Parts and Assembly for Parallel Bars

Parts List for the parallel bars: 
The cost was about $40.00. Time to build about 2 hours.

 Letter                                  Description                                                         Quantity

A

 1 1/4" round X 3' 3"

2

B

 1 1/4" round X 6"

6

C

 1 1/4" round X 11"

1

D

 1 1/4" round X 1'

4

E

 1 1/4" round 90 degree elbow

4

F

 1 1/4" round Tee

4

G

 1 1/4" round Cap

4

H

 1" round X 4'

2

I

 1" round X 6"

2

J

 1" round X 1' 1/4"

2

K

 1" round X 11 1/2"

1

L

 1" round 90 degree elbow

2

M

 1" round Tee

2

N

 1" round Cap

2
Elmer's Wood Glue

1

When I bought the material, I got two 10 foot 1 1/4" pipes and two 10 foot 1" pipes. I had the store cut them in half so I could get them in my car.

Cutting the PVC and assemble was real easy, but messy. I used a circular saw to cut the PVC, which was nice and fast. However, it did leave a lot of plastic shavings to be vacuumed up by my Shop Vac. I also sanded the exposed ends of the two part Bs, so that it didn't bother Andrew when he places his hands directly over that part. When you assemble it, dry fit all of the pieces first to check for the right height and width. Use something like a rubber mallet to make sure that all of the pipes are fully inserted.

The following two things are things that was thought of after the diagram was written:

  1. Using wood glue to glue everything together. PVC glue sets in seconds and that is not enough time to use the mallet. Someone suggested using wood glue and letting it set overnight.
  2. Glue sandpaper to the bottom. The PVC slides easily on carpet, and Andrew could move the inserted 1" pipe when he walks. 

NOTE: The 1" pipe that gets inserted into the 1 1/4" should have at least one foot of pipe inserted to give support to the 1" pipe. I measured from the inserted end back one foot and marked it with a marker. When I pull it out, I make sure that I do not let it come out further than the mark. You may need to make adjustments to the height and width for your child. You can talk to your PT person about it. I have not determined the maximum weight/height that this can support. *Use of this plan/instructions is done at your own risk.

Diagram | Pictures

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