Wrist Snapper DIY

[RFrance]

Here is an easy DIY to make a wrist snapper as a training tool for wrist release (see the video below). You can use it for both backhand and forehand and works better than trying to snap a towel.

Quick Backgrounder: Many posts in the Form Analysis and Technique forums reference YouTube videos involving golf techniques. Since this is YouTube you get a lot of related Ads. A few were about an Impact Snap training aid which looked interesting but costs $99. A quick search turned up a cheaper alternative which was Ernie Parker’s Wrist Snapper for softball, but that was still $25. However, it looked like it was easy to make a knock off since it was PVC and modify for disc golf with more like a hammer handle instead of a "T". The details are below the video.



Materials:
1. 1 Piece 4” of ½ inch PVC pipe (use Schedule 40 so the caps fit) – a 2 foot section at HD is $1.50
2. 2 Pieces ½ PVC caps – $0.49 each or both for $1
3. 1 neodymium magnet (0.75 diameter) – pack of 5 is $10
4. 1 Machine screw – zinc plated ¼ inch-20 x 1 ¼ - pack of 4 is $1.20 (stainless steel won’t stick to a magnet)

Basically about $5 a piece but enough magnets and PVC pipe to make 5 for about $20 if you get extra caps and another screw.

Tools:
PVC glue or other glue (Gorilla) for caps
Hacksaw to cut PVC pipe



Instructions:
The picture shows it all.
1. Place magnet in one of the caps (it comes with sticky tape). It might help to mark this cap with a Sharpie so you know which end to hold.
2. Glue one end of PVC pipe onto the cap (the pipe will also hold the magnet in place).
3. IMPORTANT: Slide the machine screw into the pipe with the threaded end first. Otherwise the magnet might not release from the screw head (they are strong magnets).
4. Glue on the other cap.

Using the Wrist Snapper:
Grab the wrist snapper by the magnet end (that’s why we mark it). Go through your swing. If you correctly release your wrist, the screw will pop from the magnet and make a loud click sound. Turn the wrist snapper upside down to return the screw back to the magnet.

Safety: I strongly recommend using this outside. If over time the glue doesn’t hold the cap the screw can come flying out PDQ and it will break something.

You can paint it or dip in Plasti Dip to make it look nice.

[sidewinder22]

ZJ used to talk about throwing the pipe out of the cap.

[RFrance]

I tested it before gluing the cap on and on about the third try the screw came zinging out. It's glued on good for now. I imagine that's why Ernie probably used Plasti Dip for his as insurance. Fortunately, this uses a small screw and PVC and not a "pipe".

[JuanA]

Interesting. Would different lengths of tubing, or different size screw effect the timing of the pop?

I know I have bad timing. I wonder if something like this could help.

[RFrance]

Originally Posted by JuanA

Interesting. Would different lengths of tubing, or different size screw effect the timing of the pop?

I know I have bad timing. I wonder if something like this could help.

A longer tube would require more time before it makes the sound, probably only milliseconds but maybe noticeable. Since you only need to cut one end it's easy to experiment with. Start long and instead of gluing the cap tape it real good and give it a try. If it doesn't seem right cut a little off and try again. I don't think the screw will make much difference except a bigger screw would have more inertia and possible knock the cap off if not secured well. It makes a loud noise. If your timing is off you won't snap the screw off the magnet and no noise.

[Mocheez]

I stopped at the hardware store and picked up some threaded pvc with nuts. I bought metal caps to cover the openings. The magnet sticks to the cap, so no glue or adhesives needed.

Unfortunately, I bought 1/8 inch thick neo magnets which seem to be way too strong unless I put the magnet on the outside of the cap. Even then, I need a strong weight shift to get the screw to release. Fun stuff.

[Mocheez]

[RFrance]

Originally Posted by Mocheez

I stopped at the hardware store and picked up some threaded pvc with nuts. I bought metal caps to cover the openings. The magnet sticks to the cap, so no glue or adhesives needed.

Unfortunately, I bought 1/8 inch thick neo magnets which seem to be way too strong unless I put the magnet on the outside of the cap. Even then, I need a strong weight shift to get the screw to release. Fun stuff.

The neo magnets are crazy strong. I compared them to the regular magnets next to them and there's no contest.

[deyo7]

Originally Posted by Mocheez

You've made a lightsaber. Your training is complete.

[RFrance]

Home Depot is supposed to have threaded 1/2 inch PVC over in the Watering & Irrigation section. I didn't think to look there. Also, probably not a good idea to pack these wrist snappers in your suitcase on your next trip.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-x...8086/100178707

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-1-...8414/303820328

Originally Posted by Mocheez