PVC Kindle Fire and Tablet Holder

PVC Kindle Fire Holder (Homemade Tablet Stand)

[Video Version]

In this Instructable, I show you how to make a holder for your tablet. Other than cutting the PVC, the rest is really easy.

With a little modification, this holder can work with a variety of tablets so you can use it no matter what brand you have.

Parts Needed:

- 1/2-inch PVC pipe

- (4) T-connectors

- (4) 90-degree Elbows

- (2) Corner connectors

- (1) 45-degree Elbow

- (4) End caps

Tools Needed:

- Table saw

- PVC cutters

- File or sandpaper

- Breathing mask

The lengths of the PVC pipe and fittings can vary depending on your build, so you will have to use a little trial and error to get everything to fit just right.

If you would like the video version of this Instructable and the embedded video does not appear, here is an alternative link

The hardest part of the build is cutting the pipe for the holder, so lets do that first.

I took a long piece of 1/2-inch PVC and used a table saw to cut it lengthwise.

This is a little dangerous, so I suggest only adults use the saw.

I strongly suggest wearing safety goggles and a breathing mask because this technique is messy.

I lowered the blade so that it would only cut through one side of the pipe.

I then used a block of wood to brace the pipe on the table so my hand would not be close to the blade.

I slowly pushed the pipe over the blade.

I removed about a 1/4 of the pipe so it would fit around the tablet.

After using the saw, I cut two sections from this pipe that were about 9.25-inches long.

I then used a file to smooth all of the rough edges.

Once the main cutting is done, the rest is pretty simple.

You will have to do some test fitting to make sure the width is right because some PVC fittings vary in size.

On one side of the holder, I used a 90-degree Elbow and a corner connector to hold the cut pipes in place.

Make sure the corner connector’s third pipe is facing rearward.

I slid the tablet into place and everything fit well, so I add the same connectors to the opposite side.

On the back, I used 2 Elbows and a T-connector on some additional pipe to hold everything securely.

If you do not have a rear support, the long cut pipes will not stay in place.

Make sure the tablet is secure but has a little sliding room so you can turn it on and off without removing it.

The base is a simple build.

There is one vertical pipe that holds the tablet structure secure.

On the top of the pipe, I used a 45-degree Elbow so the angle of the tablet would be user friendly.

On the bottom of the pipe is a T-connector. From it stretches two arms with T-connectors on them as well.

It then has a total of four legs reaching out to give it stability.

I put an end cap on each of the legs to make it look better.

Now you can attach the holder to the base and rotate it to the position you prefer.

The first design is great if the power and volume buttons are on the top of the tablet, but what if they are on the side?

I discovered this on a friend’s tablet, and I came up with this design to solve that problem.

Parts needed:

- 1/2-inch pipe

- (6) 90-degree Elbows

- (3) T-connectors

You will most likely have to cut some additional pipe on the table saw to fit this new design, so measure and cut to size.

Next make a square around the tablet using the cut pipe and the Elbows. Make sure you have included the T-connectors on the sides of the square facing rearward.

The T’s are connected to some Elbows facing inward.

Next add a connecting pipe between the Elbows, with the last T-connector in the middle, facing outward.

This completes the modified holder. Refer to pictures.

The basic base is simple and easy, but it is limited on its flexibility.

To overcome this problem, I created a more advanced stand. It is a little bulky but it is much more flexible.

To make this change, you will need some additional parts.

Parts needed:

- (2) T-connectors

- (4) 90-degree Elbows

I placed the T-connector on the base pipe and built a rectangle using the Elbows at the corners and the second T-connector at the top, facing up. Refer to pictures.

The added weight and flexing of the new addition might be a little stressful on the 1/2-inch base, so you can always upgrade it to 3/4 or 1-inch pipe using some adaptors.

This addition allows for much more flexibility. Now you can lay on the floor looking up or from about any position you want.

Have fun Building!

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Just remember that PVC is only a form of hard plastic. It can and will break if too much weight or force is applied and injuries can occur. Please use caution when using anything made from PVC. Use of content for personal projects is at your own risk.