Weekend Project: DIY Stilts

Build your very own pair of peg stilts that will let you see the world from new heights. From Craft, Volume 08. Thanks to Molly Graber and Chris Merrick.
Find more at the Maker Shed: makershed.com
Learn more here: makezine.com/2009/03/16/weeken...
And get the step-by-step instructions: makezine.com/projects/basic-st...

[@vissvienna]

This video brings back memories! I held the record on my street for walking on stilts, 1 mile (about 1.6 km), backwards!!

[@JonaVicis]

You can also make those with quick release bindings to allow you to land on your feet, should you tip or fall.

[@rickyy1234]

its good to see that the man who provides the voice for kermit the frog found another job!!!!!!. Damn credit crunch so many people seem to be doing jobs they never thought they would do!!!!!

[@hobowalker1]

I build these all the time. Some pointers I can give if you are going to try this. Instead of 36in stilts try 24in stilts to start off, believe me a foot makes a huge difference in balance and the "intimidating" factor. Also instead of the PVC pipe and belt you can just use the belt, it allows greater comfort and more controlled longer strides, just make sure to screw the belt to the inside of your stilt. Also strap on sandals are easier to put on your feet when you're mounting your stilts.

[@MyDustyPickles]

Your lack of confidence in the stilts you built is simply inspiring. : |

[@rhyno6]

I think 3 feet is way high for a first time on stilts. One to two feet would be far more appropriate. You can also make these a little easier to use by either putting rubber on the bottom of the stilts (think of a foot on crutches) for added traction or by fabricating some sort of foot for the bottom of the stilts to spread out your weight a bit more.

[@sonomabeast]

I've never done stilts and I'm gonna do 3-4 feet, I'm suicidal and I dont care

[@derman077]

i love the sincerity in his voice in this vid. seems like he's talking to whomever decides witch projects he does. kipkay is awesome. as for the stilts, i bet with a couple of arm stilts it would be easier. you could walk on all four and look cool on halloween if you dressed it up

[@TerrapinCreations666]

Well that was anticlimatic for sure, lol

[@jakobbentley3979]

FINALLY!! a kipkay project that i can do!!

[@tomytable1753]

Thanks for showing how to make a pair stilts.

[@TheStargameplayer]

These things are awesome they really work

[@LottieLucid]

Thank you for this tutorial, it's nice and clear. I'm glad you didn't try them if you didn't feel comfortable. Stilt walking takes some practice

[@thepunishment]

And 4th using caps to get attention, dude its KipKay hes the king of home made projects. Show some respect

[@RockBand2Freak78]

Hey KipKay, what you doing today? Oh just building some stilts. I do this Make Magazine thing, weekend projects, stuff like that.

[@blackwolf7777]

It works if you use the right material and place the straps in the correct location on the stilts. Straps are what is used on almost all kinds of stilts. But I do see your point...

[@MrLiliput31]

Dig it. Thanks for the help.

[@H5FK]

I think this is the parts list 2x 5 1/2in carriage bolts 6x 4in carriage bolts 2x 1in bolts 10x wood screws 8x smaller washers 8x washers 10x nuts 1x VPC 4 in. x 2 ft. Plastic ABS Pipe 1x wood 2x4 1x plywood 2x2 2x old belts

[@brety099]

i built these and they r pretty cool!

[@Korksterlock]

Always the mature one Kipkay, never doing anything dangerous! We off to the garage to make some 68 inch stilts to make things right lol! Cheers Great Vid.

[@UnrealVideoDuke]

That's a great idea! Start with a height of 1 foot and gradually go up from there... but make sure that you use plenty of padding!

[@900hardyboy]

they work amazingley

[@themadsmith857]

i'm building these for holloween thx kip! i remember when i watched this in 2009 xD. They are half done i just need to get the belts and some more bolts and nuts.

[@jmjpowerjoule]

I once saw a construction worker wearing stilts about that length and asked him how he learned to use them. He told me that he was able to learn to keep his balance in about 10-15 minutes time; by starting off in a narrow hallway. After that, he could put them on and use them anywhere, anytime.

[@timaverre4563]

Almost crying laughing. This was GREAT!!

[@JonaVicis]

@mtdoonut, A quick release is automatic. you don't have to "Think to use those". When you fall, pressure releases them. As I said, you can buy them. Do you think places like Disney would have stilt walkers who would not beable to protect themselves AND the people near them, should they fall or get tripped up? Google it, there are a lot of them.

[@Chubtoaster]

gel insoles would be very helpful after putting those screws and washers in your shoes. Just a tip for anyone thinking about making some.

[@doughty74]

What do your neighbors think when they see you outside trying all of your crazy inventions.

[@RuiSantosdotme]

Thumbs up for his effort!! :D

[@bobalong131]

Hey Kip, Back when we were kids we always made stilts and instead of lashing ourselves to them (DANGER) we would just extend the main peg up so we could hold them under our arms and above. Kinda like walking on those weird stair climber things. That way if you need to fall you just catch yourself with your feet witch wasn't a problem at all.

[@forphuksake]

do you have any room left in your house? cause of all the stuff you make, were do you keep it all???

[@coltenandscott]

i used straps for mine they worck as good as heck!

[@LaynieFingers]

Very eloquent, skater91411. You prove your point so well...

[@magicmania1015]

You said that your not going to use without some type of thing in front of you, so I thought that maybe you could make some homemade crutches that big so you could use them. I think its a good idea so you could possibly try it.

[@DanielsGameVault]

Am I the only one who discovered this video very late ? :))

[@juvnchy]

Nope I was

[@ethanliang8152]

no

[@YungBabyBeluga]

No

[@stavrosathas250]

Here i am...!!!

[@knarston2265]

U are not the only one who seen this video late

[@babe_bessa]

OMG i am so glad you came to your sense and didn't put the both of them LOL your knees was without protection and it could be a really mess

[@EmoEwok666]

make gradual height levels and put hand beams on them so its like 1 huge stick from ur hands passing ur legs then hitting the ground so u have conrol of the stils and then when confident take em off

[@JonaVicis]

@mtdoonut, For you maybe, but smart people can. You can go to a construction store and buy some. They are used for drywall and plastering work.

[@QuipyGirbo]

how big are the parts of the stilts that are touching the ground? If you make the bigger, like big foot sized, i bet the stilts would be way more stable.

[@circusguy13]

use a cross shape of bike tire tread for the bottom. It will make it less slippery and more durable on the bottom of the stilts. cut a cross shape of tire tread and use heavy duty staples to hold it in place

[@chrisgreece52]

He should ask a raise only for doing this episode.

[@SantaSirGlennDrHeald]

I have a set of adjustable Metal stilts that I use a aluminum adjustable pole to provide a little stability. I no longer need the pole but use it just in case.

[@epicgrimm8233]

i have lots of wood and a wood shop and tools. its cheaper for me to build them. i only wish i could afford pre built ones... then again if i build them... i know if i get hurt. its my own fault. not anyone else :)

[@amanyelsayed7724]

Dancing with the Stars Se19 Ep13 Week 11 The Results from last week & new Performances online stream ic Grimm 22

[@coondogtheman]

Hey kipkay i have an electric screwdriver like that orange one in this vid but mines a black n decker and it pivots. it works great. BTW whats your shirt say at 1:38 i see a Y if that says kipkay i would totally wear that.

[@ThelemicPotter]

Don't use belts, I had a buckle snap on me while out on a pair of stilts, I was damn lucky not to have gotten hurt. Belt buckles are not designed for heavy load and the leverage action of your leg can pull them apart. Get some 2 inch velcro and make sure there's at least 8 inches of contact for each strap, that will hold you in. Probably also want some ankle straps/cuffs.

[@SkylonRow]

6ft stilts is the highest I've ever walked on. I only walked about 200 metres but that was hard!

[@SlickWilly440]

I watched through the whole video, expecting him to walk on them stilts. Even if he had re-made the stilts shorter, it would have been interesting to see him walk on those instead walking on no stilts at all.

[@ElroyHarvey]

The reason you dont fell very safe is because you haven't really made them like they should be, almost but not quite. The actual main piece of 2x2 that supports your weight instead of stopping below your waist should actually be longer so that they come up further and then you can actually hold on to them. If you made them like that they would be much easier to use and im sure would also give you more confidence. You also dont want to be fixed to them as if you do tip you cant jump off.

[@ranger7theseries]

OK, you first of all never work without a spotter. Second of all, you need a high place to sit like a platform or the top of a ladder. You should also use a long pole to keep your balance when starting out. I've been circus trained by a pro. ;) So these are just some helpful and safe tips.

[@DaBeatBoiJake]

yup.. that IS a good hold right there.

[@rubyfire317]

i made 1 1\2 stilts they were awsome

[@WolfeChaser1]

please someone reply to this with a supply list cuz me and my dad are going to build them but we don't have a list to buy the supply's for it so if someone could plz tell me that would rock thx

[@lmsoccerdude127]

@lampwort yah regular stilts with straps on them. I have used stilts before and they have a pedestal for you to keep your feet on. And I'm not insulting kipkay or anything, i love his vids.

[@blackwolf7777]

sugestion instead of drilling the shoes onto the peices of wood. connect straps that hold the shoes on so that you don't waste a pair of shoes or if you don't have any old pairs.

[@iDenmark]

well i can go on the stilts where the tree goes up to your head so you can hold them with your arm, but i guess this is just as easy for an experienced stilt walker... By the way how is it possible to warm the plastic again? :P

[@froglobster]

JUST UPLOADED on my channel my STILT build, listed the supplies I used. Made with 2x3s instead and with bolting and screwing highly recommend strong glue, also don't line your shin up so far behind top calf piece like this vid, you ll be off balance right away.

[@bigbrassballs]

You don't HAVE to use the shoes, you can skip that step if you want to. This is because if you lose your balance, you can then just jump off the stilts! Saves time, and maybe your legs!

[@jonnyjohansson9030]

Yo Tom Cruise, these builds more than your 2inch stealth shoes! ;-)

[@oldjohnboy1]

Jonny Johansson WTF are you yammering on about

[@jonnyjohansson9030]

John Hill Tom's been spotted wearing a certain brand of "Men's elevator shoes are magic shoes can help men to be taller 2-5 inch invisibly and instantly." ;)

[@Corpsegrinderr]

If you ever get a text or a phone call near a speaker, it makes that sound.

[@mr.dahliaking.202]

Kipkay, you should screw on the wooden feet on the ends of the stilts, that way you could had more balance and you could be able to walk with these stilts without any danger at all.

[@ElroyHarvey]

Also if you have the legs longer so you can hold on to them as handles you dont need the trainers as you just make a platform to stand on them pull them up with your hands to make steps. That way if you have a problem you can jump off at any time without any probs or injuries. I would deff not advice fixing into the trainers. Good idea though and with a slight mod would be fine stilts to practice and learn with :D

[@randomdude3485]

nice vid im gonna make some

[@yasoof971]

every makemagazine video starts at 0:41 (i mean after introduction )

[@mataslt]

i love your ideas man. kipkay rules

[@jamsta28]

yay for you

[@JayOhEnEnWhyEx]

since you didn't use them, can I have them please?

[@ChrisFeeBacon]

you need to build a time machine to go back in 2009 to get that stilt walkers

[@jonhohensee3258]

no, he doesn't

[@antiZEROless]

4:14 - He's actually thinking of trying it. 5:29 - "Nope, do not want"

[@Boulderpits]

Parts list?

[@imaredneckforever]

what an estamant of what the total would cost ?

[@caletcalet]

i appreciate your good pronunciation.

[@day3661]

yes it is

[@Regimenservas]

I have no idea how to get those on AND stand up. Maybe start smaller... Interesting project though.

[@Pollishus]

ive made stilts out of the same size wood b4 works fine

[@shaunp4trick]

so simple.

[@steakwolf9]

if your not so sure on the stilts alone, you could make hand stilts too!

[@hydrolisk1792]

Well, hey. I think that I should try that. . . I'm a pretty good ballance.

[@toolsntruck941]

Wow what if the Wright brothers built something and since they had no experience.chickened out? Good way to show the world your level of craftsmanship is.... if the builder won't try them .why would anyone follow a single build of yours.? Read up on Otis elevators he raised himself and horse then cut the rope he was a man who believed in his designs. Wow way to showcase ingenuity, I only wish you consistency in all your goals and endeavors.

[@C0LT0NTV]

How do you get off?

[@droid7627]

@funnyshitguy the laser phser does not burn the flashlight ,lighter spyderiii burn not the phaser

[@YamiPoyo]

You need a grip or rubber stopper at the bottom of each stilt for grip kipkay

[@pgtips4240]

Why on earth did you not make them short to begin with?

[@lordblazerpsx]

good for wade fishing! should be safe too

[@arbyt3r]

That's why Batman had Robin as a sidekick. you could have made a noose in case you fell.

[@portugal82]

The best thing to do is to go with 1ft stilts that way if you fall it wont be as bad. Non the less great video.

[@cprcoolcc]

hell i would just go buy a pair

[@codye5199]

yep it is kip kay

[@devinwalker47]

you should put a piece of wood on the bottom of each stilt for more balance.

[@Hotpeppers111]

i have a big brose on my side because thay broke and i landed onthe peach that broke but im ok and i made a stonger pear and thay work awesome

[@ShadendemonSr]

The foot support busted and my leg slipped through and my calf got scrapped up real bad, i got 26 stitches. if you do this make sure you make the Foot support real sturdy!

[@ctdbass]

Hey I'm cool with the stitls typo. sounds like skittles. skittles are yummy.

[@darkeyce02]

i like my 24inch stilts, just make sure your arch of your foot is in the middle of the 2x2, its the center of balance, his is back to far so the end of his foot hangs of to much, i got a vid of mine with my costume on

[@Starteller]

Start with lower high.

[@Johnnyate8]

Cool

[@Superjadi]

dont you have your own spanish site?

[@DaleOfHope]

When putting stilts on, you sit on the ground and put them on, then you get a friend to take your hands and they pull you up by kinda running backwards. Never try it by yourself.

[@stevencox8232]

put pivoting sticks on so you can preaty much use your hands to manuver your legs

[@gavinbishop6152]

you should put a piece of wood outwords and then a piece upwords where you can hold on so you have a little more balence

[@toldjya]

im makin some but they will be 4ft standing.. so ill be 10 ft tall... once i get them made.. ill get a vid posted hopefully.

[@metal0artist0kyle]

it would be a lot easier if you would just take out the whole shoe thing but keep the foot platform and then extend that frip upwards and just grab onto it with your hands while applying downforce with your feet and stabilizing with ur arms...

[@arickosmo]

great instructional..."I don't think I wanna try this, good luck with your stilts."

[@RobNickel001]

They shoulda included that info too.

[@adamwho9801]

Why not some steel?