How to Make a Three Legged PVC Light Stand

Need some light stands? Can't afford a big outlay? Make your own using PVC pipe pieces––it's as simple as a child's puzzle!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Making the Light

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    1
    Unscrew the clamp from the clamp light. This will help it to fit inside the 1 inch/2.5cm PVC T-piece.
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    2
    Use the Dremel tool to sand the inside of the 1 inch/2.5cm PVC T-piece. You are going to be putting the 'base' of the clamp light inside of it. If you take off too much, use some electrical tape to improve the fit.
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    3
    Insert the bushing into the side of the T-piece that you just put on the clamp light.
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    4
    Push the 3 inch/7.5cm piece into the bushing.
    • Put on a 3/4 inch/2cm T-piece onto the bushing.
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    5
    Put the light aside for now.

Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Making the Light Stand

  1. Image titled Make a Three Legged PVC Light Stand Step 6
    1
    Make the base. Using two of the two inch/2.5cm pieces, 2 T-pieces, and a 90 degree elbow, put them together, like so:
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    2
    Attach three of the 5 inch/12.5cm pieces to the 45 degree elbows.
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    3
    Attach those pieces to the base that you have already created. You are making the set of legs.
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    4
    Attach the leftover 5 inch/12.5cm piece to the base of the stand. That is where you will find the elbow.
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    5
    Your finished tripod.
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    6
    Attach the altered clamp light to the top of your light stand. It's now ready to use.

Things You'll Need

  • Clamp light
  • Dremel (or a similar tool)
  • PVC pipes as follows:
    • 3 - 3/4 inch/2cm T-pieces
    • 3 - 3/4 inch/2cm 45 degree elbows
    • 1 - 3/4 inch/2cm 90 degree elbow
    • 1 - 1 inch/2.5cm T
    • 1 - 1 inch to 3/4/2cm inch bushing
    • 1 - 10 foot/3 meter 3/4/2cm inch PVC pipe, cut into the following:
      • 2 - 2 inch//5cm pieces
      • 1 - 3 inch/7.5cm piece
      • 4 - 5 inch/12.5cm pieces
      • 1 - 9 3/4 inch/24.5cm piece
      • 1 - 15 3/4 inch/40cm piece
      • 1 - 5 foot/1.5 meter piece

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About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 26,682 times.
8 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: December 28, 2021
Views: 26,682
Categories: Featured Articles | Photography Lighting