DIY Blunder Bell: Create Your Own Adjustable Kettlebell

DIY Blunder Bell: Create Your Own Adjustable Kettlebell

You know what ol’ Jack Burton says when it comes to DIY fitness? “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—unless you can add more weight, then go wild, buddy!” And today, we’re gonna take a ride into the world of homemade fitness gear with the “Blunder Bell,” an invention from the mind of my good pal, Rob Shoecraft. Rob’s the kind of guy who looks at a pile of old weights and sees a world of potential—a real MacGyver of muscle. So strap in, folks, because we’re diving headfirst into the gritty, no-nonsense world of DIY kettlebells.

The Birth of the Blunder Bell

Now, Rob didn’t just wake up one day and decide to make a kettlebell out of carpet and shopping bags. No, this brainwave came from an old blunderbuss—a 16th-century shotgun that could fire anything you shoved in it. Rob figured, why not apply that same chaotic genius to weights? And thus, the “Blunder Bell” was born. It’s a contraption that lets you stuff anything with heft inside and swing away to your heart’s content. Rocks, old one-inch plates, or even bricks if you’re feeling adventurous—this bell doesn’t discriminate.

Building the Beast

Alright, folks, let’s talk construction. This masterpiece starts with some heavy-duty shopping bags, the kind you’d trust with your groceries. Rob found these rated for 44 pounds each—perfect for the task at hand. He then layers the bags with carpet strips, which may sound odd unless you’ve ever dealt with carpet. It’s tough stuff, and you can probably get it for next to nothing from someone redoing their floors. Rob cut the carpet into strips, added some duct tape for grip, and voila—a handle was born. It’s like making a gourmet meal out of leftovers, and trust me, you’ll feel like a craftsman when you’re done.

Load It Up

Once you’ve got your Blunder Bell assembled, it’s time to load it up. Rob likes to fill his with old one-inch plates. You might know someone with a dusty basement full of these relics, just waiting for a purpose. Each plate you add turns your Blunder Bell into a versatile workout tool capable of swings, rows, or curls. You can even use rocks or bricks if you’re in a pinch; the appeal here is flexibility. Rob’s done rows with over 120 pounds loaded in there, and trust me, that’s not for the faint of heart—or the weak of bicep.

Exercise Variety: More Than Just Swings

You might be thinking, “Sure, Jack, but what can I actually do with this thing?” Well, buddy, let me tell you, the Blunder Bell is as versatile as a Swiss Army knife at a Boy Scout jamboree. Rob’s used it for kettlebell swings, rows, squats, and even some creative carry variations. Just imagine swinging that thing like you’re trying to launch it into orbit. You could also use it for curls or make it part of a DIY pulley system for cable exercises—something Rob’s always dabbling in. It’s like having a gym in a bag, folks.

Why Go DIY?

So why go through the trouble of making a Blunder Bell when you could just buy a kettlebell? Good question, friend. First off, it’s about cost. Fitness equipment ain’t cheap, and sometimes you have to get creative. Rob’s creation lets you adjust the weight on the fly without spending a fortune on a whole rack of bells. Plus, there’s something satisfying about swinging a weight you built with your own two hands. It’s like being a blacksmith of the modern age, forging strength from odds and ends.

A Word of Caution

Now, it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention a word of caution. Rob doesn’t recommend overhead lifts with the Blunder Bell. The design is rugged, sure, but it’s not invincible. Things might shift mid-air, and while it’s funny to watch in cartoons, it’s less entertaining in real life. Keep your feet on the ground and use that noggin for something other than a crash mat.

Final Thoughts

The Blunder Bell is more than just a piece of exercise gear—it’s a tribute to ingenuity and the DIY spirit. Rob Shoecraft took a utility knife, some carpet scraps, and a few strong words to create a fitness tool that defies convention. So if you’re feeling brave, grab some bags, dig up those old weights, and make your own Blunder Bell. Because you know what ol’ Jack Burton always says? “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But when life gives you weights, make a Blunder Bell.”