Dumbbell Purchase

Dave Campbell · 04-15-2007, 08:41 AM

I'm fine tuning my garage gym and want to get a couple of decent plate loading dumbbell bars. I'd considered making some out of pipe from Home Depot, but New York Barbells has two affordable versions. My question is: are there any advantages to the threaded collars versus the standard "tighten down" collars? I will be using these for a lot of overhead stuff. I'm guessing the threaded version is safer, but takes longer to change the weights. I did check out IronMind. They have a set of Bulldog DB collars, but $56 for 2 sets is nuts.

Roger Smith · 04-15-2007, 09:02 AM

in my experience the threaded kind are constantly coming loose, if you drop them. not losses to fall off, just loose, a bit of an annoyance. good collars are getting hard to find. they now make them out of plastic and they break when really tightened down. Ironmind are good. Another option is to use muffler clamps. I'm told you can get 1" for motorcycle, but can't confirm that.

John McEneany · 04-15-2007, 10:11 AM

I use machine shaft collars from Mcmaster. Much cheaper and very strong. The fit will be perfect.

{SFW} http://www.accentbearing.com/power%2...sc/shaft_1.jpg

Reece Holliday · 04-15-2007, 10:59 PM

John - Nice find -great price! Are those "screw set style"?

Here are some sturdy looking "okie collars" (similiar to the clamps used on concrete hoses) I was considering, but couldn't justify the $80 retail price. http://www.strengthtech.com/strength/products.htm#okie

John McEneany · 04-16-2007, 07:45 AM

Reece - Yes they have set-screws to tighten them down. I have pairs of them for all my dumbbells and Olympic bars. I have never had one break or even loosen. They are also easy to put on or remove. Just measure the bar's diameter and add 1/16'' and order that size.

Dave Campbell · 04-16-2007, 03:01 PM

John,
Those look perfect but I'm going to announce to the world my lack of computer skills: What is the price and how do you buy them? I didn't see a price or a place to order on-line. I assume I would call the 800 number after I measure?

Roger Smith · 04-16-2007, 03:21 PM

John, that is a great idea!!

Dave, mcmaster.com page 1103 cost depends on the size you need, but AROUND $2 for 1" and $6 for 2"

Dave Campbell · 04-16-2007, 06:42 PM

Thanks Roger and you're right, "John, that is a great deal".

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04-15-2007, 08:41 AM	#1
Dave Campbell Member Profile: Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Albany NY Posts: 344	I'm fine tuning my garage gym and want to get a couple of decent plate loading dumbbell bars. I'd considered making some out of pipe from Home Depot, but New York Barbells has two affordable versions. My question is: are there any advantages to the threaded collars versus the standard "tighten down" collars? I will be using these for a lot of overhead stuff. I'm guessing the threaded version is safer, but takes longer to change the weights. I did check out IronMind. They have a set of Bulldog DB collars, but $56 for 2 sets is nuts.

04-15-2007, 09:02 AM	#2
Roger Smith Member Profile: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 392	in my experience the threaded kind are constantly coming loose, if you drop them. not losses to fall off, just loose, a bit of an annoyance. good collars are getting hard to find. they now make them out of plastic and they break when really tightened down. Ironmind are good. Another option is to use muffler clamps. I'm told you can get 1" for motorcycle, but can't confirm that.

04-15-2007, 10:11 AM	#3
John McEneany Member Profile: Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Hollywood Florida Posts: 232	I use machine shaft collars from Mcmaster. Much cheaper and very strong. The fit will be perfect. {SFW} http://www.accentbearing.com/power%2...sc/shaft_1.jpg

04-15-2007, 10:59 PM	#4
Reece Holliday Member Profile: Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vista Ca Posts: 34	John - Nice find -great price! Are those "screw set style"? Here are some sturdy looking "okie collars" (similiar to the clamps used on concrete hoses) I was considering, but couldn't justify the $80 retail price. http://www.strengthtech.com/strength/products.htm#okie

04-16-2007, 07:45 AM	#5
John McEneany Member Profile: Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Hollywood Florida Posts: 232	Reece - Yes they have set-screws to tighten them down. I have pairs of them for all my dumbbells and Olympic bars. I have never had one break or even loosen. They are also easy to put on or remove. Just measure the bar's diameter and add 1/16'' and order that size.

04-16-2007, 03:01 PM	#6
Dave Campbell Member Profile: Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Albany NY Posts: 344	John, Those look perfect but I'm going to announce to the world my lack of computer skills: What is the price and how do you buy them? I didn't see a price or a place to order on-line. I assume I would call the 800 number after I measure?

04-16-2007, 03:21 PM	#7
Roger Smith Member Profile: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 392	John, that is a great idea!! Dave, mcmaster.com page 1103 cost depends on the size you need, but AROUND $2 for 1" and $6 for 2"

04-16-2007, 06:42 PM	#8
Dave Campbell Member Profile: Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Albany NY Posts: 344	Thanks Roger and you're right, "John, that is a great deal".