[Back to DIY STR instructions]
The perfect set of handles might just be the one you make yourself.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
PVC and Lashing Strap Handle (Cheap and easy!)
Slide a five inch length of pipe over a lashing strap of your choice. I’d recommend upgrading from the PVC sprinkler riser shown above to a carefully cut and deburred piece of PVC/ABS pipe or extruded aluminum tubing. Pick a lashing strap with a break strength many times your weight.
Tie an overhand knot into the webbing (the handle centered on the loop). Keep in mind that this permanent knot can cut your webbing’s break strength in half.
Remove the excess webbing…
…and use about two feet of it to create a foot cradle by sliding it through the handle and tying a square knot (show me). This knot is strong but can slip so leave an inch or more on each end or tie an overhand safety knot to be extra safe.
Snip the excess webbing to complete the handle.
Quarter Ring Handles
Built to last and easy to grasp!Two 32″ x 1″ or four 16″ x 1″ webbing loops (~$4 total at Harbor Freight). For the 16″ loops, combine the smaller webbing loops by passing them through each other (show me).
Trim the ends off two 1″ steel electrical conduit elbows (Lowes ~ $7 each) to produce an arced ~5 – 6″ handle slightly larger than your hand’s width. They’re named by their inner diameter—the outer diameter of a 1″ piece is actually 1.16″, which is slightly thicker than gymnastics rings at ~1.1″. The radius of the arc is larger than gymnastics rings, improving comfort without significantly reducing stability.
90° 3/4″ PVC electrical conduit elbows also work and are easier to cut and smooth (Home Depot ~$3.50 each). I used schedule 80 for a thicker PVC but schedule 40 will work for most and costs less.
The handles are attached to the cam buckles with a set of simple cow hitch knots. Fold the webbing loop in half along it’s length (you might try taping or sewing it down first if you find that difficult to do) and push the loop through the hole in the cam buckle before cinching down. Repeat with the other loop end.
Finished quarter rings hung from a sturdy anchor. The curved surface won’t spin, making these handles ideal for beginners and high-resistance exercises like pull-ups and dips.
Balusters and 1100 Paracord (If it works, it’s not a kludge!)
Exercise handles constructed from the vertical spindles/posts of a discarded headboard with 1100 paracord and RollerCams. Shown with overhand loop knots (tied slightly too small and pushed onto the handles for a tight fit) and a cow hitch through the cam buckle. Consider a Prusik knot to keep it from sliding.
Discarded headboard
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