Build your own Kettlebell with only $10 worth of supplies you can get from any hardware store!

Constructing Your Own T-Handle

Head to any hardware store or Home Depot and go to the plumbing aisle and find:

• One 3/4" diameter X 12" long pipe nipple for the vertical shaft. A "pipe nipple" is a short pipe threaded on both ends with male pipe thread

Tip: If you are shorter than 5'5" then use a 10" or even 8" pipe nipple to avoid dangerous brushing of the ground.

• Two 3/4" diameter X 4" long pipe nipples for handles

Tip: You can use electrical or duct tape to cover the outside threads - but always protect your hands with high quality gloves when training with the T-handle.

• One 3/4" diameter pipe "T" fitting
• One 3/4" floor flange
• Optional But Suggested: One spring clamp (suggestion - Irwin Quick-Grip 1") to keep plates from drifting up at the top of the swing.

Assembly Instructions:

• Connect the two 4" pipe nipples into the handles of the T pipe. You are basically extending these handles so you can hold them.
• Connect the 12" long pipe nipple into the single shaft of the T pipe. You are basically extending the vertical shaft of the T pipe to make a holding pipe for the weights.
• Slide weighted plates onto the body of the T handle.
• Attach the floor flange to keep the plates from falling off as you swing.
• Optional: attach the clamp to the pipe just above where the weight sits to keep the weights in place.

Tip: Do not swing the weights above sternum height.

Note: Replace the T-handle every six months.

Learn More About Performing Kettlebell Swings.

About the author

TIMOTHY FERRISS, nominated as one of Fast Company's "Most Innovative Business People of 2007," is author of the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and BusinessWeek bestseller, The 4-Hour Workweek, which has been published in 35 languages.

Wired magazine has called Tim "The Superman of Silicon Valley" for his manipulation of the human body. He is a tango world record holder, former national kickboxing champion (Sanshou), guest lecturer at Princeton University, and faculty member at Singularity University, based at NASA Ames Research Center.

When not acting as a human guinea pig, Tim enjoys speaking to organizations ranging from Nike to the Harvard School of Public Health.

Learn more about Tim Ferriss.

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