How to Make a Fidget Ladder

At its most basic, a fidget ladder is simply a very unstable rope ladder. Yet, this unsophisticated piece of equipment can make for a great challenge in a confidence course, test the abilities of team members to give and receive input, or simply keep a group of friends entertained for hours. Whether it's for a course or just a backyard play set, the experience of building your own and sharing it with family and friends can bring great satisfaction.

Things You'll Need

• 50 feet of 1/2 inch, 3-strand, nylon rope
• Marker or felt tip pen
• 11 dowels; 18 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide
• Tape measure
• Drill
• 1/2 inch drill bit
• Vise

Instructions

Prepare the Rungs

1. Place an 18-inch dowel in the vise, leaving at least three inches of dowel sticking out.

2. Drill a hole 1-inch in from the end of the dowel. Repeat on the opposite end of the dowel, making certain the holes are at identical angles.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 with each of the remaining 10 dowels.

Start the Ladder

1. Lay out the rope and fold it in half to find the exact middle. The middle point on the rope will be the top of the ladder. Make a mark at the middle point so you can find it easily as you work.

2. Measure two points, 24 inches from the middle of the rope down both sides and mark each point.

3. Make a loose knot just below each mark.

4. Check the knots against each other, making certain that they are next to each other when the rope is folded in half. Adjust if necessary and then tighten.

5. Push each end of the rope through the holes in a rung and push the rung up the rope until it fits snugly against the knot on each side.

6. Tie a knot on each side of the rope below the rung so that the rung is held snugly between the knots above and below it.

Finish the Ladder

1. Measure 18 inches down both sides of the rope from the bottom of the rung and mark both points.

2. Tie knots just above each mark, making certain the knots are at equal distances from the rung.

3. Push each end of the rope through the holes in a rung and push the rung up the rope until it fits snugly against the knot on each side.

4. Tie a knot on each side of the rope below the rung so that the rung is held snugly between the knots above and below it.

5. Repeat Steps 1-4 until all rungs are attached.

6. Measure 24 inches from the final rung down each side of the rope. Tie the ends together at that point with a square knot.

Tips & Warnings

• For the best results, reinforce or wrap the square knot and do not use it as an attachment point.

• Use the excess rope below the square knot to secure that end of the ladder.

References

• Custom cargo nets: measurements and photos.