How to Build a Gymnastics Bar (Step-by-Step Plans)

DIY Gymnastics Bar

Want to build your own gymnastics bar? Then this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to do it.

Follow along as we cover this custom gymnastics bar that Brian built for his daughter using Kee Klamp fittings and pipe. In this guide, we'll cover the full details of Brian's project, what fittings he used to build the gymnastics bar, and show you the exact steps to put it all together (with helpful diagrams and detailed instructions). Let's get to it:

Brian's Gymnastics Bar Project Details:

As we mentioned above, Brian's gymnastics bar is built completely from Kee Klamp fittings and pipe. Unlike traditional pipe fittings that connect to pipe using a threaded connection, Kee Klamp fittings slide over pipe and secure down by tightening a set screw on the fitting. This makes them much easier to use.

However, one of the biggest advantages in the case of Brian's gymnastics bar is that because the bar is built using Kee Klamp, the entire structure can be dissembled and reassembled (completely or partially). This makes the bar easier to transport. It also allows the top bar to be adjusted in height.

To adjust the height, Brian can loosen the set screw on the Single Socket Tee fittings, adjust the height, and then tighten the set screw back down to secure the bar in place. This would not be possible using traditional pipe fittings.

The gymnastics bar is 4 ft. wide by 5 ft. long. The uprights are 4 ft. wide. As Brian's daughter gets older, he can replace the vertical lengths of pipe and adjust the height of the bar to allow his daughter to continue using the bar as she continues to grow.

To give the bar a bit of style, Brian finished the pipe using Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch spray paint while leaving the pipe fittings in their original silver finish. He applied one coat of primer to the pipe followed by two coats of color.

The assembly of the gymnastics bar only took Brian about an hour. However, he did spend approximately six hours on the entire project with most of that time dedicated to painting the pipe (preparation, allowing the pipe to dry, etc.). Here's what Brian had to say about the project:

"It was very simple using the Kee Klamps, and I was surprised at how well the securement bolts (set screws) held the pipe once tightened. I had no issues at all with the assembly."


Specs:

  • Length: 5.00'
  • Width: 4.00'
  • Height: Configurable (4.00')

Assembly:

  • clock 20 Minutes
  • wrench Allen Key

What's included:

All of the pipe and fittings needed to assemble the gymnastics bar.

What's not:

Allen Key, Gymnastics Skills

 

How to Assemble the Gymnastics Bar:

DIY Gymnastics Bar Plans

As with most Kee Klamp projects, you can approach the assembly process in any way that makes sense to you. There is no "set" order for assembling a Kee Klamp project. However, we've outlined what we believe to be the simplest approach to assembling the gymnastics bar. Follow along using the steps and diagrams below to build your own gymnastics bar.

DIY Gymnastics Bar Plans

First, start by assembling the base of the gymnastics bar. This section will use five sections of pipe, four 90 Degree Elbow fittings, two 30 to 60 Degree Socket Tee fittings, and two Single Outlet Tee fittings.

Slide one Side Outlet Tee fitting and one 30 to 60 Degree Socket Tee fitting onto each of the two longer lengths of pipe. These can be secured to the pipe at this time by tightening the set screw on each fitting. However, you may elect to leave these loose and tighten them down later. Either way, you will need to make sure that these fittings are set at the same position on both lengths of pipe.

From there, you can "cap off" the end of both lengths of pipe using the 90 Degree Elbow. This fitting can be secured to the pipe at this time.

DIY Gymnastics Bar Plans

The base of the gymnastics bar should now like the diagram above. From here, you can simply connect the two longer lengths of pipe with the three shorter pieces. Two will connect to the open socket on the 90 Degree Elbow at both ends of the longer pipe sections. One will connect to the Side Outlet Tee at the middle.

With everything in position, you can secure the pipe in place by tightening down the set screw on each fitting.

DIY Gymnastics Bar Plans

You should now have a complete base as pictured in the diagram above.

DIY Gymnastics Bar Plans

Now, you can add the supports. One short length of pipe will slide into the open socket on the 30 to 60 Degree Socket Tee. Another 30 to 60 Degree Socket Tee can then be added to the opposite end of the pipe. Tighten the set screw on each fitting (you may want to leave the connection just slightly loose until the very end of the assembly to allow some play in the fitting).

Repeat the same process on the other side of the base.

DIY Gymnastics Bar Plans

The base should now look like the diagram pictured above.

DIY Gymnastics Bar Plans

From here, you can slide in the two vertical lengths of pipe. These will slide through the open socket on the 30 to 60 Degree Socket and into the open socket on the Side Outlet Tee.

DIY Gymnastics Bar Plans

The last step is to attach the horizontal bar. First, attach a Single Socket Tee at each end of the bar (make sure to leave enough room for the pipe to slide through the open socket). With these fittings in place and secured to the pipe, slide the bar onto the vertical supports. Position it at your desired height and secure the bar in place by tightening the set screws on the Single Socket Tee fittings.

The height of this bar can always be adjusted later by loosening the set screw on these fittings, setting the height, and tightening the set screws back down to secure the bar in place.

Lastly, complete a final check of all the fittings and make sure the set screw on each fitting is tight.

DIY Gymnastics Bar Plans

That's it! You should now have a complete gymnastics bar just like the one Brian built for his daughter.

If you have any trouble assembling the gymnastics bar or have any questions on the fittings you need to put the bar together, please reach out to our team for help. Our team is experienced in designing Kee Klamp built projects, and they will work with you to come up with a design that is perfect for your needs. Our projects team can be reached via email at projects@simplifiedbuilding.com or by visiting our free design assistance page here.

Lastly, if you enjoyed this project, be sure to check out the hundreds of other cool projects that customers have built using Kee Klamp in our projects area here.

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