The benefit of building a set of dip bars at home is the convenience. Having the bars in close proximity makes it easier to keep a regular routine. The process begins with determining the width and height of the bars. Dip bars should be shoulder width apart. You can establish the height by standing on a step stool and measuring from the floor to your mid-chest.
It will be necessary to gather a few materials and go into the toolbox for this project. Dip bars have to be constructed and mounted in a way that supports full body weight in an upright position.
Step 1
Select the area of wall space where the dip bars will mount. The ideal space would be 36 inches wide with full height clearance. Locate two studs in the wall and make small reference marks. Cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood 36 inches wide and 40 inches long as the backboard.
Step 2
Mark the wall at the center point of the exercise space, and mark the backboard at the center across the width. Transfer the marks for the studs to the plywood, using the center marks as reference points. Drill three countersinks in a vertical line at each of the stud layout marks on the plywood, using the 3/4-inch flat head drill. The countersinks should be 1/4-inch deep, but no more. These will be the locations of the lag bolts that secure the backboard to the wall.
Step 3
Cut two pieces of 2-inch-by-4-inch spruce 30 inches long, using the circular saw. Drill two pilot holes in the butt ends of each piece, using the 1/8-inch drill bit. The holes should be along the center line of the butt ends and one inch from the top and bottom edges. Set these pieces aside.
Step 4
Mark two additional 40-inch-long pieces of spruce as diagonal braces for the dip bars. Use the adjustable square and mark a 30-degree angle cut on one end and a 60-degree angle cut on the other end of each piece. The long points of the angle cuts will extend away from each other. Make the angle cuts using the circular saw.
Step 5
Mark the location of the dip bars on the plywood backboard. Drill 1/8-inch pilot holes that align with the pilot holes on the butt ends of the bars. Attach the butt ends of the bars to the plywood by inserting 3/16-inch lag bolts with washers into the back side of the board and tightening with a socket and ratchet.
Step 6
Drill 1/8-inch pilot holes in the ends of the diagonal braces. The holes should be on the flat edges and in line with the center of the angle cuts. Insert 3/16-inch lag bolts into each hole. The 30-degree angles will mount under the bars and the 60-degree angles mount to the board.
Step 7
Attach the braces between the dip bars and the plywood, using the socket and ratchet. Cut a piece of 2-inch-by-4-inch spruce that fits between the bars as a stabilizer. Drill 1/8-inch pilot holes in the side of each bar at the mid-point between the backboard and the end of the bar. Attach the stabilizer piece between the bars with 3/8-inch lag bolts.
Step 8
Hold the backboard and dip bars in place on the wall. Align the vertical pilot holes on the board with the stud layout and attach the board using 3/8-inch lag bolts and washers. Tighten the lags with the socket and ratchet.
Tips and Warnings
- Pad the top of the bars with carpeting.
- Test the installation before conducting extensive workouts.
Things You'll Need
- 3/4-inch plywood
- 2-inch-by-4-inch spruce
- Adjustable combination square
- Circular saw
- Electric drill
- 3/4-inch flat head drill bit
- 1/8-inch drill bit
- 3/16-inch-by-4-inch lag bolts with washers
- Socket set with ratchet
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