OK, so I'm one of those people that sees a $55 spreader bar and says I bet I could make that for < $20. Thanks to the Hollywood Home Depot guy for the electrical conduit suggestion and free cut. Haven't tested it yet, but will report back if revisions are required.
PARTS
i154.photobucket.com/albums/...arts.jpg
- 1 piece of 1/2" (inner diameter) galvanized electrical conduit
note: Dry fit your parts to determine the length. For me 39.5" was perfect.
- 1 quantity 3/8" x 36" length of threaded rod
note: Verify that the thread spacing matches the eyebolts.
- 2 quantity 3/8" x 4" eyebolts
- 2 quantity 3/8" nuts (these came with the eyebolts)
- 2 quantity 3/8" coupling nuts
note: Again verify the threading is compatible with your eyebolts/threaded rod.
- 2 quantity 1/2" inner diameter washers (the ones I found had an outer diameter of 7/8")
note: If the conduit is too short you can always add more washers.
- black spray paint (optional)
- acrylic clear coat (optional)
ASSEMBLY/CUT TIME
10-15 minutes
DIRECTIONS
1. Do a dry fit to determine the length of conduit you need. Screw the 3/8" (non-coupling) nut all the way up both eyebolts. Add the washers to each eyebolt. Screw the coupling nuts on both eyebolt, leaving ~ half of nut free for the threaded rod. Screw in the threaded rod between both coupling nuts. Now measure the space between the washers to determine the length of conduit you will need.
2. Cut the conduit to length. You may need to ream out the end of the conduit on the cut end if the left over metal bends in slightly.
3. Paint/clear coat the conduit if desired. I kind of like the industrial look, although I might clear coat.
4. Unscrew one of the eyebolts from the coupling nut and remove the washer.
5. Slide the conduit over the open end of the threaded rod/coupling nut.
6. Screw the washer and eyebolt back into the coupling nut. You can add extra washers (or less optimally unscrew the nut to a lower position on the eyebolt) if you accidently cut your conduit too short.
7. Restrain away.
FINISHED PRODUCT
i154.photobucket.com/albums/...shed.jpg
PARTS
i154.photobucket.com/albums/...arts.jpg
- 1 piece of 1/2" (inner diameter) galvanized electrical conduit
note: Dry fit your parts to determine the length. For me 39.5" was perfect.
- 1 quantity 3/8" x 36" length of threaded rod
note: Verify that the thread spacing matches the eyebolts.
- 2 quantity 3/8" x 4" eyebolts
- 2 quantity 3/8" nuts (these came with the eyebolts)
- 2 quantity 3/8" coupling nuts
note: Again verify the threading is compatible with your eyebolts/threaded rod.
- 2 quantity 1/2" inner diameter washers (the ones I found had an outer diameter of 7/8")
note: If the conduit is too short you can always add more washers.
- black spray paint (optional)
- acrylic clear coat (optional)
ASSEMBLY/CUT TIME
10-15 minutes
DIRECTIONS
1. Do a dry fit to determine the length of conduit you need. Screw the 3/8" (non-coupling) nut all the way up both eyebolts. Add the washers to each eyebolt. Screw the coupling nuts on both eyebolt, leaving ~ half of nut free for the threaded rod. Screw in the threaded rod between both coupling nuts. Now measure the space between the washers to determine the length of conduit you will need.
2. Cut the conduit to length. You may need to ream out the end of the conduit on the cut end if the left over metal bends in slightly.
3. Paint/clear coat the conduit if desired. I kind of like the industrial look, although I might clear coat.
4. Unscrew one of the eyebolts from the coupling nut and remove the washer.
5. Slide the conduit over the open end of the threaded rod/coupling nut.
6. Screw the washer and eyebolt back into the coupling nut. You can add extra washers (or less optimally unscrew the nut to a lower position on the eyebolt) if you accidently cut your conduit too short.
7. Restrain away.
FINISHED PRODUCT
i154.photobucket.com/albums/...shed.jpg
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Re: diy spreader bar
Tue, August 21, 2007 - 11:21 AMor
broomstick & screw in eye bolts
quick & easy :) -
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Re: diy spreader bar
Wed, August 22, 2007 - 12:41 PMCloset rods also work well, since they're about 1-1/4" in diameter and made of pretty strong and hard wood. -
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Re: diy spreader bar
Tue, September 4, 2007 - 11:58 PMI think Varla's finished product looks much better than just wood, and probably has a good feel, too.
I'd worry about it bending, though, as EMT isn't very stiff. Does it bend much, Varla? Could use rigid conduit instead, but that's likely heavier than needed and will unpleasantly weigh down your toy bag.
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