even more. Most giant skeletons ship with basic stakes, but plenty of owners add extra anchoring, especially in open yards or windy areas. Here’s the setup our readers trust.
1. Start with solid ground anchors
Most important
Heavy-duty auger ground anchors
Screw-in augers hold far better than straight stakes in soft soil. Put one on each side of the base.
Check price on Amazon →Ratchet straps
Run a strap from a high point on the spine or pelvis down to each anchor and snug it up — not overtight.
Check price on Amazon →2. Add weight at the base
Sandbags
Fill them and lay them on the base plate. Especially useful on hard ground where stakes won’t go deep.
Check price on Amazon →3. Guy lines for the upper body
For a costumed skeleton, a pair of guy lines from the shoulders back toward the house (or to more anchors) keeps the top from swaying.
Tent tensioners
Makes it easy to retighten lines after a storm without re-tying.
Check price on Amazon →Skelly tip: Watch the weather. If high winds are in the forecast, take the costume off (it acts like a sail) or lay the skeleton down for the night. A quick takedown beats a broken arm bone — or a dented car.
4. Protect the joints
Black zip ties (assorted)
UV-resistant ties hold costumes, props and lights in place and blend into the shadows.
Check price on Amazon →