How to Build a Pair of Stilts

Stilts are a classic toy that are not only fun but also good exercise, especially for development of coordination and balance. Here is an easy and inexpensive way to make a sturdy pair of stilts.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 8-foot pieces of "2 by 2" wood
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Cross cut saw (either electric or manual)
• Drill
• Drill bit to match your exterior screws
• 1/4-inch drill bit
• 4 3-inch exterior screws
• 4 2-inch exterior screws
• 4 3 1/2-inch hex bolts that are 1/4-inch diameter
• 4 1/4-inch wing nuts
• Hammer
• Pliers
• Sandpaper
• Varnish or paint

1. 

   Use a tape measure to mark off points 4 inches, 12 inches and 15 1/2 inches from one end of the 2 by 2's. Use a cross-cut saw to cut at these marks. You should then have two 4-inch sections, two 8-inch sections, two 3 1/2-inch sections and two 7-foot sections of wood.

2. 

   Put the 4-inch section on top of the 8-inch section, to form a right angle. Secure them into this position with the 3-inch exterior screws.

3. 

   Cut the ends of the 3 1/2-inch sections to form 45-degree angles. Place them on the inside corners of the of the L-shaped pieces you just made. Secure them with the 2-inch exterior screws. (These L-shaped pieces will be the "steps" for the stilts.)

4. 

   Use the measuring tape and make two marks on the bottom of the step pieces, exactly 3 inches apart. Drill 1/4-inch diameter holes at these marks, all the way through the wood. Now you are ready to drill the holes up the sides of the poles.

5. 

   Place a step on top of the end of one of the long pieces of wood. Put the drill bit back into the holes you just drilled, and drill straight down again, drilling into the piece under it. Then, to make the third hole, put one of the carriage bolts into the the second hole, then swivel the step around so that the open hole is over the spot where you want the third hole to be. This method will ensure that the holes on the poles are exactly the same distance apart as the holes on the steps.

6. Continue swiveling the step up the pole, always leaving the carriage bolt in the lower hole. Drill six or eight holes up the side of the pole. (It is up to you how high you want the holes to go.)

7. 

   Put the steps onto the sides of the poles (both at the same height!) and push the carriage bolts all the way through both holes. Secure on the other side with the wing nuts. You might need to use a pair of pliers to keep the head of the bolt still while you tighten the wing nuts.

8. Use sandpaper to sand the stilts, especially where your hands will be. Make sure there are no splinters.

9. Use varnish or paint to put a finish coat on the stilts. This will greatly reduce the chance of getting a splinter while using the stilts.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a drill press, if you have access to one, to drill the holes for the carriage bolts. The drill press will create much straighter holes than a hand drill can.
• Always be careful when using stilts. Don't put the steps up too high, and make sure you have someone there to "spot" you while you are learning to use them.