how to make stilts Page 5

Fancy walking taller without the ego? Make simple peg stilts from two straight timber lengths (about 1.8 m of 40x90 mm), two footrests (300 mm blocks), bolts, screws, and a drill.

Mark footrest height (start low, say 200–300 mm), notch or bolt the blocks to the uprights, then add a second screw or coach bolt so they won’t swivel under you. Round off edges, add non-slip tape to the steps, and fit hand straps or side braces if you’re feeling flash. Test on grass with a spotter, a helmet, and closed shoes; raise the height only after you’ve mastered the Bambi shuffle. If the timber splits, wobbles like a shopping trolley, or you feel heroic, stop and rebuild—gravity is undefeated.