DIY Space | Quick & Easy Kettlebell

As you may have noticed, we are fond of the quick and easy around this DIY Space. 

If you’re like us, trying to keep all your ducks in a row is tough work and doesn’t always leave a lot of extra time for creative projects. Like most people in this community, you are probably busy working, keeping up with your personal life, and tending to your fitness regimen. 

We know you and we feel you. So today, we’ll show you how to build a loadable kettlebell in under a minute and for about $30. 

Can it be true? Yes, yes it can. 

DISCLOSURE: This DIY kettlebell is basic AF. It is the Becky of kettlebells, okay? It is for kettlebell swings only, so don't get too crazy. 

Step #1 Buy Stuff

Buy

• 1 – 1″ galvanized flange
• 1 – 1″ galvanized t-shape
• 2 – 5″ long x 1″ diameter galvanized pipe pieces
• 1 – 6″ long x 1″ diameter galvanized pipe pieces
• 2 – 1″ galvanized end caps

I would probably check out Walmart first as they usually have a value brand that is very economical. The flanges can get pricey so if anything, buy most of your items from your local hardware store and buy the flange from Walmart or somewhere cheap. 

PRO TIP: Feeling like this may be too wide for your legs? Just choose slightly shorter galvanized nipples and you can fix that and save some money too.

Step #2 Assemble It All!

So this is really easy and pretty intuitive, but I took pictures of each part being added just in case! 

First, take the flange and screw the 6″ piece into it.

Then, the T-shape goes on top of the 6″ piece.

Next put the 5″ piece into the T-shape 

And then put the other in too.

And now cap both the ends and you’re done!!

PRO TIP: For some reason, my local hardware store only had 5” pieces that were lubed :( Yuck! So I decided to wrap my handles later with some cute tape and it fixed that. So if you run into the same issue, just buy the lubed ones and get some cute tape while you’re at it!

Step #3 (Optional)

The Kettlebell by itself weighs about 4 lbs (3.9 to be exact). So if you’re just starting out, that might be the ideal weight for you. 

However, as you progress in your training, you will need to increase the weight. When that time comes (possibly now possibly later) unscrew the bottom flange and add weight plates. I recommend starting with 5 lbs and then going to 10lbs and so on and so forth. However, the weight is all up to YOU. 

PRO TIP: Want to add more weight but don’t want to increase the diameter of the plates? Just get a galvanized nipple that’s longer than the 6” one this blog calls for and stack the plates up! 

Please note, plates will not be a snug fit, so they will clank around as you swing. Just use duct tape to increase the plate’s diameter and to absorb some of the noise. Cute duct tape is optional but encouraged!!