The Kewlus - DIY Cobra Bag from PVC & Pool Noodle
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I invented the Kewlus because I could not afford a fast spring-based cobra bag, and all the cheap ones that I tried were no good. The Kewlus is fast and is as good as most top-end cobra bags (I know because I sell the very best). The best part is that it will only cost you $10 as long you have something solid to mount it onto, like a corner of a solid coffee table, a heavy chest or a storage ottoman. If you have not, do not despair because I have all the add-on options for you!
Key Items:
- 3/4 inch PVC pipe - sold at most plumbing or hardware stores, this flexible pipe is manufactured worldwide using a standard outer diameter of 1.05 inches (26.7mm). The length should be roughly to your chin from the floor. You can always cut it down to size at home with a serrated knife.
- Pool Noodle - I'm using a 5 foot long, 2.5 inches thick noodle with a hole in the centre.
- Wide Duct Tape - the stretchy stuff
Base Upgrade Options:
- If you don't have a solid coffee table, chest or storage ottoman, you can opt for Kewlus Base Connector & Click Mast - just screw it down to a couple of MDF boards glued together (about 2 ft x 2 ft size). The 3/4 inch PVC pipe fits perfectly into the Kewlus Mast - I specifically designed it to be compatible with 3/4 inch plumbing pipes.
- Alternatively, if you don't want to go to the trouble of making an MDF board platform, you can opt for the Kewlus Paddles and Sandbags (for weight).
Instructions:
Watch the video for the details, here are the key steps:
- Work out what you will use for your base. If you don't have anything solid like a solid coffee table, chest or storage ottoman, consider getting the Kewlus Base Connector & Click Mast, and making a base using a couple of MDF boards.
- Make the ball from the pool noodle by following my instructions in the video. Here's the summary of it: The first section of pool noodle is 8 inches and forms the core which is threaded onto and sits at the very top of the PVC pipe; The second part is 12 inches and is split lengthwise with each split section being wrapped around the core section; The third part is 18 inches and also split in half, and you just use one of the halves to go around the centre on top of the first two. Tape each section in place as you go.
- Insert the PVC pipe with the DIY ball into the Click Mast and check the height. Trim the bottom of the PVC pipe if needed.
- Connect the Kewlus to your base.
It Never Needs Pumping!
One major advantage of The Kewlus is that it never needs pumping! While most Cobra Bags use an inflatable ball which needs to be topped up with air every few days, the Kewlus does not. That also means that it is always nice and firm and ready to go when you are.
Here's an older video I made some years ago, and it is still as good as ever!