Leaning Stool / Human Kickstand / Wobble Chair

Now that sitting has become as vilified as smoking, there is a huge movement toward standing desks and leaning stools. I'm fortunate that my desk at work is powered and raises and lowers for sitting or standing positions. I found that standing for long periods can get uncomfortable. I searched for a leaning stool online and they can run from hundreds of dollars into the thousands.

Since I wasn't even sure I would like leaning for part or all of a workday, I wasn't willing to shell out large sums of cash. There are some interesting homebrewed versions, but I didn't want to get into casting concrete, or again shelling out big $$.

What follows is my solution, which took about 15 minutes to complete.

Step 1: Gather Your Gear

You will need the following. I've listed what worked for me, but feel free to use your own selections.

1 - A hacksaw bladed for cutting metal

2 - An adjustable wrench

3 - An adjustable aluminum cane, 3/4" tube (you can find used ones at goodwill store for very little $.)

4 - A wide base cane tip (I used the Hugo Mobility Quadpod Ultra Stable Cane Tip with Compact Quad Design)

5 - A bicycle seat with no horn or nose (Mine is a Schwinn No Pressure Bicycle Seat)

Since I already had the cane, wrench, and hacksaw, my only purchases were the cane tip and the seat. I tried using the cane tip that was already on the cane, but it was too small for stability. The Quadpod is well constructed and the seat stands up on its own.

I made my purchases from Amazon to a grand total of $31.63 with free shipping.

Step 2: Cut Your Cane

Use the hacksaw to cut the hook handle from the rest of the cane. You want to make sure that you have a straight tube.

As an option, if you have a metal file, you may wish to file down any burrs and jagged edges from the cut area. Since the cut area is tucked up under the seat, I did not do this myself.

Step 3: Attach the Seat to the Cane

If you've purchased the same seat as me, all you need to do is slide the seat over the area that you cut, and tighten it down with an adjustable wrench. Tighten until it's well attached and quite snug, but don't overtighten. You don't want to crush the cane tube. Bike seats generally will allow you to choose an angle of lean to the seat. You may have to experiment to find the best angle for you. Mine in set at the default neutral angle.

Step 4: Tip Your Cane (optional)

Remove the old cane tip, and install the new and improved one. If you choose to use the tip that came with the cane, be wary as it may tear depending on your weight. I find the Quadpod very stable and it grips well.

Attention:

No matter what tip you use, be careful if you are using the seat on a smooth, waxed, or wet surface as the stool could slip out from under you. Mine works well on carpet and hardwood. Be careful in slippery conditions.

Step 5: Lean Back and Work

Adjust the height of the stool so that it's comfortable. Remember, you aren't trying to sit on it, you're trying to lean and take some of your weight off of your legs.

This seat is very portable and you can use it almost anywhere. Great at concerts, parades, or what have you.

Enjoy!