Construction of a pull-up bar is a relatively simple task. Of all the do-it-yourself home gym apparatuses to build, the construction of this fundamental piece of equipment is the easiest. With just the investment of a few dollars in steel pipe and fittings, plus a brief period of time, you can build a functional pull-up bar. Since the pull-up exercises the back, shoulders, biceps and even the abdominal muscles of the core, the pull-up is on of the most basic functional exercises you can perform.
Step 1
Use your hacksaw to cut 1-inch-diameter pipe. Cut two pieces to a length of 8 feet each and one piece to a length of 4 feet. Cut another four pieces that are 3 feet long.
Step 2
Clean the inside of one 90-degree steel pipe elbow and the outside of one end of the 4-foot piece of steel pipe. Apply a generous amount of pipe cement to the cleaned end of the 4-foot piece of pipe, and insert the end into the cleaned end of the 90-degree elbow. Repeat this process with the other 90-degree elbow on the other end of the 4-foot-long piece of steel pipe.
Step 3
Clean the inside of the other ends of the 90-degree elbows and the outside of one end of each of the 8-foot-long pieces of steel pipe. Apply pipe cement to the cleaned ends of the 8-foot pieces of steel pipe, and insert these ends into the ends of the 90-degree elbows. These 8-foot-long pieces of steel pipe should now be parallel to each other.
Step 4
Clean the remaining ends of the 8-foot-long pieces of steel pipe and the insides of the T-junctions, and apply pipe cement. Insert the end of each 8-foot piece of pipe into the center of one of the T-junctions. Insert one end of each of the 3-foot-long pieces of pipe into the remaining portions of the T-junctions after applying pipe cement. These should be parallel to each other and form the leg supports of the completed pull-up bar.
Step 5
Wrap the 4-foot section of pipe that forms the cross-bar for your pull-up bar with cloth tape. The tape will provide traction for your grip while performing pull-ups.
Tips and Warnings
- Allow the pipe cement to dry for at least 24 hours before using your pull-up bar.
- Pipe cement contains potentially hazardous inhalant fumes. Please wear proper protective equipment and ensure adequate ventilation in your work area. Consult your personal physician prior to beginning any new exercise program.
Things You'll Need
- Hacksaw
- 1-inch-diameter steel pipe
- 1-inch-diameter steel pipe elbows, 90 degrees, 2 each
- 1-inch-diameter steel pipe T-junctions, 2 each
- Pipe cement
References
- "FM 21-20 Physical Fitness Training;" Department of the Army; 1998
- "Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 2d Ed;" Mark Rippetoe; 2007
- "Huge in a Hurry;" Chad Waterbury; 2008
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