Freakin' stupid barbell!

[morningstar]

I am sick to death of my barbell. It is a threaded 6 footer, and there are two problems with it -

1. the weight plates keep loosening up during each exercise. I even have two stoppers (not sure if this is the right word - it's the thingy that holds the weights on so they don't slide off the end of the barbell) on each end trying to keep them locked, and they still come loose. This feels unsafe, even if the plates do stay on.

2. It takes too long to take plates on and off, because I have to undo and redo the stoppers through the threads. Hence, my 65lb double arm back rows, because I just can't be bothered to lower the weights after I finish squats!

This was an expensive barbell, so I'm not really willing to throw it out and get another one, so does anyone have any ideas about this? Can I use a different kind of stopper on a thread-type barbell? Would that work, and if so, does anyone know where I can get a stopper that would work in Toronto?

Thanks!!

 

[NancyAZ]

I don't have any suggestions, but feel your frustration. We have a curl bar and another one that I don't know the name of, as well as the dumbbell bars (also don't know that official name) that are threaded and they are a pain. I hope you figure something out.

 

[MAYNARDSMOM]

I only use hand weights. I was wondering what the advantage was to a barbell or is it just personal preference?

 

[Pearlstrand]

Suggestion...

I shied away from buying a threaded barbell for exactly the reasons that you cite. I use a straight bar with the snap-lock collars, which I like better than those clips.

Perhaps you can used the threaded barbell as a fixed-weight bar, and get an inexpensive one to use when you have to change your weights. I don't know if the threaded and non-threaded use different plates ... I'd hate for you to have to buy another set of plates!

I use this Troy barbell set http://www.thebenchpress.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=45&products_id=279 and bought the snap-lock collars separately. If you need plates, this may be a good option for you.

I can really understand how annoying it is to have to struggle with your equipment! If you get something else for quick changes, and left the other set at a fixed weight, your workouts would be smoother and you would be less frustrated!

Maynardsmom, I like the barbell for squats and lunges because it's easier to hold on your shoulders than in your hands (especially at heavier weights). Also good for deadlifts, biceps, lying tricep extensions... but DH does the same exercises without the bar, so it's not a must-have.

 

[dbelden1]

I think the use of a Barbell is a personal preference and more due to the fact that lower body work requires much heavier weights the more you get into it and the stronger you get... heavier DB's are just too taxing on my elbows for my taste so after I get up much past the 15's or 20's (one in each hand) I actually prefer to use a BB for lower body work.

When I started using a BB I could only find a complete 110# set but the bar was 7' long and weighed a TON (well felt like it anyway) and I didn't feel like hauling it all the way back to the store to return it, so I got a second one at Target (the Reebok 5' standard one) but since all my plates were the Olympic 2" hole size, I had to get the sleeves to slip over the ends and the larger plate clamps...

so, in a round about way... not sure what the stoppers are that you refer to, but I can only assume that as long as that and/or the spring clamp doesn't slide freely while it is sitting on the ground, even though your plates may be clanking together a bit, you should be fairly safe in that I don't think they will fall off... Mine spin around on my curl bar but I'm not worried that they will slide off the ends... just a little noisey....

 

[morningstar]

So do you think I could use a spring collar (that's the word I was looking for!) like this on a threaded bar?:


http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/shop/stores/1/Regular-Spring-Collar-P622C0.aspx

 

[Pearlstrand]

I don't know... maybe. Go to a place that sells workout equipment and try it out there, so you won't have to bother buying it and finding it doesn't work.

But I like the springlocks because they are so much easier to get on and off. I just can't squeeze those giant clips very well and I really struggle with them. Wimpy, I know, but I just don't want to have to wrestle with my workout stuff!

Good luck. I hate it when you buy something expensive that turns out to be a disappointment (or not used)!

 

[Pearlstrand]

Wrong collar!

Morningstar, this is what I use:

http://www.thefitnessstore.com/Qsto...9&PNAME=Troy+Barbell+Quicklee+2"+Metal+Collar

Do you think this would work? I think they come in different sizes, but not sure. I use a 1" bar.

 

[spyrosmom]

So do you think I could use a spring collar (that's the word I was looking for!) like this on a threaded bar?:


http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/shop/stores/1/Regular-Spring-Collar-P622C0.aspx

You can use spring clamps on a threaded bar. Thats what I do. I got a cheap threaded bar and a pair of spring clamps for $4. I liked the threaded bar at first, I think because it was cheap and gave me a longer break btwn sets. But you can use the clamps with it. I've not had anything fal loff, or come close, yet.

Nan

 

[Runcrazy]

I have to chuckle as I have one of these and hate it as well! After complaining and complaining and complaining my DH bought me a 35 lb bar that is 5 ft long and works with all the plates we use on the squat rack (this was about 10 years ago). It also uses the same size collars as our 45 lb bar. I keep my threaded bar loaded at 25 lbs. I would never have bought this bar but years ago when I was first lifting weights someone gave it to me for free. It's not such a problem if you're not trying to use it with a DVD. But there is no way you can do a quick change with those screw-on collars. Glad to know you can use spring clamps on it.

Jo

 

[morningstar]

Thanks guys! I am going to try the spring collars - they are only a couple of bucks each, so if they don't work, no big loss. Pearlstrand, thank you for the suggestion - the collars look good, but at $70 for 2 collars, I think I would just get another BB instead!

 

[kathryn]

!)

Pearlstrand, thank you for the suggestion - the collars look good, but at $70 for 2 collars, I think I would just get another BB instead!

You can get similar collars for much, much less: they aren't fancy stainless steel, mostly plastic. I have a pair myself. I do think the spring collars work better (though you might find them a bit tight at first---it will give your grip a good workout!)