How to Build a Pullup Bar

Exercise is an important part of life. Staying fit and healthy can increase the length and satisfaction of your life and your self-esteem. There are many ways to exercise and stay fit, and many muscle groups to pay attention to in order to keep your entire body healthy. Many people do not give adequate attention to their latissimus dorsi (lats), triceps, and deltoid (shoulder) muscles. Using a pullup bar in your exercise regimen will give these muscles the attention they need to stay healthy and strong.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 inch galvanized pipe
  • Two 1 inch galvanized floor flanges
  • 8 deck screws
  • 4 hollow wall anchors
  • Two 1 inch galvanized 90 degree couplers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the space you want to put the pullup bar in. If it is a doorway, measure the width of the inside of the doorway and subtract 1/4 inch. If you want your pullup bar to hang from a wall or ceiling, it is best to use a 30-inch pipe for the main bar. Studs in your wall are typically 16 inches apart. Thirty inches will give you space for the corner pieces and let you firmly attach your flange to a stud for maximum support.

    • 2

      Have the pipe cut and threaded. Most hardware stores that sell galvanized pipe will do this for you. If you are using a doorway or similar location, you will only need one length of pipe to match the width of your space. If you are using the wall or ceiling, you will need one length for the pullup bar and two lengths to match the distance from the ceiling or wall. For wall and ceiling installations, you will need two 1-inch 90 degree couplers. Both installation types will require two 1-inch floor flanges.

    • 3

      Screw the pieces together. A doorway installation will require screwing the floor flanges directly to the main pipe. A wall or ceiling installation requires screwing the 90-degree couplers on each end of the main pipe, then screwing the smaller pipe lengths to the other end of the 90-degree coupler, and attaching the flange to each end.

    • 4

      Fasten the pullup bar to your preferred location. Use eight long screws to attach the flanges to a doorway, leaving enough space for your hands to comfortably fit on the bar and for your head not to hit the top of the doorway.

    • 5

      Use a stud finder to find a stud in the wall for ceiling and wall installations. Use a level and mark both studs at the same height. Attach with a screw in the top and bottom holes of each flange. If your wall is hollow, such as drywall, use the hollow wall anchors for the left and right holes. Once all eight screws are securely in place, test the installation slowly to prevent damage to the wall.