Introduction
I’ve always wanted a pullup bar, but I didn’t want to drill any holes in any walls or ceilings. I’ve seen some pieces of equipment that fit in doorways or closets, but I didn’t really trust that it wouldn’t ruin the wood or frame. I finally decided to just go make my own, and by utilizing the I-beam in my basement, I was able to create a pullup bar that did not require any drilling.
What You’ll Need
I went to Lowes’ to buy all the parts for this. I used 1 1/4″ galvanized steel pipes, and the total was about $60. You can probably get 1″ pipes and save a little money. Here are the parts that I used:
- 8 x 90 degree elbow ($20)
- 1 x 18″ pipe ($7)
- 2 x 10″ pipe ($13)
- 2 x 6″ pipe ($7)
- 2 x 4″ pipe ($7) — the depth of the I-beam
- 2 x 3″ pipe ($5)
- Electrical tape
- A pipe wrench or something for leverage
Instructions
It should be fairly self explanatory of how to put this together. Nevertheless, here’s a few tips to help you put it together:
- The 18″ pipe is the portion that you’ll actually grab onto — wrap this in electrical tape last, once everything is in place
- The 10″ pipe provides the elevation to get over the I-beam
- The 6″ pipe provides the backing/support on the opposite side of where the pullup bar is
- The 4″ pipe is the portion of the pipe that is on top of the I-beam
- The 3″ pipe extends the pullup bar away from the I-beam
I will tell you right now — you’ll get a really, really good workout getting this thing together. The pipes fit together easily, but it’s difficult to tighten them. You’ll need to use a lot of leverage to get the tight…I would recommend using a wrench or smaller pipe to get better leverage. Be careful not to grab the threading on the pipe — it will cut you.
Because I am not going to take my pullup bar to show you how it works, below is an image that should help you to assemble your own pullup bar
Additional Views
If you’d like to get a better view on how the pullup bar works, look at the images below
Nice! I’ll try to make one myself. I also don’t want to drill holes on my wall.
I have to wonder why you would spend so much time and money to make something that elaborate. Why not just run a rope around the beam and tie a clove hitch to a pipe or dowel underneath the beam? It would probably cost $5.
used one like that hung on a tree.the added instability only adds to the workout.plus you can add thick or thin pipes.instead of rope i like heavy webbing
we’re not all as smart as you phil. some of us like to be a bit creative. i did not use a rope around my ibeam. i prefer to not have to keep my knees from hitting the floor. maybe you keep your feet on the ground when you do pullups?
Why on earth would your knees hit the floor? The nice thing about rope is that you can tie it off wherever you want.
Nice! Very original approach! I’ll try to make it. Thanks!
a door clip pull up bar sells for 30-40 dollars on amazon. This is cool if you are more interested in having a unique looking pull up bar, but not very practical.
Nice pull up bar,..I made a similar one in my basement. I have been trying to find foam grips to go over the bar, but have not had much luck finding anything on the web. Any ides? WJB, DE
Not really sure — what about the foam/tape that is sometimes used on tennis rackets?
I would just use pipe insulation for a grip and wrap tape around the ends to hold it in place. I’m not sure how much it is, but its pretty cheap.
Just by some bar tape for road bikes. The adhesive is very sticky and would provide just enough cushion and grip. You can find this at any local bike shop.
You can probably get some foam tube at a bike store. i remember having foam on the handle bars of my racing bicycles when i was younger
dude y dont u just use gloves??? or if it is so difficult to get a foam grip then just tie an old towel arnd the pipe…sounds silly but it works….
I have a bean that is attached to the ceiling…how can I create a pull up bar for it…?
thanks
Miguel
As far as foam here are a couple ideas. Pipe wrap like on an A/C refrigerant line but it is frail. They do make a foam tape that is available at home stores for wrapping pipes that may work. There is a rubber electrical tape that stretches and vulcanises to a solid piece that would work well. About $15 for a roll
Hey what are the dimensions of your I-beam?
Thanks for the plans. Made one last night. Much better than the doorway bars (too narrow, walls in the way), and better than a rope and bar (more stable – better form).
Thanks!
cool! I might do something like this. for some grip, one can apply tape used trainers.