Looking to make a DIY resistance band bar or DIY X3 Bar? Then we’ve got you covered. For under $40 we are going to assemble a workout resistance bar using 3/4″ steel pipe and fittings. You can customize the length to your needs by choosing a 24″ (X3 Bar width) or 30″ bar if you have wider shoulders. Then using a couple of reducers and quick links and you will be ready to go. All you need is bands! Let’s get to this budget saving build.
DIY Resistance Band Bar – DIY X3 Bar
What You Need:
- 1 – 3/4″ steel pipe, 24″ long
- 2 – 3/4′ – 1/2 reducers
- 2 – 1/2″ – 1.5″ steel nipples
- 1 – Roll Vinyl Tape
- 2 – 1/2″ steel caps
- 2 – 1/2″ quick links
How to Build a DIY Resistance Band Bar / DIY X3 Bar:
- Use a wrench to screw on the 3/4″-1/2″ reducer to both ends of the pipe.
- Use a wrench to tighten the 1/2″ – 1.5″ nipple into the reducer to make sure they are tight.
- Place one 1/2″ quick link at the end of each side.
- Use your hand to tighten on the end caps. This will ensure that if you need to remove the cap for any reason, loosening the cap won’t also loosen the nipple.
- Use a vinyl tape around the pipe as I show in the pictures. This makes it a little easier on the grip.
Final Notes:
- The quick should support up to 3300 pounds, don’t skimp here.
- If you’re worried about weight, you can up-size this entire system in bar thickness.
- Longer pipes will provide a greater initial stretch to bands, giving you even more resistance than the X3 Bar can offer.
This setup should cost under $40 to make! There are plenty of high quality resistance band loop sets you can buy for about $50. So you should be able to make your own X3 bar for under $100. Below are a couple of the best reviewed sets on Amazon.
Resistance Bands:
I would add a cold shut to the end of the links so that all you need to do is drape the bands on and off onto the shuts for a much quicker loading unloading of resistance. trust me it works better! Tension will not let the bands slip off of the shut; trust me I have used great force with this method!