Sure, you can buy a washers set in any sporting goods store these days. But like most backyard barbecue staples, this St. Louis tradition is just better homemade than store-bought. So we went looking for some DIY plans and found Zach Hickert, founder of the Hickert Toss-Off washers tournament in Dogtown.
He set us straight on blueprints and tourney rules: Each team throws three washers per turn. Earn 5 points for landing one in the cup and 3 points getting it in the box. Points scored in the same round cancel out. The first team to score 21 wins.
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Want to build your own set? Here’s how:
1. Gather Materials. Head to a hardware store with about $50. You’ll need four 17-inch-long two-by-fours, four 14-inch-long two-by-fours, two 17-inch squares of ½-inch plywood, two 4-inch-long pieces of 4-inch-diameter PVC pipe, two 4-inch-diameter PVC pipe caps, two 1 ½-inch bolts, two ¼-inch nuts, two 5/16-inch washers, six 2½-inch washers, and a box of 2-inch wood screws. You’ll also need a drill.
2. Build the Base. Make a square frame, using four boards, two 17-inch and two 14-inch. Fasten them together with the eight screws. Next, place one of the square plywood pieces on top of the 2-by-4 frame, like a roof. Fasten it down with another eight screws. Flip over. Repeat to build a second box.
3. Set the Can. Locate the center point of each box and drill a ¼-inch hole. Do the same to the PVC pipe cap. Thread the bolts through the box floor and PVC cap. Slide a 5/16-inch washer and nut onto the bolt and tighten. Slide the 4-inch-long PVC pipe into the cap until it fits snugly.
4. Accessorize. Mark one team’s washers to differentiate them from the opponent’s. Hickert recommends drilling a hole in each one, but spray paint works, too. He also suggests pouring about 2 inches of sand into each box to cut down on ever-heartbreaking bounce-outs.
