DIY CEMENT
DUMBBELLS
@easylumberco
@colin__skinner
@easylumberco
@colin__skinner
Materials List
Concrete bags 5 qt Bucket 3/4 in Schedule 40
(Weight of bag will vary based on
4 per set of weights
desired size of dumbbell)
PVC pipe
Carriage Bolts Duct Tape
4 per set of weights
Tools Needed
Drill Bit
Saw
Drill
Level
Utility Knife
Scale
Wheelbarrow Shovel
Hose
Optional Materials
Athletic Tape Latex Gloves Number Stencils Spray Paint
Steps:
Working Time: 3-4 hrs
Dry Time: 48 hrs
Day 1
1. Mix concrete
Fill wheelbarrow with a small amount of water
before adding concrete bag. You'll want a
crunchy peanut butter texture; mix should be
more dry than wet.
2. Add concrete to bucket & weigh
Add concrete to bucket for desired weight.
Day 1 you’ll make one side of each dumbbell;
other side of the dumbbell on Day 2.
Tips: Add about .5 lbs extra cement as it will
lose a small amount of water weight as it
dries. Tap bucket on ground 10-15+ times to
release any air bubbles.
3. Cut PVC handles
Use your hand to measure the width of your
handle.
Tips: A circular saw works best for this, but
you can use a hand saw or reciprocating saw.
A clamp helps keep the PVC secure while you
cut.
Handle size reference:
4. Drill screw holes
Make an x-shape with drilled holes and add
your carriage bolts which creates extra hold
and strength inside the concrete.
Tips: Pre-drill holes on both ends of your
handle. We used carriage screws because
they were cheapest; threaded rods or
anything along those lines act as rebar for
structure and support.
@easylumberco
@colin__skinner
5. Secure handle in concrete
Press down until it reaches the bottom of
the bucket.
Tip: Add concrete into your handle and fill
about 3/4 of the way (DO NOT cover your drill
holes on top end!).
6. Cure for 24 hrs
Place on a level surface.
Tip: Use a small level on both the front and
side of the pipe to ensure as close to level as
possible.
Day 2
7. Repeat steps for other half of
dumbbell
Flip cured bucket and handle over into fresh
concrete to finish your mold. Don't forget to
add your bolts! Allow concrete
7 to set for
another 24 hrs.
Tips: Make a criss-crossed "x" sticky-side up
on your curing surface with duct tape. Then
place your wet concrete bucket directly on
top of the duct tape before placing your Day
1 bucket handle into it. The "x" wraps up and
around the buckets to hold them in place
once you level them.
@easylumberco
@colin__skinner
8. Cut tape and buckets off
After 24 hrs drying time, your weights are
ready to use. Grab a utility knife to cut the
tape and buckets off.
Tips: Cut a straight line down opposite
sides of the bucket; it releases and slides
right off.
9. Aesthetic touches
For extra aesthetics and function, add some
athletic tape to the handles.
Tip: We re-weighed and spray painted (using
stencils we made) individual weight sizes on
the sides of the dumbbells for a nice touch
and finish!
Notes: If you’ve never worked with concrete before,
make sure to clean off your shovel and wheel barrow
with your hose when finished.
We would love to see how your new concrete weights
turn out, so please tag us and enjoy!
@easylumberco
@colin__skinner
