Frequently Asked Questions
Each bell consistently measures around 110–115 decibels on a sound level meter.
In September 2026, a swim official emailed me to say he'd just received his bell, and within a minute his family was thoroughly annoyed with him. I took that as a huge compliment!
I was a competitive swimmer throughout my childhood and teenage years, and I'm certain it kept me out of trouble. Years later, my daughter became a competitive swimmer too. I wanted to help out at her meets, so I became a USA Swimming Official and worked my way up through the certifications to become a Starter and Referee.
As a Starter, I couldn't stand the weak sound of the cowbells and small bells used during distance events. Those swimmers are supposed to hear the bell to know they have two lengths left in their race. Having welding experience, I decided to build my own loud bell from stainless steel.
It quickly caught the attention of other officials at meets, and the requests started coming in. I made one bell, then two, then ten, and the numbers kept climbing. I stamped a number inside each one and kept track of where it went. Before long, requests were coming from all over the United States.
Today I continue to make custom bells for swim officials, coaches, teams, and spectators nationwide, and they make great gifts too. It's a craft I truly enjoy, and I hope to keep doing it for a long time.
Please read all of the information below before sending a request. It should answer most of your questions.
About the bells
Thank you for your interest in my custom bells! Most of the bells I make are what I call the "standard single-body bell," which has a brushed finish. Every component is stainless steel, and I do all the welding and refinishing myself. The only exception is mirrored polishing, which I've had done for some bells.
The Gallery shows examples of standard bells, bells with decorative studs, custom end caps, a "stiletto" point on the handle, and mirror-polished finishes.
Pricing
Standard single-body bell, brushed finish: $290
Shipping (USPS Priority Mail): $25 (within the USA)
Optional enhancements
Decorative studs (set of 8): $80. Studs require considerable work to prepare and attach properly.
Mirrored polish finish: $120. This can add 1–2 weeks to the completion time.
Custom stamped lettering: $2.00 per letter
Round walnut display base with a matte stainless steel centering disk: $40
Every bell includes:
A water-resistant drawstring pouch for storage and protection
A microfiber cleaning cloth
Care instructions
Things to think about before you order
When you send a request, I'll ask about the following:
Bell type: Standard brushed finish, studs, or a mirrored polish? Polished bells aren't plated or chromed; the stainless steel itself is polished.
Stud color: If you'd like studs, they come in many colors.
Handle color: Numerous options are available, including multi-colored handles and some that combine metal and rubber. I have a nice collection on hand and can find some really cool ones with a little searching. I'm always happy to provide suggestions.
Stamping: I can stamp a name, nickname, team name, or other information on the top of the bell, inside or out (see the Gallery for examples). It's optional, but I highly recommend it so the bell can be identified if it goes missing. I know of at least two unstamped bells that were stolen.
One of a kind
Every bell I make is numbered and recorded; no two are exactly alike. I want each one to be unique.
Ready to order?
Just submit a request with any questions, concerns, or preferences. Lead time is usually 2–4 weeks or more, depending on my workload. I look forward to hearing from you!
