How to build a pull up bar?

[jjgarth]

 

Hi all!

this has probably been asked, however I’m needing help with materials for a pull up bar outside, into the ground.

i am thinking h4 timber 100mmx100mm, stainless steel bar and quick dry cement.

from what I can see, h4 comes in maximum 3m, is that long enough to have enough in-ground length and then tall enough? I would like it to be high enough to need to do a small jump up (or if a tall friend comes to exercise they aren’t scraping their feet)

please help! I’m also thinking flanges and a threaded bar would be suitable! Does Bunnings have thick enough bar? I don’t need it to be too wide. 

image attached for inspo.

[JacobZ]

Hi @jjgarth,

The general rule of thumb when it comes to posts is to have 1/3 of the height of the post in the ground and 2/3 above ground. 

Just having a bit of a play around at home, I don't think 2m of height is ideal, especially if you or your friends are quite tall. 

My suggestion is to speak with the team at your local store's Trade Desk to see if their timber suppliers can supply 3.6m posts. It depends on what is available, but I have certainly ordered posts of this length and longer while I was still in stores. A 3.6m post could have 1.2m buried with 2.4m above ground, which seems like a better height for your pull-up bar.

You could then set your posts, so they are 900mm apart from inside to inside, bore a 20mm hole in each post level with each other, then put a Brasshards 20 x 1200mm Galvanised Pipe through each hole and lock them on to the posts with an M20 Galvanised Square Washer and a 20mm Galvanised Backnut on the outside of each post.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[jjgarth]

 Hi mate! And thank you for your response!!

i agree with the height now, I tested my friends bar at 2.2 and it was a tiny bit short, so I would like it slightly higher. 2.4 above ground would be great!

in terms of timber, Bunnings has a wrapped piece of 3.6 but it is $100+, or there is a 3m piece of H4. Could I just get that same H4 cut to 3.6 if I ask, or is it not good enough for this? 

In terms of the bar itself, does the washer and nut stop from spinning?

thanks again!

[EricL]

Hello @jjgarth 

Those wrapped posts are DA (dressed all around) and are used on high end fencing projects. You're after ordinary rough cut 100x100 H4 treated posts. I suggest speaking to the trade team member at the desk and asking them for a quote on 100x100 H4 treated timber in 3.6meter lengths. They should be able to search for it on the computer and give you a price. In regards to the bar, you can use a screw on the other side of the post to serve as a wedge and prevent the bar from spinning. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their ideas.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @jjgarth 

Just a left field solution, but have you thought about either a 2nd hand or new single swing set. I'm sure you could find one of a suitable height and insert a bar through the top of the arms.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @jjgarth 

Depending on how close the "inspiration" photo you supplied that you want to go to the house.

Potentially you could have the posts at the same spacing as your house eaves, (making sure they are attached to the roof rafters more then just the Facia as that wont hold up to weight long term) So the top is attached to the eave via right angled brackets into the truss, The bottom of the post goes into a stirrup and concreted in. 

Pryda 90mm M10 Bolt Down Post Anchor 

The Bar Would probably work over 900mm as @JacobZ has suggested, just not weight off the center of it

Dave

[jjgarth]

Hi Eric! Thank you for your response! And also to @Dave-1 and @Nailbag!

May I just ask a few questions.. 

I was hoping to go a little wider than 900mm apart, or is that a bad idea?

also would flanges and a threaded pipe not work as well for this scenario? I’m just thinking about tools I have at my disposal! It’s okay if you don’t think it would work!

placing them in the ground, do you suggest quick dry or wet concrete? YouTube videos seem to differ in opinion! I was thinking quick dry but really want the best result 

And finally, do you consider the pipe thick enough to not bend over time?

thank you for your suggestions everyone!

[EricL]

Hello @jjgarth 

Yes, you can get a wider pipe if you wish to have more space. Yes, you can use flanges, just make sure to use long, large heavy-duty screws. I suggest using standard concrete and not the quick dry set as regular setting concrete provides a stronger base. Galvanized steel is not prone to bending like other steel bars. My best advice to is to make sure that you can get a secure grip on the bar, so testing is key. If it feels that you can't get a good grip the bar is too big. If you your fingers curl in too much the pipe is too small.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @jjgarth 

The most important part is having the posts deep enough into the ground and concreted. So yes of course you can go wider. Just make sure the posts are min 1/3rd height in the ground.

Then as @EricL mentioned, normal wet concrete will be structurally stronger, but not substantially. But you in not rush to have it set, so got the wet. It will also ensure the concrete is fully mixed prior to pouring, which isn't the case with rapid-set.

Nailbag

[Noyade]

It was a very, very long time ago @jjgarth and they're well and truly packed away now - but once upon a time you could buy barbells with the perfect length and the perfect grip that had the coarse thread for the collars.

Are they still available?

And I would mix my own concrete - never the rapid mix.

Cheers.