DIY Hand Ground Tamper

I needed a hand ground tamper for a backyard project (ground prep for an above ground swimming pool) but didn't want to spend $40 or more. Instead, I created a DIY hand tamper using common materials found in the garage. It took me less than 15 minutes to make it.

Supplies

Hardware

• 1/4" bolts x2
• 1/4" nuts x2
• 1/4" washers x4
• Note: other size bolts may work as well. I already had 1/4" bolts on hand.
• 2" (or longer) wood screws x2
• Zip ties x4

Lumber

• 2 x 2 x 60" dimensional lumber
• 2 x 4 x 5" dimensional lumber
• 3/4 x 8 x 8" plywood

Other

• 5 lb weight x2
• Plastic bag x2

Tools

• Wood saw
• Drill
• 1/4" drill bit for drilling bolt and zip tie holes
• Screw bit for driving screws

Step 1: Make the Plywood Base

1. Cut a piece of 3/4" plywood to 8" x 8".
2. Drill 8 holes through the plywood base, as shown in the picture, for the zip ties to pass through.
3. With wood screws, screw the piece of 2 x 4 x 5" wood into the plywood base slightly off-center, as shown in the picture. Make sure it is positioned slightly off center so that when the handle is attached to it in a later step, the handle is in the center.

Step 2: Attach the Handle and Weights to the Plywood Base

1. Drill two holes through the 2 x 2 x 60" handle and 2 x 4 x 5" wood so that the 1/4" bolts can pass through them.
2. Connect the 2 x 2 x 60" handle and 2 x 4 x 5" wood with 1/4" bolts, washers, and nuts.
3. Place each 5 lb weight inside a plastic bag to keep them clean.
4. Place a 5 lb weight on the base and secure it with 2 zip ties.
5. Repeat step 4 for the other 5 lb weight.

Step 3: Conclusion

This is what the finished product looks like in my case. Yours might be different depending on whether different materials, dimensions or weights are used.

Here is a link to a short video of this ground tamper in action (please watch until end of video). https://youtu.be/MFXfX4eNFUQ