How to Make Cheap Juggling Clubs

Juggling clubs are weighted to make them move smoothly and predictably through the air.

Juggling is a popular sport and hobby in many countries around the world. Juggling can be done with a variety of objects, including balls and clubs. Juggling clubs are simple weighted sticks that usually resemble bowling pins. Although there are a wide range of juggling clubs available for purchase, many people prefer to make their own juggling clubs. This can save money, and making your own set of juggling clubs will allow you to customize them to your preferences.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Box cutter
• Permanent marker
• Masking tape
• Vinyl tape
• Duct tape
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Drill
• 3/32 inch drill bit
• Phillips head drill bit
• Pen
• Pencil
• 5/8 inch wooden dowel, 18 inches long
• 20 oz. plastic soda bottle
• Tennis ball
• 5/8 inch rubber furniture leg tip
• #6 size drywall screw
• #8 size finishing washer

Instructions

Preparation

1. Drill a hole with the 3/32" drill bit into the end of the dowel. The experts at Juggler.org say that the hole needs to be as deep as the drywall screw is long.

2. Remove the label, cap, and plastic ring from the clean and dry plastic soda bottle. Drill a hole using the 3/32" drill bit in the center of the bottom of the bottle.

3. Draw a line around the middle of the tennis ball. Use the box cutter to cut the tennis ball in half, and discard the inside of the ball.

Assembly

1. Insert the dowel into the soda bottle until it rests against the bottom of the bottle. Line up the hole in the dowel with the hole in the bottom of the bottle. Mark the dowel around the lip of the bottle with a pencil.

2. Remove the dowel from the bottle. Wrap masking tape around the dowel just above the line marked to note where the mouth of the bottle rests. Add layers of masking tape until the dowel fits snugly into the mouth of the bottle.

3. Slide the finishing washer onto the drywall screw. The experts at Jugglers.org say to use the Phillips head bit to drive the screw through the center of the top of the tennis ball half.

4. Press the tennis ball half inside out around the washer and screw head. Slide the screw through the hole in the bottle of the bottle, and then into the hole you drilled in the dowel. Slowly use the screwdriver or drill to drive the screw into the dowel.

5. Press the tennis ball half down over the bottom of the bottle. Green Club Project recommends securing the tennis ball over the end of the bottle to protect it from breaking upon impact with a hard surface.

Finishing the Club

1. Use colored vinyl tape to wrap the wooden handle completely. Start wrapping over the mouth of the bottle, and wrap all the way to the bottom of the dowel.

2. Attach a rubber furniture leg tip to the bottom of the handle. If a 5/8" tip is used, it should push on securely and need no further attachment.

3. Wrap several layers of colored duct tape around the middle of the soda bottle. The experts at Juggler.org recommend this to stabilize the bottle when it is dropped, and to add additional weight to the club.

4. Wrap a layer of vinyl tape to cover the gap between the tennis ball half and the bottom of the bottle.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate the bottle with spray paint, tape, or other materials before sliding it onto the dowel.

• Use reflective vinyl or duct tape for a flashy juggling show.

• Add extra layers of vinyl tape for a more cushioned handle.

• Do not make these clubs without the tennis ball half attached to the top. They will break very quickly, and will not be heavy enough to successfully juggle.

References

• Juggler.org: DIY Juggling Clubs
• Kingston Jugglers: The Green Club Project