How to build a DIY wall-mounted pull-up bar?

[maxwing]

Hi All. I'd like to build my own wooden pull up bar along the lines of what's in the picture. Rough specs are:

Bar width: 82 cm
Distance of the rod from the wall: 54 cm
Construction height: 48 cm
Wall mounting: 6 expansion bolts

It looks like a pretty easy assembly but this would be a first time trying this type of build. Any tips much appreciated.

[EricL]

Hello @maxwing 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your questions about building a pull up bar.

Looking at the photos you posted it appears the sides are made of thick plywood. I'm sorry but I am unable to identify the wall mounts or the timber bar that was used for the rest of the assembly. I think that it's critical that you get the correct cutting size for this, as it has to support not only the weight of the individual using it but the dynamic forces that will be applied to it. Any mistake in its cutting size could result in structural failure.

As an alternative, I propose looking at the Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar which is rated to hold 500lbs. Please note that mounting screws for this bar is not included.

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

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @maxwing 

When I saw the photos before even reading your question my head went "whaaaaaaat" I am struggling to imagine it standing up to the forces of lifting a body. Unless its an example pic? The construction and screws for the bar would crumble under my 90+ kgs of weight lol If it was made of steel then that would be a differant scenerio. (Even tho @EricL 's suggested alternative looks thinner, its welded steel)

The screws that hold it in the wall are also a concern, Even with more screws it still has the way its been put together.

I like the whole curved arm in plywood style (not sure how it would hold up)

The timber bar to hold onto may not flex but the securing screws wont hold the weight. (having the timber bar (or better steel bar) go through a double width plywood support would be much better.

How the plywood bracket is attached to the wall, it appears as glue has been used as I  cant see any screws from the vertical piece to the curved bracket. (As an alternative I would make 2 low points that you could screw through with masonaoray anchors into a brick wall)

Think double width curved brackets, with a bit at the top. I would use a wide square washer to cover both of the plywood brackets so as to provide a solid attachment.

Being made from timber I do not know how well it will stand up to someone doing pullups, Id stand and look at it imagining the forces and where they forces will show up first as a starting point, then beef up the construction until you think it will hold your weight.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @maxwing 

First impressions of the pull-up bar in the photo is that unless your sub-25kgs it's going to pull off the wall. 

The most important fastening point is that the width of the pull-up bar is that it aligns with the studs behind your wall. This is the frame behind the wall cladding. The frame MUST be secured to the centre of the vertical timbers known as studs with are only 35mm thick. Then the frame itself must be able to obviously withstand your free body-weight.

Stud spacing are typically 450mm to centre of each studs, but they can vary. if the product you're installing is from any other country, then the spacings are much wider. So, at 820mm your spacings are going to fall short.

Personally I would be looking to make your own where you know the main side brackets are 100% strong enough and secure to stud centres or your in a high-risk of injury.

Nailbag

[R4addZ]

Hi @maxwing 

Unfortunately I have to agree with all before me but I will also add some points. The curved design is nice to look at but actually weakens the structure as force tends to be applied in straight lines, The pull up pole is secured with screws so if there is no penetration of the supports, the entire weight of the user is being supported by two screws and if it does penetrate the supports, the amount is way too shallow. Finally the fixing to the wall and even the wall it's self may not be suitable for the load and type of load you are subjecting it to. There will be a considerable outwards pull on the top fixings (not just downwards) and it will be a dynamic load due to the nature of it's use. So even if this was a concrete wall special types of fixings would be required in order to prevent them "walking" out of the hole.

You may be better off working with the door frame.

[maxwing]

Thanks for this. The wood is apparently beech. The item is here: https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1640481142/wide-wooden-pull-up-bar-solid-wall?ls=s&ga_order=most_rel...

[maxwing]

And agreed. After reading all of the other helpful comments I think buying the alternative from Bunnings is the go.

[maxwing]

LOL. Yep, it does not look sturdy, but the rundown and comments suggest it's solid(?) I also immediately wondered how it was going to work with a big body, plus we were thinking of attaching a hangboard. So yes, steel is looking a lot more practical.

[maxwing]

Thanks for this. The wall we'd be drilling into is solid concrete. A wooden set up looks good, but after looking through all these great reviews I think we'll flip to just buying the Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar from Bunnings. Any tips on how to fasten that into concrete would be much appreciated.

[maxwing]

Thanks for this. I've had a good look at whether a door mounted set up would work, but none of the doors in our new place have a head with any lip - theyr'e all flush to the wall, which limits the rigs you can buy.