HOW TO BUILD A SQUAT & BENCH RACK FOR 40 DOLLARS!

[@gconn5678]

This is great! A thought on increasing overall stability. Instead of using a 5gal or 10gal Bucket to form the concrete, use a small tire. The volume of concrete (and mass) will be the same, but the tire will keep the weight lower and distribute it over a wider area of the floor, making it harder to tip. A small tire will also grip the floor better than a bucket, creating friction that will prevent sliding. To do this you would need to put a piece of plywood inside the tire or underneath the tire to fill the hole on the bottom side, then put in the 4''x4''s and Quickrete. The only downside is that it will take a little more patience to get the 4''x4''s to be perpendicular to the ground.

[@rohanblues]

I'm surprised with some of the negative reviews. I was so impressed with the kzbin.infoUgkxMwYg0MOXR4M-oGeyBsNSYe1aPOUoRH6D cage that I got the lat pulldown attachment that goes with it. It is equally outstanding. I don't have one complaint other than putting it together is a job. The instructions and packaging of the parts are very well designed and organized. Also, I stripped and damaged the pull down cable the first day, admitting it was my stupid fault, and they quickly replaced it at no charge. I'm 6'5, 280lbs and fit in the cage just fine. Glenn B

[@billnancyrussell9021]

I have seen these racks with wood & concrete in Home Depot on other sites. My son built them a few years ago and they worked ok, but they can be very unsteady. If you screwed a 2X2 piece of 3/4in ply to the underside of the buckets before installing the post and concrete, they will be much less likely to tip or get out of position. FWIW

[@patrickoconnell2380]

I dig it! that's a great idea! wish we would have doe that

[@annievartanian9417]

@@patrickoconnell2380 what does he mean by underside? Like screw it to the bottom inside of the bucket, or underneath on the outer side of the bucket?

[@omanazzal]

@@annievartanian9417 I think he means on the bottom of the bucket to create a wider base which makes it more stable.

[@GrandmasterofWin]

@@annievartanian9417 Yes, underneath. Before pouring concrete or putting the posts into the bucket. The very first thing you do is cut a couple of 2'x2' squares of plywood. Flip the bucket upside down, set the plywood on the bucket base, and screw the plywood to the bucket. Now you will have a large, flat square base attached to the bottoms of the buckets. When you fill with concrete, the set concrete will help hold the screws in place. What I would do, but is a little more complicated is to build the squat rack exactly like was instructed in the video, and after the concrete is completely cured, tip it over on its side, use a concrete bit to drill 4 holes in the bottom of the bucket up into the concrete, then use small/flush concrete anchors to screw the plywood to the bucket. Now you KNOW that the plywood isn't going anywhere.

[@mattroseland1790]

This is awesome. Thank you so much for showing us this easy and cheap way to make a squat rack. I immediately rushed out and bought the items and the concrete is setting as I type this.

[@patrickoconnell2380]

Thats awesome! good luck! its a good little project!

[@DaeceJ]

Recommend something safer if you're lifting heavy... - Join the posts for stability, even better, make a cube out of it. - Maybe a bit of 2x4 in between the 4x4s, but higher than the squat rack, so you can walk it in without overshooting and slide down to resting position. - Would add a bracket around all 3 pieces mentioned above, or a couple long bolts all the way through, just cos. - Would recommend a bracket around the piece or bolt all the way through with oversize washers just below the squat V, just in case it feels the need to split apart. Anyway, just my two cents

[@mesiroy1234]

I would add to now place the wood inside a bucket I saw buff dude made stand from wood and some steel anchor (for safety )hold on 1000 pound

[@MrIsak786]

You guys seem like really nice people. Love your smiles and your enthusiasm. Thanks for sharing your idea. All the best guys and keep smiling😊😊.

[@patrickoconnell2380]

thanks!!

[@brandonpalmer1421]

I'll be building one this week. Not going from not squatting but I am having trouble lifting over 155 from the ground onto my shoulders. Thank you so much.

[@patrickoconnell2380]

awesome!!

[@nanukutta]

It was very simple but yet efficient bench/squat stand..... just a thought to make them little more stable by nailing them with a 1.5 feet long angle to the wall.

[@patrickoconnell2380]

could totally do that!!

[@MrGermanchocolatemix]

just completed this. quickcrete is currently setting up.... can't wait to use it. Thanks!!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

nice!!!

[@ryanhauge3639]

Looks great. My brother in law has a squat rack bench bag rack spar rack and some others all home made. He used heavier duty bolts and anchors but for what I would use, this would be perfect. I just need the bar and weights now

[@suzannevandijk2996]

This is the best thing I’ve seen since quarantine started lol! I need this in my life! It doesn’t even take up that much space 😱

[@patrickoconnell2380]

way less than a normal squat rack! and I promise it is totally a DIY project!

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Not at all!! Can put it in a corner

[@keithd4569]

Nice video, enjoyed the easy layout to fabricate. In the future, remember to wear safety glasses when required. Great job Pat & Kristi

[@pucs82]

For anyone trying this note that for the lag bolt insertion you SHOULD drill pilot holes before for each bolt. If you do not your bolt may become stuck before it’s fully installed. I got one stuck today following the vid as a first timer.

[@barbi3499]

Excellent build. I have a random question. Or idk if u guys could help. So i miss using a rower and a ski at the xfit gym😞😭 any ideas on how to get the same high or fast pull feeling as those machines? With a diy or ideas. Anything b greatly appreciated.plz🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@patrickoconnell2380]

bands are the best option in my opinion, you are at least able to work the same muscle groups!

[@barbi3499]

@@patrickoconnell2380 really. Thnk uu. What type of movements u recommend. N now to start the hunt for the bands.

[@biggritz2003]

I have one of these that I built almost exact and I feel played that everyone is making them now Bc it was my special rack.

[@patrickoconnell2380]

Hey! ya these certainly arnt new, we are just trying to speed the word for people while we are all stuck at home!!

[@adhamhpatton192]

How much weight can it approximately hold

[@biggritz2003]

Adhamh Patton I’ve had 450 on mine and it held fine

[@mikekammes9249]

Much simpler than a 2x4 build! Don't know why the thought never crossed my mind... Thanks for the idea!

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Glad you like it!

[@davidt6574]

im wondering which one would be stronger, still cant decide between these 2 builds

[@vincentgarfias3999]

This is so awesome. My first time commenting on your Chanel I think but you both are seriously so awesome and helpful and I’m gonna do build this when my family and I get to our new home. Just want to say thank you for the content and hope you see my message cuz I am truly thankful and appreciate with whom you two are and how helpful you are to our community 🙏

[@akzaleski78]

Thanks for the awesome DIY squat rack/bench press. I just got done putting everything in my Menards cart and will be building this at home today. Looking forward to more videos like this. Keep up the great work and awesome content. Please stay safe during this time.

[@dabking2947]

DOD It work

[@edwin.grana2]

@pat - nail flip at 00:54, smooth my guy, smooth! Great vid!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

haha thanks man!

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Thank you for watching!!

[@miriamramos1831]

This is AWESOME!!! gonna have my husband build this as he's been struggling without his globo gym...lol!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

lol well hopefully this helps!

[@Fitforacting]

Tell him to look up Ross training. He has so many exercises you can do at home free or cheap

[@suburbandadsonarampagedadh5599]

super cool! thanks for posting this, i just got done cutting my 4x4's.

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Nice work!

[@matthewbailey7421]

This is brilliant, I'm going to build one. Thank-you.

[@joaomiguel1988]

how about spotter arms? was thinking you could set up two more buckets with beams to add two holes to slide in pipes for your squat and bench heights and make same holes on that squat stand

[@patrickoconnell2380]

joaomiguel1988 I like it!

[@joaomiguel1988]

@@patrickoconnell2380 do you think it would hold up?

[@pstamaria]

Just when I thought I needed to make a Squat and Bench rack, I subscribed to your channel and now this! Brilliant. Thanks a million. Will try it!

[@dennymui2]

I'm here looking at home racks for thousands of dollars and I come across this. What a clever idea!

[@AJH3518]

You guys are the Chip and Joanna of the crossfit world

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Thank you so much!!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

haha ill take it!

[@kimberlysadberry6757]

Ooo! I'll have to get my husband to build me one! That is super handy looking! Luckily he builds things for a living😁

[@patrickoconnell2380]

Perfect! this will be a breeze then!

[@erikhendricks7909]

Ever since this quarantine started, I wished I had this for my home that I could use during this time. It is such AMAZING that you guys are giving your athletes equipments for them to use during this time. Great job building the rack and bench. Keep up the great work. Hope you guys did well with the first fundraiser workout

[@patrickoconnell2380]

thanks!We did it was a hard 10 min amrap!

[@erikhendricks7909]

@@patrickoconnell2380 I hear ya. That was definitely a hard 10 min AMRAP

[@kakerns1979]

Thank for the demo...been wanting to make one for myself lately.

[@patrickoconnell2380]

heck ya!

[@andopurbapurba7625]

Tq brader n sister. I will make it for myson.very2 simple.. From medan, Indonesia.

[@1977menendez]

This was awesome and very helpful i just done mine just like what she said. Tks a lot

[@patrickoconnell2380]

awesome!!

[@tomsettles6873]

30 Years ago I got three 8 foot pieces of 2 1/2" thick wall piping, cut and bolted two "T" bars, turned them upside down, bolted a 36" bottom cross bar and welded some short 5/8" rebar pieces every 6" as the bar racks. I found the rebar on a construction site and bought the pipe. It cost me $100 and was strong enough to easily hold 315 half way up and at the top for squatting. With all the gyms closed, I'm tempted to build another one.

[@stephanelarochelle747]

Awesome job on this... going to attempt it myself but am unsure how you "notched" that V in the top of your 4x4? appreciate the help!

[@allanfarr]

Stephane La Rochelle not exactly sure. Try turning saw to 45 degree angle, depth of cut 1/2 through the 4x4 at the 45 degrees mark. Cut

[@patrickoconnell2380]

I used my circular saw but you could draw your lines and use a sawzall or jamb saw

[@TimSumpton]

Loving the progress of building out your home gym. This is a great how to as well.

[@patrickoconnell2380]

thanks! we are really enjoying it ourselves!

[@fredastaire6156]

Sick intro Krist! Oh! and thanks for the DIY Squat rack! I'll be doing this tomorrow!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

awesome!!

[@matthewjoshuakalaw9238]

Thank for your life saving squat and bench rack idea!

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Glad you liked it!

[@andrewortiz4836]

That's awesome. Appreciate you guys going out of your way to share this. Going to be doing this. Thank you

[@patrickoconnell2380]

no problem! its def a DIY project!

[@diamondhead5432101]

Great work guys! Keep them workouts going 💪😎

[@louisreed4712]

Lovely, thank you guys so much for making this video

[@Soccershamu18]

Thanks guys for posting...this is awesome!

[@myhomeboy]

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this video! I built this for myself using your method over a week ago. In the midst of realizing it’s SO HARD to find any decently priced gym equipment or finding out almost everything is sold out...I just had to make it. Took me only a day going to Home Depot and building it when I got home. Surprisingly enough it’s more stable than it looks. I’m so much happier lifting heavy again. Whew! Anyhow, THANK YOU!!! ❤️

[@patrickoconnell2380]

Awesome !! thank you!!

[@mariejoplaganas7344]

Seeing this comment gave me hope. I'm trying it myself tomorrow!

[@darbywalton4479]

This looks awesome! Only thing is, we need to use it for myself (5'9"), my 14 year old son (5'8"), my 16 year old son (6'1"), and my 21 year old nephew (about 6'2")! So we need one that can be quite versatile. Would a tall 4x4 stand strong with that many slants in it for multiple heights? Thanks so much!! We are starting with 5x5 program and this helps me save money on gym without sacrificing quality so that we can focus on quality in the kitchen!

[@iaminvincible9]

Plastic bucket may break later. Do you think metal 5 gallon bucket will be better? Thank you

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Yes, just a little more expensive!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

I haven't ever heard of one breaking, but it wouldn't hurt!

[@ishh1283]

Perfect! Just what I needed, thanks for posting

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

awesome! Glad it helped!

[@garondeangelispearce3017]

Very cool, definitely doing this!!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

heck ya!

[@khurramahmed8455]

This is fantastic work, thank you and well done! there is no excuse now about not being able to train effectively at home!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

Thanks!!

[@George10s]

this guy does not blink literally

[@patrickoconnell2380]

😂🤷🏻‍♂️

[@annievartanian9417]

I'm 5"0 (60 inches), so Should I get my 4x4's cut at 58 inches? I'm only using it for squatting. Also, I don't need the lags if I'm not going bolt another piece of wood for the bench pressing, correct?

[@fennell__33]

That's awesome! So simple to keep us going currently

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Yes!!! Since most stands are sold out

[@builditup6648]

Hi Kristi and Pat - how has this rack held up? Did you need to add more supports at the base? About to make my own squat rack during the lockdown here in the UK! Made a bench with a rack as my first ever video today and would appreciate any feedback!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

awesome! holds up great. just have to be a little more careful than a normal rack to not knock them over. wouldn't be easy to do, just need to be aware!

[@Ash-sr7kw]

That was a great video. Well explained. Thank you. I'll build one this week.

[@gordomartinez8016]

I like Pat’s ingenuity. I wished I called him before I got my Rogue stand. Perhaps next time you would let the dog supervise 🤓 Sincerely hope you guys are doing well, even when the body is strengthened the mind is better fortified. Blessings & Hugs

[@patrickoconnell2380]

thanks! I bet you will enjoy your rogue stand a lot more! but milo is typically supervising somewhere in the background!

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Milo is always looking at us from somewhere!

[@Billissexy1]

Faaak thank you sm for this! I love working out and I lost my job so I wasn’t really able to afford a gym membership or an actual squat rack and this is such a cheap and easy alternative. Now I have something to look forward to when I wake up😁

[@SuperJlux]

Great idea for a lockdown home gym

[@NellysDIYcreations]

Awesome video guys made mine today $37 dollars spent from home depot. We got to make the best out of it until the gyms open back up

[@patrickoconnell2380]

Thats what were trying to do! not perfect, but it works for now!

[@bobbyworldwide]

Awesome.. I might just do this for home..

[@DeanValenzuela]

Awesome contribution!

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Glad you liked it!

[@CristhianVlogs]

hi guys, awesome idea... can i ask.... How long should the screw that joins the logs be for the bench press?

[@patrickoconnell2380]

I used 6'' Screws!

[@lashbay5951]

Smart!, fast and simple thx guys 👍🏼

[@patrickoconnell2380]

heck ya!

[@billyweber8480]

Just so I don't screw this up, you pour the dry concrete in the bucket and then pour water in, no mixing at all? Thanks!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

I would add some water first then poor in the concrete and then more water, but no you don't have to mix it!

[@steved8286]

you guys are great! lifting and building

[@colbyn8063]

This is brilliant! Thanks for sharing!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

thanks!!

[@miken1724]

What was the angle you used for the top of the squat rack and bench post? Also how did you measure out how high the bench stand should be?

[@patrickoconnell2380]

Hey! I cut 22 Degree angles. easiest way to measure would be to lay on your bench and extend your arms, measure from the floor to your wrist, then subtract 2"

[@amberbramson2477]

How heavy does each of these end up being? Wondering about ease of moving around at some point...love this idea!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

they are fairly heavy, but the easiest way to move them is to tilt it onto the bucket edge and just roll them

[@lohengrinknight]

I would mortise and tenon some perpendicular pieces instead of the buckets to add stability. Other than that, great idea.

[@patrickoconnell2380]

love that! trying to keep it as simple diy as possible but I do love some mortise and tenon!

[@lohengrinknight]

@@patrickoconnell2380, oh yeah. You can skip the fancy joinery and go for simple glue and screws instead. Thanks for sharing your idea with the world. I just finished putting up my mini home gym together and the nest step is to build a squat rack.

[@joseferreira8538]

Dope footage for everything, even when building a Rack!! Awesome videos!!!! ✌🏻✌🏻

[@patrickoconnell2380]

Thanks!

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Appreciate it!! More to come

[@THirayama]

You guys just saved me...haha, I'm subscribing for life now!

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@HighValuesBookClub]

What does 4 by 4 by 8 long posts.. and 6 by quarter inch lags mean? I'm from Australia and I am confused with the measurements... Could please help and provide a link to these materials? I'd just like more info on those larger nails and wooden post measurements. Please and thank you

[@zachturlington]

Do you need the lags or can you just get regular screws?

[@patrickoconnell2380]

I used long deck mounting screw!

[@oasisbullies]

Thanks so much for this! Just FYI for people that are going to make this: those are 5lb buckets not 10lbs. Lowe’s and Home Depot don’t carry 10 lb buckets 👍🏽

[@jm1135]

Gallons not lbs

[@stonertwo6369]

Can 80lbs of cement enough? Like splitting 40/40 per gallon

[@patrickoconnell2380]

I would use a full bag on both buckets

[@Emily_Egan]

Love this, thanks for sharing! What kind of weight can a set up like this hold?

[@patrickoconnell2380]

more weight than any of us can squat lol, bigger concerns is just not knocking them over

[@summerw5773]

That is awesome! It's really easy thank you guys!💚

[@PJEC]

Hi can you show me how you cut the angle for the squat bar bell?

[@CostaKy]

Thank you for this video. It is amazing! May I add a suggestion, it would be helpful if you write in the description an itemized list of materials and their sizes. Even though their are not that many things. Thanks!

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Yes I will ask Pat to do that!

[@CostaKy]

@@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell thanks for taking that on board 😁

[@erikhendrickson1536]

Pat, what kind of saw did you use to make the notches for the squat stand?

[@patrickoconnell2380]

I used a circular saw, but could easily use a sawzall or jamb saw too!

[@erikhendrickson1536]

@@patrickoconnell2380 Hi Patrick, how do you mark off and actually cut the notches for the bench and squat stands

[@danfroehlich5214]

This is an awesome video! I’m 6-5, should I go with a 4x4x12 instead of the 4x4x8 to start with?

[@patrickoconnell2380]

you might have to, I would measure to your shoulder and that measurement should confirm that!

[@matthewmurphy4086]

Could you in essence bolt a 2x4 to the bottom of each bucket to help stability?

[@austinwiebe2648]

Something you could also do for added stability is cut a couple of 45 degree pieces and triangle brace it to the floor. I did a bad job of describing that but i think it makes sense

[@micklong2273]

You guys are awesome!!

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

thank you!!✌️

[@manuel85calvin]

I just built mine today, going to mix the cement tomorrow. So, how much weight do you think this rack can support?? 😬

[@patrickoconnell2380]

it can support more than any of us are going to lift, just be aware not to knock them over. wouldn't be easy to do, but the only thing to keep an eye on

[@manuel85calvin]

Great! Thanks for posting this video

[@adrianomeneses6683]

To make it from tipping over brace it into a wall 2 feet away you should be all set

[@patrickoconnell2380]

nice! I dig it!

[@sanderpfaff5395]

lol, I build almost the same structure today.! 💪🏻😁

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Nice!! Im sure home depot needs more buckets!

[@gabe-qr5vb]

Sander Pfaff howd it work?

[@wademarchand4441]

I did something similar when I was a teenager many moons ago and I screwed in-lag Bolts at different heights as spotters for the bench!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

nice!!

[@AbdulKalam-iz1do]

Instead of using cement buckets, I'm thinking about using longer lengths and putting the posts into the ground in my yard. Then filling that up with cement. Is there any reason this wouldn't work?

[@chrisismail]

Just make a triangle with timber at the base to stop it tipping

[@mazejpg3242]

How much weight could you put on the barbell and still being sure not to overload the construction?

[@patrickoconnell2380]

the stand would hold a ton of weight, more than any of us are squaring. More have to be careful not to knock them over re repacking aggressively!

[@mazejpg3242]

@@patrickoconnell2380 thank you for the quick answer! Stay healthy!

[@ljshono]

You guys are so awesome

[@aaronwayne2515]

Again great content I have a KZbin channel too people do not realize the time that goes into these types of videos for content creation. Very good job again. Valuable content that the community can benefit from.

[@patrickoconnell2380]

thanks! its a lot and our friend BC_visions does an amazing job putting them together !

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

Thank you so much!! Yes it does take a bit of time!

[@ArifKhan001]

Very good !

[@jack.rincon]

Thanks for this useful video

[@patrickoconnell2380]

thank you! I promise it is totally a DIY project!

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

You are welcome

[@chrisrabay]

Simple and smart

[@kavyagupta4646]

Any suggestions for a barbell

[@michaelkowalski5760]

Thanks for the information. I don't think Home Depot will be selling out of wood!

[@patrickoconnell2380]

lol I think you should be good!

[@samimhakim87]

How to measure for incline bench?

[@darrellmcneil6215]

Great video definitely going to try this!

[@rogerpruger5028]

Now to find those sold out plates, bars, and benches

[@patrickoconnell2380]

places are starting to get caught out on orders, also try facebook marketplace

[@Xbusk]

Are they stable enough to put atleast 225 lb on them up top without them tipping over?

[@patrickoconnell2380]

for sure. I have had 400+ without any issue at all

[@sandybear5720]

Have you tried to do a free standing pull-up bar with 4x4?

[@patrickoconnell2380]

I haven't, but im sure it can be done!

[@jorgebarbero6129]

A W E S O ME ! ! And it looks easy.. project for the Weeked :P

[@patrickoconnell2380]

I promise it is totally a DIY project!

[@Kristi-Eramo-OConnell]

less than an hour! Easily

[@jorgebarbero6129]

Thanks both of you :)