Your barbell is the workhorse of your strength training routine, supporting you through countless lifts and workouts. To ensure its longevity and optimal performance, it's essential to prioritize regular maintenance and care. In this blog, we'll explore some valuable tips and practices for taking care of your barbell.
Cleanliness is Key:
- Regularly wipe down your barbell with a clean cloth after each use to remove sweat, chalk, and debris.
- Use a mild cleaning solution or a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the barbell shaft and sleeves, and ensure they are dry before storing.
Cleaning the bearings.
Most of the barbells on the market have bearings that are already oiled, so you don’t need to clean them very often.
Every so often you should take the bearings apart, use a clean dry cloth to wipe off any accumulated dirt and add a few drops of silicone oil to the rolling part of the bearing (DO NOT use WD-40 for cleaning your bearings).
Proper Storage:
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Having the dedicated spot for your barbell is important. It will prevent any scratches and other damage to the barbell.
- Having a wall or floor barbell storage system can also make more room in your training area. There are many storage systems for barbells: horizontal wall hangers, vertical wall hangers, floor stands and so on. You can check them out in our online store.
Protect from Impact:
- Avoid dropping or slamming the barbell excessively, as it can damage the bar's integrity and affect its performance over time.
- Use bumper plates or appropriate flooring to cushion the impact and reduce stress on the barbell.
Regular Inspections:
- Periodically inspect your barbell for signs of wear, such as knurling wear, bending, or loose collars.
- Pay attention to the bar's rotation and check if the sleeves spin smoothly. If any issues are detected, address them promptly.
Lubrication:
- Apply a light coat of oil or specialized barbell lubricant to the sleeves periodically to maintain smooth rotation and prevent rust.
- Cleaning the magnesium residue from the knurl marks should be done quite regularly. Use a brush with hard nylon bristles and clean your bar after every use. You can also use a technical spray like WD-40. You apply it to the knurl marks, leave it a few hours to work its magic and then wipe it off with a dry cloth (be careful, DO NOT use WD-40 on your barbell’s bearings).
Avoid Excessive Weight Load:
- Be mindful of the weight capacity of your barbell and avoid loading it beyond its specified limits.
- Overloading the barbell can lead to permanent damage and compromise its structural integrity.
Conclusion
Taking care of your barbell is a worthwhile investment of your time and effort. By implementing these simple yet crucial tips for cleanliness, storage, impact prevention, inspections, lubrication, and mindful weight usage, you can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your barbell. Remember, a well-maintained barbell will continue to support your strength training goals for years to come.