How to Make a Metal Bo Staff

This week for Weapons Wednesday, I thought it would be fun to teach you how to make a metal bo staff using only tools and materials you can find at your local hardware store. Watch the video to learn how!

A while back, I made a video where I tought you how to make a metal escrima stick using only materials you could find at your local hardware store. The escrima stick turned out so great that I thought it would be cool if I showed you how to make a bo staff in a similar fashion. So, I took a trip to my local Ace Hardware and found everything I needed to make a really nice aluminum bo staff.

The things you will need to make a metal bo staff are as follows:

1. Metal Tube - In my previous video, I was lucky enough to find a really nice stainless steel curtain rod, but in this video I found an aluminum tube that worked out very nicely. When choosing your tube or curtain rod, be sure to choose one that is long enough and also one that is the correct diameter for the bo staff you would like to use. Generally, staffs have a diameter anywhere from 3/4" to 1 1/4". I chose a 1 1/4" diameter for this staff and went with a 76" length. To determine the correct length for you, you will want to ask your instructor, because depending on the martial art and your instructor, you may be required to use a specific size. Metal tubes also come in different materials and wall-thicknesses, so it's important to find something that is a heavy and durable as you need depending on how you are going to use it.


2. 2 Furniture Caps. These are sold at most hardware stores and come in a variety of sizes. Choose some furniture caps that fit your tube snuggly.


3. Pipe Cutter - These come in many different sizes. Just choose one that opens large enough for your tube. I chose a very inexpensive one that they had at the hardware store.


4. Tape Measure


5. Marker, Pencil or something to Draw on the Metal Tube


6. Epoxy, Gorilla Glue, Silicone or some other sort of adhesive to hold the furniture caps into your tube.

That's it! Now, watch the video to learn how to make your metal bo staff!

Here's the video: