How to Create a PVC Tube Dumbbell Support

I have recently bought a dumbbell kit, but I didn't have any storage system. I have decided to use reuse materials with a few purchases in my local store. I was very skeptical at first, as I was not sure of the strength and robustness because of the materials chosen, but it has shown some very positive results. I will post a message underneath this instructable in a few weeks to keep you informed of the progress of the stability of this project

For this project, I've used :

• A 40mm diameter tube of PVC (1 meter length)

You can deffinitely choose a smaller diameter, but it has to be rigid

• A 18mm diameter steel tube
• A foam tube (normally used for copper pipes) in which, the steel tube can fit. Furthermore, the foam tube need to fit in the PVC tube
• x2 - 90° elbow that fits with the diameter of your PVC tube
• x2 - Tee that fits with the diameter of your PVC tube
• x2 - Clip that fits your dumbbell bar
• x2 - Screw and nut that fit the clip
• A tube of PVC glue
• Optional : Spray Paint (I've used black)

I have also used several tools :

• A hacksaw to cut the PVC tubes
• A drilling machine
• Sanding paper

This step requires many cuts of the main PVC tube (I have done it with the hacksaw - You can check the image to see where the different tubes that we will cut will be used)

(1) The top tube needs to be a length of 15cm (You can make it shorter depending on your dumbbell bar.

(2) Two tubes of 13.5 cm, the length can vary depending on the diameter of your discs of your dumbbells.

(3) Two tubes to stabilise the support. I have done tubes of 16cm, but you can probably choose any length for those.

You also need to cut the steel bar and the foam tubes, but I suggest doing that after the assembly of PVC parts.

On the tubes (2), after having quickly sand the end of the tube, you need to apply glue at the end and in the elbow, and assemble them. Then glue the elbow on top of the tube, by making sure that it is perpendicular to the elbow (See attached image 1). Make another one.

Assemble the two parts you have made with the tube (1) - Make sure that the elbows are facing different sides.

You can then glue the two tubes (3) in the elbows.

Wait 10 minutes for the glue to set.

Then, add the foam tube in the upper part, and cut it (I used the hacksaw)

Place your steel tube in the foam and add a certain length on each side, depending on the number of discs you want to put (I've added 14cm on each side). Draw a stroke and cut the tube.

Paint with the spray can, and don't forget to also paint the tube and the clips. I recommend spraying at a distance of 10-15 cm and try to spray in spurts to avoid applying too much paint. Wait for complete drying.

Dispose your dumbbell bar with the clips on the bottom part of the support, and mark with a pencil. With a fitting drill bit, drill the hole and screw the clip with a bolt on the inside of the tube (I used pliers for tightening the bolt)

I am really happy with the way it turned out, this holder holds 15kg without problem (for now ! ). I already had some of the materials at home, but the overall cost of this project is about 10$ (without paint).