How to Make a Polypro Hoop

Video transcript

Let's go through the whole process of making a polypro hoop. First, get all your tools ready and calculate your hoop size using a cloth measuring tape. Start from the end of the tube and measure along the outside of the tubing: hold the tape measure in place with one hand while you slide your other hand an arm's length along the tube, holding the tape as you measure one arm's length at a time. Stop at your desired measurement and grab your pipe cutters.

Cut the tube approximately 1/4 inch longer than the hoop measurement, using the tube-cutting technique from our earlier video. You measure slightly over what you need to allow for a perfect connection, which we cover in another video. Next, perfect the connection — once it's perfected, you're ready to assemble the hoop.

Grab your 1/8-inch drill bit, rivet, riveter, and connector. Slide the connector halfway into one end of the hoop and choose the side for your rivet. Using the 1/8-inch drill bit, drill a hole through the first layer of the polypro and the first layer of the insert, keeping the drill vertical so the hole goes straight down. Push the 1/8-inch rivet into the hole, place the riveter over it, and squeeze the handle while applying downward pressure — you may need to squeeze several times to break the top of the rivet off.

Choose the appropriate snap button for your hoop and the corresponding drill-bit size (covered in our snap-button video). Push the ends of the hoop together and, on the opposite side of the connection, find the spot for the push button — usually about 1/2 to 3/4 inch from the end of the tube. Drill a hole through the first layer of the hoop and the first layer of the insert, keeping the drill bit vertical.

Now install the push button: pull the ends of the tube apart, squeeze the snap button so it fits inside the insert, and let the button pop through the insert. Then push the ends of the hoop together while pressing down on the button head with your thumb so the ends slide together; the button pops through the hoop layer, and you may need to wiggle the ends slightly to let the button find its hole. And you're done! Thank you from Hoopologie.