As a rule of thumb, it is good to place the camera at roughly your arms’ length. This will keep your face in proximity without unnecessarily crowding the image. If you cannot find a flagpole at a department store, they are also available to order online. [1] X Research source

Afterwards, scotch taping the tripod’s legs to the pole should help increase stability.

Loop the tape around like a coil. This will allow you to create a few layers to further secure the tripod. The legs of the tripod should be placed to wrap around the flagpole and should be taped around each individual leg. Although this is more expensive than other DIY selfie stick methods, it’s easily the most reliable version you can make from home.

Although certain tripods may work differently based on the specific type and phone you’re using, so long as the phone is secured to the tripod, your selfie stick should be relatively safe to use.

Plexiglass poles are good, as you can drill directly into the top and secure a screw to the opening at the bottom of the tripod. [3] X Research source

Alternatively, you can buy a specifically made cellphone holder. They are adjustable and will offer you a greater degree of security if you’re worried about your phone being damaged. [4] X Research source Although cassette cases may be harder to find now than they used to be, you can usually scrounge them up at used music shops or yard sales. Some electronics stores may have them in stock as well.

Placing an extra popsicle stick’s width from under the phone as support is a good idea, as it helps keep the phone in place if it somehow becomes dislodged from the sponges.

To be safe, cover the top and bottom ends with tape. Because scotch tape is clear, it won’t have a significant impact if the tape covers the camera, so long as the tape itself is relatively clear of lint and dust.

It should be noted that a quick selfie stick is not a good idea if your phone is expensive and you’re worried about possibly damaging it.

If you find a version you really like, you might message the person who made it and ask him for tips on how to make it. Chances are the creator will have made some improvements to the published design i the time since and will be able to throw you a few pointers.

Camera 360 is a good app to download if you’re in the habit of taking selfies.

Most impromptu DIY selfie sticks (such as those made from actual sticks) aren’t adjustable per se, but you can draw the camera closer by holding the stick further up its length. Adjust the angle of the selfie stick to your liking while you’re at it. Make sure the camera is level when you take a picture.

Alternatively, you can use a secondary stick (such as a conductor’s wand) to press the button. Make sure the phone camera is evenly levelled before you take a picture.

Putting a selfie stick in a closet is a good call, as closets tend to have a lot of vertical space available.