How to Make Hidden Stilts
Whether you want to be a clown for your child's birthday party or want to know what it feels like to be Shaquille O'Neal, walking on hidden stilts definitely draws attention. The key to making hidden stilts is making stilts that look like real-life legs. The actual stilts are hidden behind a fake leg and long pants. The footholds of the stilts must not protrude outside of the width of the pants.
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Things You'll Need
- Two bamboo poles, length of 4 feet
- Table saw
- 1-by-1 inch wooden plank, length of 6 inches
- Metal wire
- Wire cutters
- Power drill
- 1/4-inch drill bit
- Electronic screwdriver
- Eight 3/8-inch wood screws
- Two 8-inch diameter Styrofoam cylinder, height of 1 foot
- Utility knife
- Super glue
- Heavy-duty utility belt
- Long pants, length of 5 feet
Instructions
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1
Cut two bamboo poles to the length of 4 feet, using a table saw. The bamboo poles are strong enough to support your weight. Cut 1-by-1 inch wooden plank into four equal pieces with a length of 6 inches each. The four pieces are used for the foot support.
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2
Position two foot supports on each side of the bamboo pole. They should be 1 foot from the bottom end of the bamboo pole and parallel with each other. Wrap the bottom ends of the foot supports with metal wire twice. Twist the ends of the wires together three times and cut the wire with a wire cutter.
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3
Rotate the two supports perpendicular to the bamboo pole. Press the ends of the supports that are farthest away from the bamboo poles and drill a 1/4-inch pilot hole through the ends of the supports, using a power drill and 1/4-inch drill bit. Insert and screw a 3/8-inch wood screw into the pilot hole, using a electronic screwdriver. Position the drill 1/2-inch away from the previous hole and drill another 1/4-inch pilot hole. Insert and screw another 3/8-inch hole into the pilot hole. The end of the supports should have two screws.
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4
Press the opposite ends of the supports that are closest to the bamboo poles and drill 1/4-inch pilot hole through the ends of the supports and the bamboo pole, using a power drill and 1/4-inch drill bit. Insert and screw a 3/8-inch wood screw into the pilot hole. Position the drill 1/2-inch away from the previous hole and drill another 1/4-inch pilot hole. Insert and screw another 3/8-inch hole into the pilot hole. The end of the supports and bamboo pole should have two screws. Repeat Steps 2 to 4 for the other bamboo pole.
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5
Cut a 8-inch diameter Styrofoam cylinder to a height of 1 foot, using a utility knife. Position the cylinder vertically and cut the Styrofoam cylinder in half. Make a 1-inch vertical indentation in the center of the Styrofoam cylinder half, using a spoon. Make a 1-inch vertical indentation in the center of the other Styrofoam cylinder half, using a spoon. Glue the two halves around the bottom of the bamboo poles, using super glue. The Styfrofoam cylinder simulates human legs. Repeat this Step to make legs for the other pole.
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6
Wear a heavy-duty utility belt. Place your feet onto of the foot supports of each bamboo stick. Place the top ends of each stick on the sides of your body inside of the utility belt. The utility belt holds the bamboo stilts vertically to balance your weight and hide the sticks.
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Wear pants long enough to cover the stilts. The pants should be approximately 5 feet in length and come up to the middle of your chest.
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Tips & Warnings
Adjust the length of the bamboo stilts and pant length to adjust for your height. Hidden stilts are very difficult to balance. Practice with a partner on a soft surface before trying to walk on hard surfaces.
Wear protective gloves, goggles and mask when handling a table saw and power drill.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jen Siska/Lifesize/Getty Images
