Pull up bar

[nate]

Im currently in the process of making a pull up bar in the back yard. What would be a good thickness for the bar its self.

[.V.]

1-2 inches depending on your hand size. I think mine is 1 5/8 thick - or however thick a 2x6 actually is.

[etothepii]

I saw a lat pull down bar --- used -- at Play it Again Sports. I think one of those in some fabricated brackets would mak a great pull up bar, no?

[tim_mcf]

A lead pipe would probably be cheaper. I think you should just grab it and see how it feels in your hands; base your decision on circumference on that.

[.V.]

Lead pipe, that may be a good idea. If you go to a place that actually sells steel and decide to buy a length of steel bar, make sure to check the "rating" and make sure it will hold you and your future weight you'll be adding. I've had a couple of bars bend because they were too weak. That's why I'm pulling on a 2x6 now.

If you find a thrift store, flea market, consignment store, or someone else that sells old junk - look around for one of those old cheap weight sets. I've bought a couple of those 1" bars from those for around $3.00 each. Cheap and strong enough for pullups. I was using them for my lifting bars and they don't bend until they have 300+ on them.

[Weston]

I agree with Tim that you should use a bar that feels comfortable in your hands. If you start with a thinner bar, you could always make it thicker by either wearing gloves or wrapping the bar in cloth tape (used to wrap hockey sticks).

You can go to any hardware store or home improvement store and pick up some black pipe. Anything 3/4" or bigger should be strong enough for most purposes.