Cheap Kettlebell Handles
During a visit to Menards, I had a eureka moment. I didn't really know what I was looking for, when I saw a "Handy Hanger". I knew I had something and bought a 9 1/4 inch one. When I got it home, I drilled 1/2 inch holes towards the bottom of the one handle and in an equal place on the other side. After I done this a reader recommended flattening the steel first. That would solve several problems and I done that to the one pictured above. I then took a 10" bolt and tried to figure out how to get a 1" shaft. It turns out, a 1/2 inch PVC piece covered with a 1" dumbbell pipe works great. I then decided to use pipe clamps as to hold the weights in place. I got this idea from the Homemade Exercise Equipment Site. I also put 1 1/2 inch rubber hose between the weights and the handle. It fits perfectly over 1" pipe and keeps everything very tight. I used some washers to get the bolt to fit correctly. I highly recommend using a stop bolt for the end. I cut a little of the one end of the hanger, for balance. The total cost was under $5!
I don't know exactly how much weight I will be able to get on the bell, at this point. I'm out of plates. The one above is almost exactly 36 pounds. A bigger handle may be needed to get real heavy. I'm looking for possible Ideas. Either a larger "Handy Hanger", if one exists or having a welder bend one inch pipe into the shape above. It is also possible to slip 1 1/2 inch rubber hose over 1 inch pipe to make a thicker grip area. A reader also suggested the use of electrical conduit. I need to check into it for this and several other ideas.
There is also an idea on the web (sorry couldn't find the link) using a basketball as the weight portion. This would work great for movements that involve catching the bell. I'm not sure how much weight will be possible.
My first idea for kettlebells involved the use of U-bolts. The ones above were made with 4 1/2 X 7 1/2 bolts I obtained locally. The are fine for single hand use but too small for two handed use. Larger bolts are available at McMaster-Carr. The main problem I hand with them was making a handle. I ended up using lots of tape. This is still an excellent idea, especially if the handle problem is solved. A simular idea sent in by a reader involves the use of 2 threaded bars for the Long part going from handle to weight bar, and pipe for the weight bar and handle. I think it would work as well as this design.
Other sites with ideas:
Brian's Strength and equipment site includes an idea using plumbing pipe as well as a lot of other homemade ideas.
Bryce's site has another welding idea as well as a lot of other homemade ideas.
As with all equipment, if you plan to compete or have the money, I highly recommend the real thing. They can be found at Dragondoor.