DIY Home Gym Pulley System (FOUR Options)

In this video, I cover FOUR different DIY pulley systems for your home gym.
CONFIGURATION 1 PARTS LIST:
(Links are affiliated and will help the channel if you use them)
(Most of these items will be cheaper at your local hardware store.)
-1/8th inch coated steel cable: amzn.to/2NCrgDS
-1 pulley (pulley that separates or pulley with cotter pin): amzn.to/3eDbQeI
-1 4-inch screw hook: amzn.to/2VrrzWq
-2 1/8th inch cable thimbles: amzn.to/3dBEqeZ
-2 Interlocking Spring Snaps: amzn.to/2CFF1zs
-A weight pin: amzn.to/2BhGPhJ
-cable ferrules: amzn.to/2VpjykY
or
cable clamps: amzn.to/2YFqqfS
(If using cable ferrules, you will need a crimping tool: amzn.to/2NCdsJK )
CONFIGURATION 2 PARTS LIST:
-1/8th inch coated steel cable: amzn.to/2NCrgDS
-2 flat mount pulleys: amzn.to/2YDNuMh
-1 regular pulley: amzn.to/3eDbQeI
-An exhaust clamp or U Bolt: amzn.to/3i1G4tM
-4 1/8th inch cable thimbles: amzn.to/3dBEqeZ
-3 or 4 Interlocking Spring Snaps: amzn.to/2CFF1zs
-A weight pin: amzn.to/2BhGPhJ
-cable ferrules: amzn.to/2VpjykY
or
cable clamps: amzn.to/2YFqqfS
(If using cable ferrules, you will need a crimping tool: amzn.to/2NCdsJK )
CONFIGURATION 3 PARTS LIST:
-1/8th inch coated steel cable: amzn.to/2NCrgDS
-3 flat mount pulleys: amzn.to/2YDNuMh
-4 1/8th inch cable thimbles: amzn.to/3dBEqeZ
-3 Interlocking Spring Snaps: amzn.to/2CFF1zs
-A weight pin: amzn.to/2BhGPhJ
-cable ferrules: amzn.to/2VpjykY
or
cable clamps: amzn.to/2YFqqfS
(If using cable ferrules, you will need a crimping tool: amzn.to/2NCdsJK )
CONFIGURATION 4 PARTS LIST:
-1/8th inch coated steel cable: amzn.to/2NCrgDS
-3 pulleys: amzn.to/3eDbQeI
-3 Soft Loop Tie-Down Straps: amzn.to/2B8ixad
-4 1/8th inch cable thimbles: amzn.to/3dBEqeZ
-5 Interlocking Spring Snaps: amzn.to/2CFF1zs
-A weight pin: amzn.to/2BhGPhJ
-cable ferrules: amzn.to/2VpjykY
or
cable clamps: amzn.to/2YFqqfS
(If using cable ferrules, you will need a crimping tool: amzn.to/2NCdsJK )
PREMADE OPTIONS:
Spud Inc: bit.ly/spudinc
SYL Fitness: amzn.to/31pdPQ2
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Sony a6400 with 18-135mm lens: amzn.to/2YaafVo
Sigma 16mm F1.4: amzn.to/2Xea4ff
MOVO mic: amzn.to/2IEnjNj
DJI Ronin SC: amzn.to/2B5j2hr
Zhiyun TransMount Quick Release Plates: amzn.to/2J3Jbl1
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My editing computer (Links are affiliated and will help out the channel if you use them.):
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X: amzn.to/2LvubgY
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X72 360mm: amzn.to/2YvHMui
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Power Supply: EVGA Supernova 750W G5: amzn.to/36hr0Bt
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Mouse: Logitech MX Master 2S: amzn.to/33Vdm5L
Battery Backup: CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD: amzn.to/2PlkIdv
#TreadawayTraining #HomeGym #DIYHomeGymPulleySystem #PulleySystem #GymPulley

[@RyanTreadaway]

What cable configurations have you used in your home gym?

[@RyanTreadaway]

@watermelon1111111 that's awesome! I'd love to see a picture

[@bennywilliams9532]

This is a great instructional video! Clear and concise. Thank you 🏋️

[@RyanTreadaway]

Thank you!!

[@thorazine791]

Great setup, thanks for going through all the parts needed.

[@RyanTreadaway]

Happy to do it! Let me know once you get it set up!

[@jacosteyn7361]

Thanks for the info. I wanted to make a pulley gym but needed some guidance. Gonna start one after I get all the materials and cleaned up my garage. Dig the 'stache by the way.

[@RyanTreadaway]

You'll love it. One of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can have, which is the name of the game for home gyms. Thanks for the compliment my friend!

[@MateoCroo]

I made this thing around my squat rack. Also have similar one on another side for some cable flyes. Nice setup btw 👊💪

[@RyanTreadaway]

Heck yea! We plan to add another able to ours eventually so we can do flyes as well.

[@zaineridling]

This took a lot of thought. Brilliant!!

[@RyanTreadaway]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@aviadyehezkel]

Very good video, dude. Thanks alot!

[@RyanTreadaway]

Happy to help! Send me a picture if you set up some cables!

[@NicoAlvarez12]

Why doesn't this video have millions of views? You're great, thank you very much!

[@RyanTreadaway]

Thank you for your complement. Share the video with your friends and maybe it will one day have a million views! Lol

[@papamartin7607]

Great presentation

[@RyanTreadaway]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@jamaalmresbang9172]

Lovin the stache 🤙🏼

[@RyanTreadaway]

Thanks Jamaal!

[@objectivityargumentation6856]

I never thought of this. I've been struggling with an effective way to do abduction/adduction without spending a lot of money on a machine (and leg weights just take too long in terms of adjusting the weight for each exercise). THANK YOU!!!!

[@RyanTreadaway]

Happy I could help!

[@TrevorHamberger]

Athlean x hip band ladder

[@NKNeptune]

excellent youtubing bro! will be making mine over the next couple days.

[@RyanTreadaway]

Let me know how it goes!

[@slaykittens]

Just made configuration 2, and I used cable clamps, had my first workout with it and I recommend going with the ferrules, the clamps will get stuck on any clothing it touches, and if you have a gut it will scratch tf outta you lol. If you get all your measurements down and buy the ferrules Home Depot will let you crimp it there.

[@RyanTreadaway]

I can shrink wrap it or put tape over clamps but I definitely prefer the ferrules.

[@HeritageCast]

Love the idea of just using what you already have in a garage. And with a handy man who knows building you can easily get something set up thats permanent for like $100 bucks that doesn't add stress to the joists...

[@RyanTreadaway]

The only one I'd really be concerned about would be the one I mentioned that was pulling sideways on the joist, but if you put the reinforcements I mentioned, it shouldn't be an issue.

[@HeritageCast]

Another cool option is just using a Door Frame Pull up Bar. Karen Chang has a video doing this. All the same materials and just using a pullup bar as the attachment...

[@RyanTreadaway]

That's a great option as well!

[@demongrara]

Thank you so much

[@RyanTreadaway]

Happy to help!

[@ahorse729]

You can also hang it off the top of squat rack or chinup part of power tower via a tree swing hanging kit.

[@RyanTreadaway]

I've not checked into that. I assume the figure 8 loops will be cheaper though.

[@JimmieBee87]

Older video but another option if you have a beam you can wrap stuff around and dont want to drill in. I got swing straps and used a spring hook to attach both ends and also hang my pully.

[@RyanTreadaway]

Great suggestion!

[@dionbritten5777]

This was great

[@RyanTreadaway]

Glad it was helpful to you!

[@dionbritten5777]

@@RyanTreadaway good info

[@pietervercauteren3580]

Great vid! I bolted a wooden beam on top of my power rack, sticking out about 25 inches on each side.Then I hung a pulley on each side so now I have a double pulley system without the need for extra room next to my power rack and without having to bolt it to the ceiling..Still looking for a way to be able to use them as low pulleys too..

[@RyanTreadaway]

I love it! You could add a bottom pulley like I show for the squat rack. Sounds like that should still work for your set up.

[@stephenthompson1338]

What do you use the double cables for'does it work for flys?

[@tasosema7638]

good job men

[@RyanTreadaway]

Thank you!

[@johnburnum3330]

Thanks for the video. Does the bottom pulley try to slide up after some use? Where did you purchase the pulleys you used and what do you use to cut the 3/16 wire?

[@RyanTreadaway]

Nope! Not at all. The pulleys we purchased were actually from a poultry store. They're meant for heavy machinery, like feed systems in a chicken house. You could be able to find appropriate pulleys at your local hardware store though. We just used cable cutters for the cable.

[@DrenneRvc]

What did you do to get rid of the swinging and swaying of the weights? Sorry if I missed in video.

[@RyanTreadaway]

When you have more pulleys in the system, it doesn't sway as much, especially if you use the block style pulleys. You shouldn't have to do anything extra. If you use a single pulley, it'll swing more. You can attach a residence bands to reduce swinging.

[@dianaguerrero3205]

What would you guys recommend for at home pulley system for chest workouts ?

[@RyanTreadaway]

You can do this same thing twice to create a cable crossover.

[@garyzuelch8152]

Good stuff man, just found the channel. Like the mustache

[@RyanTreadaway]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend! Thanks for the compliment!

[@ipappim7336]

Kinda sad cuz u don't have 100k subs the vid quality is insane and well built i. Just subbed

[@RyanTreadaway]

We're growing slowly but surely. I think I was around 1.5k when I put this vid up. Spread the word! haha Thanks for the compliment.

[@ipappim7336]

@@RyanTreadaway when i watched ur vid i thought u were famous cuz the effort and quality of the video wad obviously high youre gonna be famous mann

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@ipappim7336 I appreciate the compliments!

[@rolldy4984]

Do you have a picture of option 3, which is what I am planning to install

[@RyanTreadaway]

Unfortunately I do not. I only have the diagram that I showed in the video.

[@juanbenavides182]

Great video man! I went a combination of the first and second setup and using the 4 inch hooks to hang the pulleys to the joist. However, my issue is that after a few sessions the hooks started bending. I keep bending them back, but I'm afraid they will break eventually. Did you use specific heavy duty ones, or just regular ones? Thanks.

[@RyanTreadaway]

I definitely wouldn't advise to continue to use them if they're bending. You could injure yourself very badly. In terms of what hooks to use. Just make sure it's a thicker hook and that it's stainless steel and not a cheaper metal.

[@juanbenavides182]

Thank you, I think I will just switch to wall mount pulleys to make sure everything is steady.

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@juanbenavides182 that's probably for the best.

[@terencewulff5685]

Great video! I see your link to cotter pin pulleys, but I’d rather have the simple separation ones you use. I can’t find them anywhere. Any ideas?

[@RyanTreadaway]

I can't remember for sure. I may have gotten them at a local poultry farm supply store.

[@scatteredlightproductions]

Excellent video. Where did you get your posts for option two?

[@RyanTreadaway]

The red posts? They're the house support posts in my parents basement.

[@pedrog5846]

Can you make a video on the different exercises with this homemade pulley system?

[@RyanTreadaway]

You can do basically any exercises you could do with a pulley system at the gym. With high pulley you could do: lat pulldowns, tricep extension, overhead curls, high rows, face pulls, etc With low pulley, you could do: curls, lying tricep extension, incline tricep extension, lateral raises, hip abduction, etc

[@RyanTreadaway]

Hey Pedro! I randomly came across your comment again. I actually just put out a video last week covering all of my home dym DIY's. In that video, I cover some creative uses for the pulley system: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHjKq6FqpsR2edk

[@Internetlo]

Can I do this set up on the pull up bar for the rogue SML2?

[@RyanTreadaway]

Yes! You'd get the pieces I outlined for the removable setup. There'd just be 1 pulley instead of 2 up top.

[@chelsiiiwhoo4030]

If you’re doing this from a pull up bar, how would you do lower pulley exercises without the rack mentioned in the video?

[@RyanTreadaway]

The only way would be to have 2 pulleys. You have to have something to attach a low pulley to.

[@futbol1972]

Iam running out of space but I like cable machines. I just don't know if I really need it?? also have a rogue wall band station that I made with the matador dip station. So I am not sure if I really need a cable machine? What do you think? This is what I have in my garage gym.... I have echo rogue bike, ply box, lat pull down bar, rings, kettlebells, tire, mace bells, battle rope, punching bags, power block dumbbells, medicine balls, sled, band station with matador dip station, barbells with prx foldable squat rack. Stall horse mats and other stuff. Been thinking about getting cable machine though. I don't do crossfit but I like to do functional workouts, hitt workouts and kindda heavy lifting here and there too. If I get functional cable machine lime the inspire one at Costco I will probably sell my lat pull down, what do u think??

[@RyanTreadaway]

I think every gym should have a cable machine. There's just SO many exercises you can do with cables. I wouldn't sell your lat pulldown though.

[@jopoitras]

I check the pulley and I want to know if it's quiet? I buy a pulley a few weeks ago and it's a little bit noisy. Garage door pulley!

[@RyanTreadaway]

Have you put machine oil on the pulley?

[@jopoitras]

Ryan Treadaway yes but it’s still noisy. I don’t no why.

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@jopoitras I would recommend a grease fitting pulley or one with bearings. That will give the smoothest and quietest experience.

[@AexoeroV]

Hello, very good video, thanks! English is not my native, you said the cable is 1/8 inch thick? This measurement is with the coating or without? I want to know exactly because i dont want ending buying some cable that is so thick that it's not flexible anymore!

[@RyanTreadaway]

1/8 with the coating! Sorry it took me so long to respond!

[@Chiwawaleg]

Bro can you please do a cable crossover video Please

[@RyanTreadaway]

For sure! It would be pretty similar but with two cables. You'd just have to use a pulley with a free end instead of a block pulley.

[@lisonal]

Do I need 250ft for the method number 2 ?

[@RyanTreadaway]

It just depends on your space. Look at where you're putting it, measure each section off, and add it up. I'm thinking we used ~50 ft

[@ZacBlickerGuitar]

How high does the ceiling have to be?

[@RyanTreadaway]

It doesn't have to be any specific height. You'll just need to cut the cable to be the appropriate length for your ceiling.

[@stephenthompson1338]

You don't need the crimping tool for the cable connectors,just put it on a hard surface with the cable in it where you want than pound them flat with a hammer,done it a few times for various reasons and never had a problem.do you have a problem with the plastic covered cable cracking all up and causing a bunch of friction?that is what happened to me,I have had better luck with the bare cable

[@RyanTreadaway]

Since we already have the crimping tool, I'll continue using it. Maybe it's just me but I don't trust the hammered cable as much. Lol I've not had any issue with this cable. We've had it since maybe a month before I made this video and it's not cracked yet.

[@stephenthompson1338]

@@RyanTreadaway yeah I would use the crimping tool too if I had one but I mentioned that for people like myself who don't and might think the crimper is the only option.crimping it is probably better,or else they wouldn't have made the tool but I always put three on each connection and have the last one on so it just covers the cut end so it doesn't fray and poke my hand.I hate those big u bolt connectors they look clunky and I hate fiddling with trying to get the nuts on the little bit of threads that stick out after its on the cable

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@stephenthompson1338 yea true. I'm definitely not a fan of u bolts, which is what most setups use.

[@PerformYounger]

I'm installing a pulley similar to your first method. However, i'm concerned about it's ability to hold heavy loads. I'm considering using 2 eye bolts and 2 pulleys (both on their own joist) for added security. Do you see a problem with this? Thx in advance

[@RyanTreadaway]

I would advise using two joists to share the load. We were initially going to add a second pulley in that setup before going with the other setup I showed in the video. The thing I would do personally though is add a metal post that goes. Between those two floor joists to prevent the weight from pulling the joists towards each other.

[@PerformYounger]

@@RyanTreadaway ok. so a flat metal post...each end on it's own joist. and then hang a pulley on each end of the metal post?

[@PerformYounger]

@@RyanTreadaway Or i could place the post right along side of the 2 pulleys which would probably be easier to install and just as safe. Do you agree? Thx again for your time

[@PerformYounger]

Thx a lot...appreciate it Ryan

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@PerformYounger sorry, I should have explained more clearly. I would probably use the block style pulleys for this and I would just put the brace/post either right above or right next to the pulleys. That way, you have multiple screws holding each pulley in place.

[@AverageYTer]

Do you have a problem with the weight swinging when you do a 1 point pulley?

[@RyanTreadaway]

It will definitely swing more with only 1 pulley. The more weight is there, the less it swings. You can also help fix this by attaching a thin resistance band.

[@AverageYTer]

@@RyanTreadaway thank you so much man.

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@AverageYTer happy to help!

[@curtismayfield4166]

I attached a chain to the weight pin which keeps it from swinging , works great.

[@teehotice5097]

Is Hack squat good?

[@RyanTreadaway]

Sure. I just got a hack squat machine. I guess I need to do a new gym tour video lol 😆

[@jabari8950]

10:40

[@RyanTreadaway]

What are you pointing at here?

[@jabari8950]

@@RyanTreadaway it’s the one I’m thinking about building

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@jabari8950 gotcha!

[@ipappim7336]

U can use a bucket snd put ur weights there

[@RyanTreadaway]

What do you mean?

[@ipappim7336]

@@RyanTreadaway if u dont hav3 a weight pin you can use a bucket lol

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@ipappim7336 it'd have to be a super strong bucket. Lol

[@jeancanaday9684]

Why do people deadlift from blocks?

[@RyanTreadaway]

There could be a couple reasons. One of the main reasons is if you have a sticking point in your lift, you can use blocks to start from that point to help you fix it.

[@elsofadelzombie]

What if i dont have anywhere to hang it? it looks cool to try and get the six pack in the belly XD Still have to look for a way to apply this one and loose this extra skin that refuse to leave me jajaja

[@RyanTreadaway]

Between these 4 options, pretty much everyone will have somewhere they can make this work. You could even purchase a doorframe pull up bar and hang it from that.

[@elsofadelzombie]

@@RyanTreadaway good idea, lemme try that.

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@elsofadelzombie 👍💪

[@tylerlee549]

Bro cut that stash

[@RyanTreadaway]

Not gonna happen! Haha

[@danski6694]

Whats “dee ya wah”?

[@RyanTreadaway]

You ragging me about my accent? 😂

[@danski6694]

@@RyanTreadaway yes sorry bud. Great vid You should hear me talk - I’m a new yawkuh How do you like doing lat pulldown with nothing holding your legs in? Can you still go heavy?

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@danski6694 no worries. Haha I couldn't at the time. I ended up getting a second weight pin, putting 4 35s on it, puting the step up box on top of that, and strapping myself down with a towing strap. It actually works really well.

[@improvementTime10.3.17]

4:18

[@RyanTreadaway]

What are you pointing out at this timestamp?

[@Rocks4Socks20]

Dat stash tho

[@RyanTreadaway]

Haha. Is that a compliment or insult? 😂

[@Rocks4Socks20]

100% compliment!

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@Rocks4Socks20 🤣🤣 thanks, my friend!

[@rasosteva]

Mine cost 5$ and its great.

[@RyanTreadaway]

How'd you make one for $5?

[@rasosteva]

@@RyanTreadaway I am from Serbia 🤣. But i think prices are same. 4m of cable 1$ Normal pulley cost me 2$. 2 cable clamps are 1$ Two spring snaps also 1$. Other things i improvise and its working. I did first exercise today.

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@rasosteva that's amazing!

[@rasosteva]

@@RyanTreadaway Yes, your video helped me a lot. God bless you.

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@rasosteva happy to help! God bless you as well.

[@ConstructiveMinds100]

is it only me that have impression that you sell all these parts? Why not use existing walls. I am sure most people have walls. how many people have poles in the middle of their garages?

[@RyanTreadaway]

I actually don't sell any of these things, and it's not a garage, this is a basement and those are supports that most people would have in a basement. This is just something we figured out during the pandemic for a cheap way to have pulleys for workouts when we first started our home gym.

[@aaaruelas396]

I heart that mustache. 🥰

[@RyanTreadaway]

Thanks Amanda!

[@mattm3492]

25 30 bucks? The cable alone is like 90 something dollars and pulleys are about 12 bucks a piece the little carabiners there about 6 bucks a piece

[@RyanTreadaway]

I built this about three and a half years ago. Prices change over time

[@mattm3492]

@RyanTreadaway yeah it probably 4x if you find cabl by the foot instead of a roll

[@eliduffer2491]

Bro idk what your talking about but I found it for $20

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@eliduffer2491 yea, I'm not sure. Of course things vary by location too.

[@powskier]

The second option is worthless. Don't most people have drywall on their ceilings?

[@RyanTreadaway]

100% disagree. I would venture to say that very few people have drywall on a basement ceiling. The likelihood of having exposed joists in a garage is a little lower but isn't unheard of.

[@TheMan8884]

You are hilarious I laughed my ass off after seeing ur face dudes look is so terrible, ur goat tea makes him look like he doesn't have a neck. Although it's the genes i just don't get the haircut

[@RyanTreadaway]

Thanks for the compliment

[@TheMan8884]

@@RyanTreadaway How u even turn ur mustache like that? 😂 Is that beard and mustache all ur facial hair or u shave the rest to keep the brand look?

[@ipappim7336]

Yo i did did for 5 bucks max weight is 60 kgs if u wanna see hmuu

[@RyanTreadaway]

How’d you do this for so cheap?

[@ipappim7336]

@@RyanTreadaway i got a jump rope cable i just bought a pulley and made a diy rope and used my ez curl bar as a lat pulldown handle

[@RyanTreadaway]

Nice!

[@rcsc824sc8]

Damn.. I don't think anyone can take this guy serious with that stupid stash and bun 😂

[@RyanTreadaway]

Stupid was really the look I was going for with my hair. I appreciate the amazing compliment. God bless you my friend!

[@seangibson9040]

I took him seriously. He put a lot of work into this video. It was very informative . I always appreciate and give props to those who take time to inform us uniformed how to accomplish a task and save us money. You Tube in invaluable. Show some respect. Seriously. Great video. Don’t care about how you look. Good info. Thank you!

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@seangibson9040 glad you found the video helpful. Happy to help my friend!

[@RyanTreadaway]

@@christinagreen1681 yes! That's what I'm talking about! 😎 Lol