Making a sturdy pullup bar out of piping

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Making a sturdy pullup bar out of piping

Posted: 9/28/2012 2:36:54 PM EDT

A few places ago, the previous resident hung a pull up bar made out of piping from the ceiling out on our deck. I would like to do the same, but I am unsure as to how they did it.

If my memory serves me correctly, it was made of several pieces:

2 circular fittings that had 4 holes for screws/bolts

2 L shaped pieces that connected the long bar to the short ones that fit into the circular piece being bolted in.

1 long bar that screwed into those 2 L-shaped pieces

Whoever made it did a fucking outstanding job, and I would really like to duplicate it. However, I don't know what the pieces are called, and I don't know how to go about anchoring it to the ceiling of my deck. I weigh ~235lbs, so it has to be sturdy.

Helpzor.

Posted: 9/28/2012 2:37:24 PM EDT

[#1]

tag

Posted: 9/28/2012 2:39:24 PM EDT

[#2]

The circular thing was probably a "flange"

http://www.homedepot.com/Plumbing-Pipes-Fittings-Valves-Galvanized-Pipe-Fittings-Fittings-Flanges/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbuy8/R-100120677/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051&superSkuId=202904918

Posted: 9/28/2012 2:39:33 PM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:

tag

I am telling you, they did a better job than the commercial ones found at most gyms. And those things cost like $250 for something hanging from a wall.

Posted: 9/28/2012 2:39:59 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:

The circular thing was probably a "flange"

http://www.homedepot.com/Plumbing-Pipes-Fittings-Valves-Galvanized-Pipe-Fittings-Fittings-Flanges/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbuy8/R-100120677/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051&superSkuId=202904918

Ding! Ding! Ding!!

Posted: 9/28/2012 2:41:40 PM EDT

[#5]

This is going to be my do-it-poinks-and-arfcom-self project.

I was looking at getting a portable pullup station (not those door ones or towers) but they are like $450...and this thing was the shit.

Posted: 9/28/2012 2:41:48 PM EDT

[#6]

http://www.fitmarriage.com/exercise/how-to-make-a-homemade-pull-up-bar Looks like a pretty decent video explaining how this guy did exactly what you want to do.

You might have to check with some proper carpenters about what kind of screws and fittings you'll need to support your weight.

ETA: Oh man, he just used some fat hex bolts.

ETA2: According to home depot, the 1"x4' galvanized pipe is like $24, short sections are $8.50 each, flanges are $12 each, 1" 90* elbows are $3.50 each, and then bolts are $notfrigginmuch.

ETA3: I'm not at all a builder of things, but you could drill up from the bottom of the deck where your flanges will be, then countersink holes a bit from the top, then drop in a washer and a bolt, then get somebody to hold a socket on it while you spin on the nuts from below.

ETA4: "Spin on the nuts" goddammit baker, phrasing.

ETA5: 1" Tee $5, 1x8" pipe $5 each

Posted: 9/28/2012 2:45:08 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:

http://www.fitmarriage.com/exercise/how-to-make-a-homemade-pull-up-bar Looks like a pretty decent video explaining how this guy did exactly what you want to do.

You might have to check with some proper carpenters about what kind of screws and fittings you'll need to support your weight.

ETA: Oh man, he just used some fat hex bolts.

That be it

Posted: 9/28/2012 2:51:30 PM EDT

[#8]

However, I think I am going to customize this a bit more.

If I use those fittings that look like this:

_|_

I will use them to have small handles coming out towards me for a different grip position.

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:00:31 PM EDT

[#9]

Nipples ––- Plain Jane has specialized in those in the past.

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:04:40 PM EDT

[#10]

This might inadvertently be the goofiest thread I've read in a long time.

1. Drive to Home Depot/Lowes
2. Ask person in orange/blue faux lab coat for directions to Plumbing Dept
3. Spend 3-5 minutes picking out galvanized pipe and fittings that fit together and look like they'll produce a pullup bar
4. Ask another orange/blue smock for the Hardware Dept
5. Pick out eight 1/4" lag bolts
6. Return home, assemble and affix to sturdiest part of "deck ceiling"
7. Train harder than this guy

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:09:14 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:

This might inadvertently be the goofiest thread I've read in a long time.

I can't blame the guy for trying to be prepared and getting an idea of what he's doing.

Not everybody is Bob the Builder.

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:21:29 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
This might inadvertently be the goofiest thread I've read in a long time.

1. Drive to Home Depot/Lowes
2. Ask person in orange/blue faux lab coat for directions to Plumbing Dept
3. Spend 3-5 minutes picking out galvanized pipe and fittings that fit together and look like they'll produce a pullup bar
4. Ask another orange/blue smock for the Hardware Dept
5. Pick out eight 1/4" lag bolts
6. Return home, assemble and affix to sturdiest part of "deck ceiling"
...

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:37:47 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:

Quoted:

This might inadvertently be the goofiest thread I've read in a long time.

I can't blame the guy for trying to be prepared and getting an idea of what he's doing.

Not everybody is Bob the Builder.

I fully admit, I am no handyman. I just pay people to do this, or I invite my construction manager friend over for drinks and say, "Oh, by the way..."

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:38:37 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:

This might inadvertently be the goofiest thread I've read in a long time.

1. Drive to Home Depot/Lowes

2. Ask person in orange/blue faux lab coat for directions to Plumbing Dept

3. Spend 3-5 minutes picking out galvanized pipe and fittings that fit together and look like they'll produce a pullup bar

4. Ask another orange/blue smock for the Hardware Dept

5. Pick out eight 1/4" lag bolts

6. Return home, assemble and affix to sturdiest part of "deck ceiling"

7. Train harder than this guy

And how do I know what the sturdiest part is? It has a traditional style ceiling above my deck.

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:39:20 PM EDT

[#15]

I actually think this is the PERFECT while-you're-drinking project.

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:41:18 PM EDT

[#16]

it's just galvanized pipe. Use 1 inch for easier grip. Do not use 3/4.

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:43:34 PM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
http://www.fitmarriage.com/exercise/how-to-make-a-homemade-pull-up-bar Looks like a pretty decent video explaining how this guy did exactly what you want to do.

You might have to check with some proper carpenters about what kind of screws and fittings you'll need to support your weight.

ETA: Oh man, he just used some fat hex bolts.

ETA2: According to home depot, the 1"x4' galvanized pipe is like $24, short sections are $8.50 each, flanges are $12 each, 1" 90* elbows are $3.50 each, and then bolts are $notfrigginmuch.

ETA3: I'm not at all a builder of things, but you could drill up from the bottom of the deck where your flanges will be, then countersink holes a bit from the top, then drop in a washer and a bolt, then get somebody to hold a socket on it while you spin on the nuts from below.

ETA4: "Spin on the nuts" goddammit baker, phrasing.

ETA5: 1" Tee $5, 1x8" pipe $5 each

I'd probably over-engineer this a bit and put a couple flanges on the top of the wood to spread out the stress/weight instead of four nuts and washers on each side of the bar.

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:44:21 PM EDT

[#18]

In.

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:51:20 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:

And how do I know what the sturdiest part is? It has a traditional style ceiling above my deck.

Yeah, I don't even know what that means.

Get your parts all together. Buy beer. Call your construction friend.

eta: and learn from him while he's there.

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:57:15 PM EDT

[#20]

Maybe I will just buy this:

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Body-Press-Wall-Mounted/dp/B003TYJMV2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

However, I worry about it fucking my walls up.

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:58:47 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
Maybe I will just buy this:

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Body-Press-Wall-Mounted/dp/B003TYJMV2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

However, I worry about it fucking my walls up.

Still have to find the "sturdiest part" to mount it.

Posted: 9/28/2012 4:03:36 PM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Maybe I will just buy this:

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Body-Press-Wall-Mounted/dp/B003TYJMV2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

However, I worry about it fucking my walls up.

Still have to find the "sturdiest part" to mount it.

I just have to find a stud.

Posted: 9/28/2012 4:09:23 PM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Maybe I will just buy this:

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Body-Press-Wall-Mounted/dp/B003TYJMV2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

However, I worry about it fucking my walls up.

Still have to find the "sturdiest part" to mount it.

I just have to find a stud.

Posted: 9/28/2012 4:09:29 PM EDT

[#24]

2 sammy screws, a couple pieces of 3/8" threaded rod, some 1" pipe hangers, and a piece of 1" sch. 40 black iron screw pipe, and Bob's your uncle. You can also go thicker if you want to, as the sammies will hold it.

Posted: 9/28/2012 4:15:57 PM EDT

[#25]

no, you need to find a cieling joist. Use lag screws.

Quoted:

Quoted:
Maybe I will just buy this:

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Body-Press-Wall-Mounted/dp/B003TYJMV2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

However, I worry about it fucking my walls up.

Still have to find the "sturdiest part" to mount it.

I just have to find a stud.

Posted: 9/28/2012 4:16:06 PM EDT

[#26]

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Body-Press-Wall-Mounted/dp/B003TYJMV2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Do you guys think this will fuck my walls? I just can't picture my weight not forcing this thing into the sheet rock.

Posted: 9/28/2012 4:18:35 PM EDT

[#27]

Better yet.

http://www.amazon.com/Ceiling-Mount-Chin-Bar-Combo/dp/B001AT5BV8/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1348877808&sr=1-3&keywords=ceiling+pull+up+bar

Posted: 9/28/2012 4:18:39 PM EDT

[#28]

might crush it if its at all loose

Posted: 9/28/2012 4:18:51 PM EDT

[#29]

Quoted:
The circular thing was probably a "flange"

http://www.homedepot.com/Plumbing-Pipes-Fittings-Valves-Galvanized-Pipe-Fittings-Fittings-Flanges/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbuy8/R-100120677/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051&superSkuId=202904918

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/8b/8b7221b9-b9cc-438f-b8e7-222e5e8b2399_300.jpg

The particular flange he is looking for is called a floor flange. To build one that hangs down from a ceiling, it should be 3 sections of threaded pipe, 2 90s and 2 floor flanges. I had considered building a free standing pull up bar in my backyard. In that case, you would need 2 4x4 posts, 1 section of threaded pipe, and 2 floor flanges.

Posted: 9/28/2012 4:19:45 PM EDT

[#30]

ceiling one looks a little short. dunno how much you could lift up before you head hits the ceiling

Posted: 9/28/2012 4:23:02 PM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:

ceiling one looks a little short. dunno how much you could lift up before you head hits the ceiling

2 White 2x4's bolted into the ceiling and then this bad boy bolted on to them?

Posted: 9/28/2012 4:32:47 PM EDT

[#32]

3/4 or 1 inch galvanized or black pipe, your choice.
2 flanges, 2 tees, 2 45 degree ells, 2 caps. 6 or 7 feet of pipe. pipe will need to be cut and threaded to length
assemble thusly