Choosing the Correct Size Handle for Pro Style Dumbbells

Pro Style Dumbbell handle comparison between a # 4 and a #5. Some manufactures will tell you that you need a # 5 handle once you get to 85 lbs. Here I will show you that is not always the case and I actually needed to use an SDH - 4 for a 90 lb dumbbell. Be sure to check out my accompanying video: "Building a Pro Style Dumbbell" • Building a Pro Style D...

[@glhandler]

When using the shorter handle, the only thing keeping the last plate centered is the torque pressure of the bolt. When I run into the problem where the correct handle protrudes just a little bit, I shim the dumbbell with steel flat washers (1-1/16" ID, 2" OD, 0.134" Thick). Usually only one per side is needed and I place them on the inside of the dumbbell (before any plates are added). They are virtually unnoticeable and (imho) a better design. $13 for a pack of 25 on Amazon.

[@ananddeonarine6913]

Great video I learned something on choosing a dumbbell handel thanks

[@michaelgoodwin593]

Wish we could pick these things up in the UK. Weight here costs a fortune, unless you have stacks of spare cash then your only option is to use barbells.

[@T0YCHEST]

Michael Goodwin buy an olympic dumbbell 15 inches they usually come in 20inches but thats to long and clanky and hit each other on the end of every movement and 15lbs can hold up to 90 do theyre good

[@aliffdzulhailie4599]

Where can i buy the rod??

[@corneliushughes8797]

Where did you get your plates sir?

[@anthonyanthony284]

Do plates that do not thread through the bar (such as the 2.5, 5, or 7.5 pounders on the ends) but just held onto the ends by the end caps, end up moving so they are off center, after a period of use? Like if people drop them etc. How many plates can be like that (not threaded through) and be ok? For example, if I didn't use 7.5s and instead put a 5 and a 2.5 both on the ends? Or if I had a size 4 bar but needed to make 100, could I get away with a 10 pound held at the end?

[@DieselMike]

You want to use the largest bar possible without causing any of the plates on the end to have slop. If there is any part of the bar sticking out beyond that last plate, even if 1mm, it will cause the plates to rattle. On the other hand you don't want to stack too many plates beyond the bar. If you do, then the bolt won't thread into the bar enough to be sufficient.

[@anthonyanthony284]

@DieselMike Thanks. Well how much is too much? You put one plate beyond the bar?

[@DieselMike]

@@anthonyanthony284 I would not put two iron plates beyond the bar. The bolt wouldn't even reach the threads. Go to the next size handle in that case and use a washer if any lip is left. And quite honestly I would not put a single 10 or 7.5 lb beyond the bar either. If you have that much distance, you should be using a longer bar.

[@spotlight6411]

Hey mike...!! Wht is the dimensions of each plate??

[@RahulKumar-ts2lj]

I want to this doumble purchage

[@alejandrobarraza2494]

no offense but you should include links to where you buy those items so it doesn't do much unless you design your whole thing

[@EmpowerMomFit]

Do they make a handle to make 130lb dumbbells?

[@DieselMike]

They should be available. I've seen 200lb dumbbells in commercial gyms.

[@jaird.7192]

I want to build two 60lb dumbbells, but I'm not sure what SDH bar to use. I'll need to use (per dumbbell) 4-10lb plates plus 2-7.5lb plates OR 2-5lbs and 2-2.5lbs. What bar would you recommend?

[@rubencovarrubias48]

Sorry to bug. But I'm also trying to build 60lbs dumbbells. Did you ever figure it out ? Is there a bar that holds 3 10lbs plates on each side? Lmk I would really appreciate it

[@elpop15]

Buy the handle SDH-3 Use 4 plate of 10lbs Use 2 plate of 7.5 You will be at 55lbs The handle weight 3lbs You will be at 58lbs If you buy the end caps , they weights 1.25lbs each . You will be at 60.5lbs ​@@rubencovarrubias48

[@themessenger9624]

Can you make these with a rotating handle?

[@Best_yet_is_2_come]

Where did you get the end caps at?

[@DieselMike]

Christian Fitness Factory. I also replied to you on my other video. Thanks for watching.

[@timpass462]

Did you paint the plates? They look really clean.

[@DieselMike]

Yes I did. Wire wheeled them first then spray painted them Hammered Silver Rustoleum.

[@fourleaf3797]

Where can I buy the stuff to make these?

[@DieselMike]

I got the handles on Amazon, the end caps from Christians Fitness Factory, the plates from a Craigslist seller, and the paint from Home Depot.

[@brandumbbrandumb]

For 135s should I go with SDH-6 or SDH-7?

[@DieselMike]

I would go with the SDH-6. On each side put six 10's and one 5. That will give you a total of 130 in weight and the handle will be close to 5 lbs. If you are a little low, you can use rubber end caps like I did here and you should be within a lb or so of your 135 target.

[@brandumbbrandumb]

@@DieselMike Thanks!

[@brandumbbrandumb]

What about 150s?

[@elpop15]

For a 150s you need to use Handle SDH-8 So 8 plate each side Use 14 plate of 10lbs You will be at 140lbs Use 2 plate of 2.5lbs You will be at 145lbs Now You have 8 plate each side Just put the washer and torque it . The handle weight 5.39lbs so You will be at 150.39lbs . ​@@brandumbbrandumb

[@hijackn2890]

Great vid. Thanks. I just picked up a set on craiglist but the plates have got some rust. Was painting a pain or is it pretty easy?

[@DieselMike]

Nah. I have painted and restored thousands upon thousands of pounds of weights. Mostly Olympic. So these pancake style are much easier. Just hit the rust with a wire brush, or better yet a wire brush on a drill or angle grinder. Wipe with mineral spirits to get the rust dust off. And paint. I like Rustoleum Painters Touch 2x. It sprays very nice, goes on great, is durable and doesn't require a primer.

[@hijackn2890]

Awesome thanks man that's really helpful. I'll give it a go next time I've got a little free time for a project

[@lsilvasfire]

Does this go true with all sizes of sdh’s? Like if you’re wanting 50’s stay with sdh2’s? The cffstrengthequipment website calls for sdh3’s for the 2-10’s each side and 1-2.5 per side. Do you only want to go up to the number of handle when adding that same number of 10’s on one side?

[@DieselMike]

This has been my experience. I am sure there are exceptions, but my rule of thumb is: Match the SDH # with the amount of 10 lb plate per side. I would rather the bolt thread a tad less and make sure it seats properly, rather than take the chance that the bolt bottoms out and the plates aren't tight. That said...... If I were to build a 50 (50ish - these things are never spot on), I would use the following per side: 2 x 10, 1 x 2.5, 1 x a CFF end cap which is about 1.25 lbs. This will get you to 47.5 lbs in weights plus the handle will be about 2 - 3 lbs to get you pretty close to either side of 50 lbs. Remember the end cap sits on top of the last plate. The hole does not slide onto the bar the way the pancake plate will. The 2.5 lb pancake plate is quite thin, so I believe if you use an SDH 3 the bar will still protrude a bit pass the plate. Where are you buying your handles? If you are getting them from CFF I would go with their suggestion. Their customer service is great. So if you try em out and it doesn't seat properly, I am sure they will make it right and send you the next size down. If you are getting the generic overseas ones I used, go with my suggestion and buy the #2.

[@lsilvasfire]

Ok thats what I was thinking. Thanks a bunch Mike!

[@lsilvasfire]

I was planning on going with cff. I like the 38mm handles they have. I do think the chart that they have on the website is for washers instead of end caps. Im going the endcap route.

[@DieselMike]

No problem. Please reply back after you get them. I love this stuff and will be curious to know how it worked out. I always liked the look of those fat handles. I really considered them, knowing I would love them for pressing movements. But I also had to consider doing dumbbell rows. And I believe with that fat of a handle, my weak grip would fail before my lats ever have a chance to be engaged. If you order my phone and speak to Christian, tell him DieselMike said hello and still loving his products.

[@abelrb0306]

where did u buy the handles? the end caps?

[@DieselMike]

Handles - Amazon. End Caps - Christians Fitness Factory in PA. (CFF also sells on Amazon, but buy direct. Better deal and you will get a discount on your next order).

[@williamarenas8669]

Where can I get the handles from

[@DieselMike]

I got these on Amazon. Christian Fitness Factory sell some really sweet high quality ones. But these are $$$.

[@williamarenas8669]

Diesel Mike thanks for you have the link to where you got the end caps as in christians factory is out of stock

[@DieselMike]

@@williamarenas8669 Unfortunately, once the ChinaVirus hit, there was an enormous demand for home gym equipment. Everything is very hard to come by right now. A lot of this stuff is made in China and shipments stopped. The few manufacturers that produce in the US, had shut down production for so long, that it is going to take a long time to fulfill the back log of demanded products. That said. here's the exact handles I got - But i see they are out of stock of all sizes except an SDH-5: www.amazon.com/Ader-Pro-fix-Contour-Dumbbell-Handle/dp/B00LDCVHWY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ORAEWD6RT0KV&dchild=1&keywords=sdh+handles&qid=1596543398&sprefix=sdh%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1 As far as the end caps, I got them directly from CFF - so if they are out of stock, I suggest you give them a call to see if they have an ETA. Otherwise, search around to see if anyone has them in stock. Here's a suggestion - I see CFF does indeed have handles available. Buy them. They come with bolts and washers. For now, build them with the washers. Then when the rubber end caps come back in stock, you can switch out to those. Good Luck. Thanks for commenting!

[@luiscrespo9360]

What type of bolt do you use to secure it?

[@DieselMike]

They come with the handles.

[@luiscrespo9360]

Diesel Mike thank you.

[@nathanpoe2768]

what did you pay per pound

[@DieselMike]

Barely anything. Guy had stacks of pancake plates in his shed. Over 2000 lbs. Gave him $100 for the whole lot. Used what I needed and barely put a dent in the pile. Now the stack is sitting in MY shed. Other costs were the handles, end caps, wire brush attachments for drill, and silver spray paint.

[@nathanpoe2768]

sounds like you won the lottery

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

one pound per pound ! £££££££ :D

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

2000lbs + ,so thats basically a METRIC TONNE of weights :D nice

[@lenardstephen]

Diesel Mike my name is Lenard where are you located and how many plates do you have , and how much per plate? [e-mail]

[@habpar6531]

The problem with that is that it will not be very strong, particularly if you have idiots at the gym who drop the weights.

[@diablo4166]

👍

[@INSFarms]

Wah.