Here you can download a plan for the making of a piece of playground equipment that we have called the ‘measuring worm climber’.

This is due to the fact that it looks like a measuring worm while moving. Basically, it is about an inverted U-shape, but we wanted its name to sound more interesting to children. The device is very simple, consisting of two side rails of an inverted U-shape, between which there are 15 rungs welded at regular distances from each other. Basically, this is a variant of a very popular playground equipment element called the ‘ladder climber’. The rungs are curved to give little specificity to this device. The parts are easily made by bending, for which you need a tape measure, angle grinder and tube bender. All parts are joined by welding, and the whole structure is installed using an in-ground mounting system.

 

Measuring worm climber plan
Project type
Project difficulty
Medium
Skill level
for DIY enthusiasts
for intermediate experienced metalworker
Level of workshop equipment
Hobby - Hand tools and power tools
Welding machine
Dimensions

900mm (35.43'') x 1700mm (66.93'') x 2290mm (90.16'')

 

We recommend that you protect the structure from rust with some kind of primer paint and then paint it with a metal paint you like. Install the structure in the shade to prevent it from overheating and becoming unusable in the summer sun.

Like all ladder climbers, this one, too, is meant for:

  • strengthening various muscles in children,
  • developing movement coordination,
  • attracting children to play outside with other children.

 

Exploded view and parts list
Measuring worm climber - Parts list
Assembly drawing
Measuring worm climber - Assembly drawing

Kids really love this kind of playground equipment; not only are they able to play with it for hours, but they usually continue to ‘hang out’ in the playground long after their game is over, by sitting on equipment pieces and talking to each other or just running around them. The making of such playground equipment is easy and fast, and if there are not enough well-equipped playgrounds where you live, you may team up with your neighbors and, quite inexpensively and quickly, make and install some of the most common elements. It is enough for one of you to have some welding experience, while everything else can be done by those who do not even have a basic knowledge of metalworking.

 

Download project in PDF file format
Download project (high resolution images)

Submitted by Ceh Jan