Building a home hangboard is a fantastic way to train finger strength and maintain climbing fitness, especially when outdoor climbing isn't an option. Rather than spending a fortune on commercial holds, you can craft your own using recycled materials. Not only does this save money, but it also reduces waste and allows for highly customizable grip shapes.
Here's a guide to some of the best DIY climbing holds you can make from recycled materials, along with tips for safety and durability.
Wooden Holds from Old Furniture
Old furniture, pallets, or wooden crates are ideal for creating a variety of grips.
How to Use:
- Cut wood into small, ergonomic shapes: edges, slopers, and pockets.
- Sand thoroughly to remove splinters while maintaining some friction.
- Drill pilot holes for mounting screws.
Benefits:
- Strong and long-lasting.
- Easy to shape and customize for different finger strengths.
- Can be stained or sealed for added durability.
PVC and Plastic Pipe Holds
Recycled PVC pipes or thick plastic tubing can be repurposed into rounded or tubular grips.
How to Use:
- Cut the pipe into lengths suitable for pinches or rails.
- Sand the edges lightly to prevent sharp contact.
- Attach using screws through wooden backings or mount directly on a board.
Benefits:
- Smooth, consistent surface that mimics commercial rails.
- Great for pinch and open-hand grip training.
- Lightweight and weather-resistant if you use plastic outdoors.
Old Toys and Sports Equipment
Unexpected items like plastic balls, skateboards, or even old dumbbells can be converted into holds.
How to Use:
- Cut and shape the object to a comfortable size.
- Secure it onto a wooden backboard with screws or heavy-duty adhesives.
- Cover rough edges with sandpaper or tape to prevent injury.
Benefits:
- Unique shapes that challenge different grip types.
- Adds a playful element to training.
- Encourages creativity and resourcefulness.
Concrete or Plaster Holds Using Recycled Molds
For a more permanent solution, you can cast holds using leftover cement, plaster, or even clay.
How to Use:
- Use old containers, boxes, or molds to shape the holds.
- Mix the material and pour it into the mold, adding texture with sandpaper or rocks for friction.
- Let dry completely before mounting.
Benefits:
- Durable and highly customizable in shape and texture.
- Can mimic natural rock features.
- Perfect for creating slopers, pockets, and crimps.
Mounting and Safety Tips
When making DIY holds, safety and durability are key:
- Use a Strong Backboard: Plywood or recycled wood sheets provide a solid base.
- Pre-Drill Holes: Prevent splitting the material when mounting screws.
- Check Weight Tolerance: Make sure holds can support your body weight without cracking.
- Sand and Seal: Remove sharp edges and consider a sealant for longevity.
- Test Gradually: Start with lighter training to ensure holds are stable.
Design for Progression
DIY holds allow you to vary difficulty and focus on specific grips:
- Crimps: Small wooden blocks or cut plastic pieces.
- Slopers: Rounded PVC or molded concrete forms.
- Pinches: Thick wooden rectangles or repurposed dumbbell handles.
- Pockets: Hollowed wood or layered materials to simulate small holes.
Rotate and rearrange holds periodically to create new challenges and prevent overuse injuries.
Conclusion
Crafting your own climbing holds using recycled materials is not only eco-friendly and budget-conscious, but also highly rewarding. From wood and PVC to old toys and concrete molds, you can create a versatile, personalized hangboard setup at home. By focusing on safety, proper sanding, and secure mounting, you'll have a DIY training system that challenges your grip and finger strength just as effectively as commercial holds.
Recycled materials meet climbing ingenuity---your fingers will thank you.