Dumbbell Handles

I needed an extra pair of dumbbell handles to hold standard 1" centre weight plates but didn't want to spend a lot of cash. I modelled them after the spin on handles I already owned, and luckily, after scrounging through my parts bin found that I had the raw materials on hand. Even if you have to buy the materials, however, they will be a lot cheaper than buying commercially available handles.

I used 2 pieces of 1" I.D. (inside diameter) PVC pipe, each 6" long. Also 2 pieces of 1" O.D. (outside diameter) metal pipe, each cut to 12.5". I used some scrap closet rod. 4 hitch pins are needed to hold the weights in place. (These are available from any automotive supplier.) I suggest picking up scrap pipe at a Restore, or maybe you know a plumber who has some scraps on hand, or maybe you have a local hardware store that cuts pipe to length, otherwise you may have to buy it by the length at a big box store and that would defeat the purpose.

Construction is simple. Cut the PVC pipe using a fine tooth saw. 2 pieces, each 6" long. Use a mitre box to make sure the ends of the cut are 90 degrees. These surfaces act as a collar to hold the weights in place so you don't want them wobbly. Cut the steel pipe using a hack saw. 2 pieces, each 12.5" long. Again, use a mitre box to get the ends straight. Slide the PVC pipe over the steel pipe and measure to make certain it is centred. (same amount of steel pipe exposed at each end). Use your weights as spacers and mark where you will drill for the hitch pins. (each side) You may want to mark several holes if you are going to use different combinations of weights. Drill holes straight through each pipe slightly larger than the diameter of your hitch pins. (1/8" for mine) Use a file to clean up the ends of the steel pipes and around the drill holes. Now just assemble. Your pins should fit tightly and not be easy to remove. That's it!