How fragile are PVC pipes?

Question

I'm hoping to make a cane for a Halloween costume, like someone did and documented here : http://paraesthesia.com/archive/2005/09/11/howto-willy-wonka-walking-stick.aspx

But will the pipe break easily?

Answer 1

You can also use ABS pipe which is also very strong,costs about the same(or less) and is black.

Answer 2

it should be ok but make sure you buy a schedule 40 cpvc its stronger

Answer 3

Planning for Halloween pretty early, aren't we? But yes, PVC pipe of at least an inch diameter should be strong enough for a prop cane.

Answer 4

yes you can build one out  PVC just be sure to buy what is called sch 40 pvc, because it has thicker walls .Here is what I would buy if I were you.

Depending on your height

a 5 foot long section of 1" sch 40 pvc.

1  1" pvc glue cap , for the bottom of the cane. ( this may make it just a tad slippery in use but it may be better than just having the end of the PVC pipe on the ground.

Buy 2  1" 45's fittings and this will be used as the handle of the cane. Just take and cut a piece of the  1" pvc about 3" long. Fit the first 45 on the top of the cane, and then fit the 3" piece of 1" pvc into the 45 fitting(without glue) and this will now form the handle of the cane. You don't really need to use glue at all for this project , but just make sure that all of the fittings are pressed in as far as they can go..Glue is your choice to make.

Hope this helps

ROSCoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...

Answer 5

I don't see why it wouldn't work, unless you need the cane to support your weight while walking.  If it's just ornamental, then I see no problem.

PVC isn't clear, though, it's opaque white.  You won't be able to see into it like the one in the pictures.

Answer 6

a cane made of 1' schedule 80 would be very strong, you will find the schedule 80 in the electrical dept. of your local hardware store they also have the 90's there. You will have all of it in front of you so finding you diameter and wall thickness will be easy. PVC is very strong but stay away from the light weight sprinkler pipe schedule 200 etc.

Answer 7

PVC pipes come in different sizes, but all of them are pretty durable. I've actually never seen clear ones before, I'm inclined to say they'd hold up not quite as well as the white ones, but as long as you're not putting a ton of weight on this thing, you should be good to go.

Answer 8

If you look at the design of the cane it said schedule 80. That is the key schedule 20 would break and bend. Schedule 80 is going to be thick walled and durable. So if you order the 10' joint of schedule 80 on the link for $24.00 it should be pretty sturdy. If you are going to make the cane in the web link that's what you need to do.

Answer 9

I agree 2 with lumpee as the ABS would also work well, and you could add colorful tape to the black ABS pipe for interest.

How fun.....

both the pipes are very sturdy and would support someone for a cane used as a prop.

Answer 10

if you are worried about it breaking why not fill it with sand to make it ridgid

Answer 11

PVC - is quite tough, but it will split if bashed hard enough.!