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How to Make Cheap Stilts

Nothing is quite as fun for kids, or as simple to learn with a little practice, as stilt-walking. Stilts let you experience what it's like to be taller without having to grow up, and they're fun for adults too. Best of all, they're fairly simple to assemble and are a creative weekend project for families to build their own and enjoy in the backyard.

Things You'll Need

Two 2 by 4-inch boards, 1 inch thick.
Saw
Two blocks of hardwood, six inches long by two inches wide by three inches deep
Pencil
Measuring tape
Drill
Sandpaper
Four bolts, 4 inches
Four wingnuts
Adjustable dog leash
Hammer
Nails

Instructions

- 1
  Measure out the heights on your stilts on the 2 by 4s and mark them off with the pencil in 6- inch lengths. Lay the board against your leg to determine how high the footrest will be and whether the person using the stilts will be able to hold on to the tops of the boards for balance. Saw off any unneeded height of the board. Measure an inch from the end of the hardwood blocks on the 6-inch length and mark off a point.
- 2
  Drill a hole in the hardwood block for the bolts. Make sure your marks on even on each 2 by 4, and then measure an inch in from the markings on your 2 by 4, and drill a hole for the bolts to go through. Sand down any rough edges on the blocks and the 2 by 4s, paying close attention to the tops of the boards. Consider rounding any pointy edges in order to best protect any little hands that may be grasping for balance.
- 3
  Nail the dog leash into the hardwood block. Put it on the foot of the person using the stilts, and make sure that it's adjustable and comfortable. Then bolt the hardwood block to the 2 by 4s with the bolts and the wingnuts. While sitting down, tighten the straps on your feet to keep from slipping. Have somebody grab your hands and pull you up to your new height, and walk around the yard, getting used to your new stilts and ensuring everything is secure.

Backyard Toys