PVC Projects for Outdoorsmen

PVC is a plastic polymer used to create a variety of manufactured goods. At room temperature, PVC without an additional plasticizer is rigid and inflexible. For this reason, it lends itself well to limited structural projects. Additionally, PVC is water resistant---often used to make water pipes---as such, it is an ideal material for outdoor projects.

  1. Home Advice Using PVC from Trail Maintainers

    • Trail maintainers understand the land, including which natural debris needs to be cleaned up and how to do it. One tactic, taken from real trail bosses and published in Popular Mechanics Magazine, involves taking a large tarp with reinforced holes lining the edges. Run a piece of cord from one hole to another at one corner and make a knot. Create a slit in a piece of PVC pipe running the length of the pipe and pass it over the knotted cord, creating a handle. Using the handle, drag the tarp along behind to capture the leaves.

    PVC to Hold a Fishing Pole

    • Beach rod holders are easy projects which can preserve the weary arm muscles of beach fishermen. A holder can be made easily and inexpensively with a four-foot length of 1.25-inch or 1.50-inch PVC pipe. Insert one end of pipe into the sand. Once the line is cast, inset the rod into the other end of the pipe. The pipe will work best if it is set vertically rather than angled.

    PVC Pipe Blowguns

    • Blowguns can be used as an alternative to bows and arrows or rifles for outdoor hunting. PVC pipe can be used for the body of the gun; however it may sag a bit and may require extra support during use. The gun should be four to seven feet long. Longer guns provide increased power and accuracy but decreased maneuverability. A mouth piece can be fitted over one end of the pipe. A film canister will work for this by cutting a 1/4-inch hole in the canister and inserting it in the aperture of the pipe.