How to make a PVC batting tool?

Making your own batting tool out of PVC pipe is a fun and easy DIY project that can save you money compared to buying one. A batting tool, sometimes called a wiffle ball bat, is used to hit lightweight plastic wiffle balls for practice swings or playing games like wiffle ball at home. With just a few supplies from your local hardware store, you can create a custom batting tool in less than an hour. In this guide, we’ll walk through the entire process step-by-step. We’ll cover the required materials, how to cut and assemble the PVC pipe, adding grip tape for comfort, and customizing your batting tool. By the end, you’ll have your own homemade wiffle ball bat ready for the field or backyard. So grab your PVC pipe and let’s get started!

Materials Needed

Making a PVC batting tool is simple and only requires a few supplies:

• 1/2 inch PVC pipe – You’ll need around 36 inches which can be cut into two 18 inch sections. This is the standard diameter size used for wiffle ball bats.
• PVC pipe cutter – This tool will cut the PVC cleanly and evenly.
• PVC cement – Used to fuse the two cut PVC pipes together. Make sure it’s suitable for the 1/2 inch diameter PVC.
• Sandpaper – Used to smooth out the cut PVC edges. Get a medium grit sandpaper.
• Spray paint (optional) – If you want to paint your bat a certain color, you’ll need a spray paint made for plastics.
• Grip tape – Helps provide a better grip. Can be cloth athletic tape, hockey grip tape, etc.
• Hand drill with 1/8 inch bit (optional) – Only needed if you want to customize your bat with extra holes.

That’s it for supplies! Most of these should be available at your local hardware store for under $20 total. Now let’s start constructing the batting tool.

Cutting the PVC Pipe

1. Measure and mark the 36 inch long 1/2 inch PVC pipe at the 18 inch point. Use a pencil to draw a straight line all the way around the pipe where you’ll make the cut.
2. Clamp the PVC securely in a vise or have someone hold it steady.
3. Use the PVC cutter to make a straight cut along the 18 inch line. Try to make the cut in one smooth motion without stopping.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 to cut a second 18 inch length of pipe.
5. Use the sandpaper to smooth out the cut ends on both sections of pipe. This will help them fit together cleanly.

The two PVC pipes should now be cut evenly to 18 inches each.

Assembling the PVC Batting Tool

With the PVC pipe cut, now we can fuse the two halves together:

1. Make sure the two PVC ends are as smooth as possible. Wipe away any debris with a clean rag.
2. Apply a thin layer of PVC cement to one end of pipe. Only apply to the outer inch or two – you don’t need much.
3. Take the other PVC pipe end and firmly push it into the cemented end, twisting slightly to smear the cement.
4. Hold the two ends together firmly for 30 seconds as the cement sets. Make sure they are aligned straight.
5. Once bonded, you may want to use a rag to wipe away excess cement dripping down the sides.
6. Allow 15 minutes for the cemented joint to cure before using your bat.

After following these steps, your two PVC pipes should be fused together into one solid 36 inch bat!

Adding Grip Tape

To help provide a comfortable grip and swing, you’ll want to wrap your batting tool in grip tape:

• Measure out enough tape to wrap around the middle 18 inches of the bat. Cut it to this length.
• Start applying the grip tape a few inches below the top, wrapping downwards towards the handle.
• As you wrap the tape, overlap each revolution by about 1/4 inch to keep it tight.
• Once you reach the bottom, use a utility knife to cut off any excess tape hanging off the end.
• Make sure the tape is smooth and snug along the entire grip area.

The grip tape will help provide a tacky, comfortable grip when holding your DIY batting tool.

Customizing Your Batting Tool

To make your batting tool unique, here are some customization ideas:

• Add weight for power – Drill a 1-inch hole in the end of the bat and fill it with pennies secured with glue. This adds weight to the end for more hitting power.
• Fun colors – Spray paint your bat with colorful plastic-friendly paints. Mask off any areas you don’t want painted.
• Extra holes – Drill smaller 1/8 inch holes across the bat’s surface to change how it performs when hitting wiffle balls.
• Personalized tape – Use a permanent marker to put your name or number on the grip tape.

Get creative and make it your own! Just be careful not to add too much weight if kids will be using the bat.

Conclusion

Making your own PVC batting tool is an easy and enjoyable craft project. With some basic PVC pipe, cement, grip tape, and custom touches, you can produce a homemade wiffle ball bat on a budget. The process only takes about an hour and requires no complex tools. Just follow the instructions in this guide for measuring, cutting, assembling, taping, and personalizing your own batting tool. Share your creation on social media and challenge your family or friends to a friendly game of wiffle ball in the backyard!