Written by: Kyle Divine
Intro
Today, I will show you how to build a universal foot support that can work with any cable machine or pulley system. This project was requested by many people who have pulley systems or DIY cable systems in their home gyms with no foot support. I have the same issue with my functional trainer.
This project took about an hour to build, the skill level required is pretty basic, and the materials cost about $30-$40.
Suggested Tools
| Tool | Link #1 | Link #2 |
| Dewalt sliding mitre saw | Amazon | Home Depot |
| Dewalt cordless drill | Amazon | Home Depot |
| Drill Press | Amazon | Home Depot |
| 👆 alternatively, the hole can also be drilled using a cordless drill | ||
| 1/4 inch drill bit | Amazon | Home Depot |
| 1.75-inch forstner bit | Amazon | Home Depot |
| Or 1.5-inch forstner bit | Amazon | Home Depot |
| Combination square | Amazon | Home Depot |
Materials
| Materials | Link #1 | Link #2 |
| 1 – 7ft 2×4 | Home Depot | |
| 1 – 6ft 1×4 | Home Depot | |
| 1 – 1.75 or 1.5-inch x 48” round wood dowel | Home Depot | |
| 15 – 2.5 inch wood screws | Amazon | Home Depot |
| 6 – 2 inch pan head screws | Amazon | Home Depot |
| 1 – Mending plate | Amazon | Home Depot |
| 1 – Black spray paint | Amazon | Home Depot |
| Skid guard tred | Amazon | Home Depot |
| Slipstick 2” grippers | Amazon | Home Depot |
Step 1
I start by cutting my 2×4 into the pieces I’ll need – a 26.5-inch piece, a 20-inch piece, a 14-inch piece, and 2 six-inch pieces. The 1×4 is cut to 26.5 inches, and the 1 3/4 dowel is cut to 12 inches.
Step 2
On the 6 inch 2×4 pieces, I mark 3 7/8” from the bottom and draw a line from there at a 45-degree angle. Once these lines are marked, we can go ahead and cut them.
Step 3
I measure and mark 7 inches from the end of my 20-inch piece and use my combination square to mark the center; this is where the hole for the dowel will go.
Step 4
I am using a 1 3/4 dowel, so I drill a 1 3/4 hole. You can use a smaller dowel for this if it’s easier. It doesn’t matter too much. When drilling this hole, you only need to go halfway or three-quarters of the way through the 2×4.
Step 5 (Optional)
Totally optional, but I always like to go over the end of my dowels with a round-over bit to get rid of sharp edges.
Step 6
I drill a hole in the center of that hole. This is for a screw. This dowel is not weight-bearing at all. One screw should be enough to hold it in place.
Step 7
Next, I attach the 26.5 inches long 2×4 with a couple of screws.
Step 8
I use a mending plate to reinforce the joint.
Step 9
The 14 inch 2×4 goes on top with a handful of screws to keep it in place.
Step 10
The 6 inch 2x4s go on either side of this piece and are secured with screws.
Step 11
The 1×4 piece goes on top and should rest nicely on the angled 2×4’s.
Step 12
Assembly is done. Time for paint.
Step 13
I add 4 non-slip pads to the bottom. These help keep it in place while it is being used.
Step 14
The last thing I add is the grip tape. This stuff is made for stairs but actually fits my build perfectly. Super easy to apply too. Once this is on, we’re good to go.
Step 15
I put on 180 pounds, and it is enough to keep me from moving. Remember, the heavier you lift, the more weight you’ll need to stack on to keep it from moving.
