How to Make Simple Crutches

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

If you find yourself in need of a pair of crutches when none is available, whether for role-playing, or for a minor leg or foot injury, you can build your own with some simple woodworking tools and scrap lumber.

Steps

1
Choose some straight-grained sound lumber suitable for the project. Oak, poplar, ash, or hickory are good, strong, bendable hardwoods, but even a softwood like white pine used in the illustrations will do in a pinch.
2
Rip the wood to yield two 1 ¹⁄₄ inch (3.2 cm) by 1 ¹⁄₂ inch (3.8 cm) boards about 66 inches (167.6 cm) long. Mark these 12 inches (30.5 cm) from one end and rip them down their centers from the end to the mark so the two limbs can be separated.

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3
Drill a ³⁄₈ inch (1.0 cm) hole through the center 2 inches (5.1 cm) below the mark at the end of the rip cut in the previous step. Insert a ³⁄₈ inch (1.0 cm) hex bolt through this hole with a flat washer on the head of the bolt, place another washer on the threaded end, and then install the hex nut, tightening it snugly.
4
Cut a wedge ³⁄₄ inch (1.9 cm) wide to a point, 3 inches (7.6 cm) long, and drive it between the two limbs to spread them out. The sides should each bow out symmetrically and form a "Y" shape.
5
Cut a 1X1 inch block of your wood 4 inches (10.2 cm) long with a 15 degree bevel on each end for each crutch grip, then bore a ³⁄₈ inch (1.0 cm) hole through the center, lengthwise. Sand or shape these blocks round so they are comfortable to hold.
6
Mark a center where the grip should fit through the limbs by placing the end of the crutch on the ground and dropping your hand to a comfortable height between the limbs. For an adjustable grip, a series of holes can be drilled so the grip can be raised or lowered for persons who are different heights. For a crutch being used by one person, the single mark you have made is all that needs to be drilled.
7
Push a 3/8 all-thread rod through one limb, the grip, and then the other limb, place flat washers and then nuts on each end of these bolts. Tighten the nuts securely, and cut off any of the all-thread rod that extends beyond the nuts.
8
Hold the crutches by the grips in the position you would use the crutches in, and mark the height the limbs need to be trimmed at. Cut the limbs off at these marks.
9
Cut two more blocks of wood 1 1/2 inches (5.1 cm) square and 7 inches (17.8 cm) long, then notch each end ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) back from the ends and ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) deep to create steps for the limbs to fit into. Glue and nail the ends of the limbs in these notches to form the tops of the crutches.
10
Sand or smooth any rough surfaces of the crutches for a more comfortable and attractive crutches.

Community Q&A

Question

Will you get splinters?

Community Answer

If they are made out of wood, it is possible to get splinters, especially if they are not sanded or sealed.
Question

Can crutches be made by hand out of metal?

Community Answer

Yes. Pretty much anything can be made out of any material.
Question

How can I get some already-made crutches?

Community Answer

You can usually go to a hospital and get a pair. If not, go to your local pharmacy and ask for a pair. Some drugstores may also sell crutches.

Warnings

Use appropriate safety equipment when using power tools.

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Please use "Rubber Feet" at indoor on the floor which tends to be slippery.

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