Broom handles may look like something you can use as a DIY BDSM spreader bar, but please be aware that unpolished wood can easily break and cause injury. So no bueno.
Instead we recommend buying a high-quality and affordable product like Bondage Boutique Extreme. It only costs $84.99 (even cheaper with discount code MSTG15 for 15% off!) and will provide a far safer experience.
However, if online adult retailers or sex shops are not available in your area, we have listed some homemade ideas below. But please be aware of the risks and approach everything with caution.
- It’s important to know the risks with BDSM play, especially when using household items as restraints. To ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved, we strongly recommend purchasing professionally made products from trusted retailers.
- But we understand that not everyone has access to adult retailers or sex shops, which is why we listed a few semi-safe alternatives below. However, please approach these methods with caution and carefully read and follow the provided instructions to minimize potential risks.
Table Of Contents
Why You Should Trust Us
Rachel Sommer, our sexologist and experienced sex toy tester, has done extensive testing and research to provide you with the most reliable information for DIY BDSM equipment. Along with her team of BDSM experts, Tim Larson and Shane Davis, they brainstormed the safest ideas on how to create spreader bars from common items found around the house.
Her focus is to ensure her recommendations not only are functional and affordable but also cater to the specific sexual needs and desires of each individual. With her expertise in this field, Rachel is the ideal guide to help you navigate the realm of bondage play and create your own personalized playthings. You’re in safe hands!
To submit a question to Rachel, call her at +1 307-372-3895 or send an email to [email protected]. Be sure to include your full name and your phone number or email address.
What Is A DIY BDSM Spreader Bar?
A DIY BDSM spreader bar is a homemade restraint device designed to keep a submissive partner’s limbs restrained, limiting their movement. It’s typically fairly long with cuffs at each end to secure the arms or legs, allowing the dominant partner to exert control over the submissive’s movements. People make them from various materials such as wood, metal, or PVC pipes, and the primary motivation to build them is to save money or to customize them to their exact needs.
Note: I am not exaggerating when I say Bondage Boutique (product above) is this year’s highest-rated spreader bar. Read our Bondage Boutique Extreme review to learn how we motivated our decision.
Is Making a Homemade BDSM Spreader Bar Safe?
No. Making a homemade BDSM spreader bar is not safe. It might appear like a good way to save money but there are many issues along the way, personal injuries being the most serious concern. The main risks with homemade alternatives are the quality of materials and the absence of testing and certification. If not constructed correctly, the bar could break, posing a risk of injury to participants.
Some Semi-Safe DIY Spreader Bar Ideas
So we promised some decent methods above so let’s talk about them next. But please note that these DIY projects will never be as safe as a product you buy from a legit store. Let’s start with the most popular method which involves using an aluminum pipe:
Note: Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk. Please read our Terms of Service to learn more.
1. Aluminum Pipe
This DIY metal spreader bar is made of an aluminum pipe, making it fairly strong and lightweight. You can find aluminum pipes in most hardware stores or on Craigslist. Maybe you even have some lying around the house.
Let’s look at how the folks over on Reddit pulled this one together:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose a strong and lightweight pipe.
- Use a pen to mark your desired length on the pipe. Then, cut the pipe carefully using a cutting tool.
- Use a power drill with the correct drill bit size to create two evenly spaced holes on each end of the pipe.
- Insert eye hooks, and make sure you lock them properly. I recommend using washers and nuts for added stability.
- Connect wrist or ankle cuffs to the eye hooks using carabiners, chains, or straps.
Note: Choose an aluminum pipe with sufficient thickness and strength to handle the intended load. Thin or lightweight pipes may be prone to bending or breaking, which are safety risks.
2. Dowel Rod
A dowel rod is a more affordable option and a bit easier to construct. If you don’t have a dowel rod in your house, you can usually find one in most craft stores. Let’s see how one Redditor put this one together:
Materials Needed:
- Two wooden dowel rods, 1.5-inch diameter, approximately 4 ft long
- Drill
- Handsaw
- Wood stain (preferably dark colors)
- 6 screw eyelets (for connecting to cuffs)
- A drill bit slightly smaller than the eyelets
- Coarse sandpaper
- Medium grit sandpaper
- Measuring tape
- Bondage rope (to hang it up during staining)
- Towel or protective sheet
- Paintbrush
- Lacquer (to seal and provide a glossy finish)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Measure and cut dowel rods: Determine the desired length of each bar and use a measuring tool to mark the measurements on the dowel rods. Securely hold the rods in place with a friend, then use a handsaw to cut the rods at the marked measurements.
- Sand the cut edges: Start by using coarse sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges where the cuts were made. This will also help in leveling the cut surface. Spend adequate time on each bar to ensure a satisfactory result. Then, switch to medium grit sandpaper to further refine and smoothen the surface of the bars, paying special attention to the cut edges.
- Drilling a pilot hole at the ends using a drill slightly smaller than the screw eyelets. Drill a pilot hole down the center of each side of the bars. Ensure the pilot hole you make is in a straight line. Having someone assist in holding the bars steady or using a vice can be helpful during this step.
- Attach screw eyelets: Insert the screw eyelets into the pilot holes and tighten them securely.
- Stain the bars: Find a suitable location to hang them such as your garage. Hang each bar individually using a rope. Apply a wood stain of your choice using a paintbrush, ensuring all sides of the bars are adequately covered. Allow ample time for the stain to penetrate and dry. Wipe off any excess stain oil with towels or paper towels.
- Apply lacquer for sealing and a glossy coat: Then clean the bars to remove any residual stain oil. Visit a home improvement store to acquire lacquer. Apply the lacquer according to the product instructions, which typically involve using a paintbrush or spray.
- Finalize and test: After the lacquer has dried, check the bars for any remaining issues, such as rubbing off stains or odor. Clean it thoroughly before first use.
Source: Reddit
3. PVC Pipe
A PVC pipe is a decent option as it’s affordable and easy to find. Here’s one semi-safe method that we found on Quora:
Materials Needed:
- PVC pipe (length and diameter according to preference)
- Two PVC end caps
- Connector piece for PVC pipe (like cedar pieces)
- Eye-bolts
- Nuts
- Carabiners or other attachment options (e.g., rope)
- Red canvas (or any desired material for wrapping)
- Double-stick tape
- Electrical tape
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Determine the desired length for your homemade spreader bar and cut the PVC pipe accordingly. Ensure that the length suits your needs and preferences.
- Take the PVC end caps and securely attach them to each end of the cut PVC pipe. Use appropriate methods such as adhesive or a snug fit to ensure they stay in place. Additionally, connect the connector piece to the middle section of the PVC pipe, ensuring a good fit.
- Put holes in the end caps to accommodate the eye bolts. Once the holes are drilled, insert the eye bolts through the holes and lock them from the inside of the end caps using nuts. Strengthen the nuts to ensure the eye bolts are firmly attached.
- Depending on how you plan to use it, you can put carabiners directly to the eye bolts for connecting cuffs or other restraints. Alternatively, use rope or any other preferred attachment method.
- If needed, take strips of red canvas (or any desired material) and wrap them tightly around the PVC pipe. Create tension while wrapping to ensure a snug fit. Use double-stick tape underneath the canvas strips to help lock them in place. Additionally, use electrical tape at both ends to provide extra reinforcement.
- Once the wrapping is complete, inspect the bar for any loose parts or potential issues. Ensure everything is securely fastened and functioning as intended.
Pro tip: High-quality BDSM restraints make a huge difference! Instead of buying cheap ones, get Stockroom’s Premium Garment Leather Cuffs. It has a quality design, sturdy safety mechanisms, superior comfort, sexy look, and they are suitable for all experience levels. You can find more BDSM restraints in this article.
Not Safe at All Ideas
If you don’t have a suitable bar and no access to power tools, that doesn’t mean you’re going to grab the nearest broom handle and use it. Let’s talk about some hacks you should never be doing:
Using Weak Materials: It doesn’t matter if the video tells you to grab the nearest mop or broom handle, tie two pieces of some sort of restraints and call it “BDSM equipment”. Using weak materials such as plastic, mop, and broom handles is dangerous as they break easily and cause injury to you or your partner. Always use sturdy and durable materials when making a spreader bar.
Take the Sportsheets Expandable for example. Making spreader bars capable of being shortened or lengthened is not easy and building them strong enough for the most energetic bondage scenes is also challenging. But the Sportsheets Expandable does all that incredibly well.
Not Sanding Down Edges: Always smooth sharp edges and rough surfaces using sandpaper. You don’t need round edges necessarily, just smooth the edges enough to avoid discomfort or injury to the restrained person.
Poorly Attached Attachment Points: Carabiners or eye bolts must be securely attached to the spreader bar. BDSM play can get rough, and poorly attached attachment points can lead to it coming apart and causing injury.
How to Use a Homemade Bondage Spreader Bar?
Using a spreader bar can be a thrilling experience for both the dominant and submissive partner. But it’s essential to use it safely to avoid any injuries or accidents. Let’s learn how:
- Test the sturdiness and security before using it on a person, for example, check that the attachment points and carabiners are tightened.
- If everything is secure and safe, secure the spreader bar on your submissive partner.
- You can try to restrain them in various positions, such as spreading their legs for easy genital or anal access or spreading their arms and legs for vulnerability and exposure. If you have a short adjustable bar, make some adjustments so your partner won’t be so uncomfortable.
- Regularly check in on the partner and communicate to ensure they are comfortable and safe.
- Establish a safeword that the submissive partner can use if they want to stop the session.
If you feel like leveling up your game, you can check out the other BDSM equipment we tested. These BDSM toys are a good start for building your collection!
Why Is it Better To Buy A Commercial Product?
When it comes to BDSM play, using a real spreader bar is often better than a DIY version. Here are just a few reasons why:
Stability
A commercial spreader bar is designed to be sturdy and stable, which is important for safety reasons. A DIY version may not be able to support the weight of a person and may be difficult to use, especially for first-timers. A legit product is less likely to break and typically more straightforward to use.
I highly recommend the Liberator Talea if you want to transition from a complete novice to a BDSM expert. Talea is as trouble-free and comfortable as its manufacturer can make it, like how the faux leather cover protects participants from unwanted bangs or scrapes.
Effectiveness
A commercial spreader bar is designed to be used together with other BDSM equipment, such as cuffs or ropes, allowing for a more complete and immersive BDSM experience. A DIY version may not be compatible with other BDSM equipment, which can limit the versatility of the play session. You won’t be able to switch things up!
Vulnerability
One of the primary reasons people use them is to create a feeling of vulnerability for the restrained person. A real spreader bar does this way more effectively than a DIY version, as it’s specifically designed for this very purpose. Your BDSM experience will be much hotter if the feeling of helplessness is there. If you know you can easily break the bar in half, what’s the whole point?
If you want to spice things up a bit, we recommend Fetish Fantasy 24 Inch (product above) which is a combo of neck, wrist, ankle, and ankle restraints connected by a pair of extremely strong metal bars.
Rachel
PS, an excellent alternative is a DIY BDSM yoke.
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