What Size PVC Pipe?

Training Powerlifting
1

I know where to get one, it’s cheap and practical. I’m thinking of getting one to practice my Olympic Lifts at home.

However, what size would you recommend? (Length / Diameter)

Also going to fill it up with sand to make it a little heavier, just to get the feel, rather than a floating bar. However, Anyone got any ideas how I could close off the ends? Don’t exactly want sand pouring out ha!

Thanks!

2

Why dont you make it the size of an olympic bar? Just a thought.

3

Yes thats what I have in mind but what size is the actually central portion of a Olympic bar? Don’t exactly need the outer portion as its not going to hold plates.

Regarding diameter, do you reckon it would be best being specific and having the same one inch diameter? or would there be any point in having it thicker like the outer portion of the bar?

Thanks

4

They sell end caps that you cement on.

Edit: This is dumb, a 5-7 foot long, 1 inch diameter pvc pipe filled with sand is gonna weight like 8-10 pounds and is going to whip around and bend like crazy. Just use an Olympic bar

5

I think you can get threaded caps for the ends so you could screw them on/off if you wanted to adjust the amount of sand.
Either that or buy a broomstick and drill/glue some weights into it.

6

I know it’s more expensive, but they make 15lb aluminum bars for situations like yours.

http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_4879_A_CategoryID_E_470

7

buy a stronger pvc pipe (schedule 40, or 80 if you can find it). Don’t use class 160 or 200 as it will whip all over the place and/or break and leave your living room covered in sand. I would buy a chunk of 3/4" or 1", but it really shouldn’t matter.

Using Sch40/Sch80 This will make the whip much less. If you can afford it just buy Galvanized or black iron pipe, a 5ft length of 3/4" wouldn’t cost you more than about 30 bucks. No whip, but heavier and no need to fill it with sand.