Best Barbell Clamps to Keep Weights in Place

When you are lifting heavy weights, your safety and protection from injuries should be the top priority. No matter how careful you are, compromising with safety is unacceptable. That's why using the best barbell clamps is essential while working out. These small but incredible components will keep the weights in place, preventing them from sliding out of the rod and averting mishaps. You can find various rod clamps in the market, but picking them randomly is not a good idea. That’s why we have crafted a list of factors that you should take into account while looking for barbell clamps to choose the best ones.

What Should You Bear In Mind To Pick The Best Barbell Clamps?

Size

To pick the most appropriate clamp, you must check whether its size is suitable for the barbell’s shaft or not. You can find different types of barbell shafts like Olympic, power, and multipurpose, each having its own requirements. Thus, you cannot use a clamp made for the power shaft on an Olympic barbell shaft due to different sizes.

In addition, you also need to consider the bar’s diameter to get the perfect collar size. For example, if you are using a bar with a 2-inch Olympic shaft, look for clamps having the same diameter. This will ensure a tight and snug fit around its circumference.

Types

There are two major barbell clamps used for weight lifting— spring clip and snap lock collars. Both of them will prevent the plates from sliding out of the barbell shaft. But their performance and deliverability are varied, which is why you need to be very cautious. No doubt, a spring clamp is the easiest to use and offers amazing stiffness to the weight sleeves but only up to a certain level. Using it for heavier weights is not at all recommended because their load tolerance level is less. That’s why you can use the snap-lock clamps. They are sturdier, robust, and have high load endurance capacity. Also, they are much safer since you can secure them in places with a simple snap-lock mechanism.

Material

Most barbell clamps are made of a combination of different materials. If one product is manufactured using nylon and ABS, another can be constructed from rubber and stainless steel. Each material works differently to bring out the best in a clamp. Stainless steel is hard, robust, sturdy, and corrosion-resistant, which is why the clamps made with this material will have high durability. Similarly, nylon and thick ABS are light raw materials and can withstand rigorous usage without breaking or snapping. On the other hand, rubber is mainly used for internal padding so that the barbell’s shaft is not damaged due to friction from the clamps.

Capacity

A barbell clamp’s capacity defines how much weight it can tolerate before breaking or snapping into pieces. If you want it to function properly and prevent accidents during weight lifting, do not exceed the maximum weight limit mentioned in its packaging box. For example, if a clamp’s capacity is 150 pounds, you can use three 45lbs or six 25lbs Olympic plates. When you use more weight than the clamp’s limit, it will break, causing the plates to slide out of the bar.

Usability

The barbell clamps are perfect for securing the weight plates in a fixed position on the shaft only when they are easy to use. For example, a clamp with a quick-release system will ensure that you can change the weights easily. On the other hand, if your chosen product does not have such a mechanism, you will have a lot of trouble taking out the clamp and changing the weight plates. Thus, make sure to invest in barbell clamps that can be used effortlessly.

How To Use The Barbell Clamps Properly?

To get the most out of your barbell clamps, you must be familiar with their usage. Below, we have discussed the ways of using them appropriately.

• Firstly, secure the bar by placing it on a high-rise area like two stools, the barbell stand, and more.
• Once done, load the weight discs from both ends of the shaft. Make sure that both sides have the same weights.
• Subsequently, insert the barbell clamp and slide it along the shaft until it is positioned next to the last weight plate.
• Adjust its position and then secure the lock. Try to move the clamp to ensure that the lock is tight and not moving from its position.
• Repeat the same process on the other end, and the barbell is ready to use.

In What Ways Are The Barbell Clamps Beneficial For Weightlifting?

A barbell clamp is beneficial for many other reasons apart from keeping the weight plates in place along the bar. Some of them include:

• The barbell clamps will distribute the weight of the plates evenly along the entire shaft.
• They will also help you maintain your focus on weight lifting as you won’t have to get concerned about your safety.
• There won't be any injury if a proper clamp is used during weightlifting.

How Will The Cost of Barbell Clamps Vary?

The average price range of the barbell clamps is from $6.94 to $13.95, which varies based on the material, performance, load enduring capacity, and so on. For example, if you get a simple molded plastic clamp, it will be cheaper than a product manufactured from steel and reinforced plastic. Similarly, the spring lock clamps are way cheaper, while products having a snap-lock mechanism are costlier.

Barbell Clamp FAQ

Q. Do the barbell clamps come with a warranty period?

A. Yes, the barbell clamps have a certain warranty period so that you can return them or get them replaced effortlessly.

Q. Is it important to use the barbell clamps on both ends of the shaft?

A. Both ends of a barbell shaft will have weight plates, so you need to secure them using the barbell clamps. Failing to do so can lead to a mishap because the weights may slide out of the rod from one side and disturb its balance completely.

Q. Why is there a rubber lining on the interior of my barbell clamp?

A. A rubber lining inside the barbell clamp will keep your rod safe from scratches and other damages. Thus, make sure to choose clamps having rubber lining.