DIY Ironmaster Dumbbells w/ Standard Plates - Poor Man's Ironmasters

[@juice23]

This is a thorough demonstration and explanation of your money saving idea. Really appreciate the time and effort you put into doing this. Thank you good sir!

[@stantonmarquardt7120]

OUTSTANDING. We probably saw the same thread years ago and I've been wondering about this ever since.

[@garagegymsanctuary7139]

Oh my! This is amazing! Thank you. I already have a set of iron masters but now I'll be able to go over 75lbs. Awesome.

[@timk8258]

Glad it was helpful! If you combine pancake plates with the actual ironmaster plates, let me know how that works out, it should work but I've never tried it.

[@garagegymsanctuary7139]

@@timk8258 I tried to source out the long handles, but with shipping and the exchange it might not be worth it for me. Since I already have the weights to 75lbs. I'm in Canada.

[@jackfavvv0280]

Thanks, this will help me a lot. Both in budget and not have weights falling, crushing my face.

[@DonPatman]

Hmmm it feels like someone should to mention that this definitely isn't as safe as people seem to believe. The reason spinlock dumbbells loosen up during sets is because the plates tend to spin a little bit and when they are pushing against the spinlock nut it makes the nut come loose. The reason Ironmaster dumbbells don't loosen up is because the plates themselves have grooves and both slot into each other and slot into the handle so no matter how violently you swing them around the plates will not spin and loosen the screw. This is why the screw is completely secured despite being secured with as little as a quarter turn. With this setup it is definitely possible for the plates to unscrew the screws during a set as the pressure from the screw is the only thing preventing rotation. Chances of this happening might be quite small and I'm not saying people aren't allowed to do whatever they want at their own risk - but at least if someone ends up their face smashed in by 75lbs of plates they can read this comment and know why it happened :P

[@timk8258]

Patrick Lönngren That’s a fair point, this setup does lack the “groove” failsafe of the actual Ironmasters. However, in my experience they don’t come loose if properly tightened. I was very cautious initially but it never became an issue. If anything it’s easy to overtighten them to the point that it’s hard to get the screws off to change the weight. I agree that the absolute risk is greater than with the actual Ironmasters but IMO it’s still minuscule and not enough to stop me from using these for pressing movements. But if course people are free to try it and draw their own conclusions, or just spend more to get the real deal.

[@DonPatman]

@@timk8258 I agree and despite being an Ironmaster owner myself I enjoyed watching the video and am sure some people will find it very useful. I just wanted to add a piece of information that I felt should be included as it's something people generally wouldn't know unless they have the actual dumbbells / plates themselves or have read up about them in the manual etc...

[@TylerWelch1987]

My solution to not wanting to spend the $$ on Ironmasters was to buy 3 pairs of standard spin-loc handles, and cut them down to size so I had one pair to hold 1 pair of plates, one pair to hold 2 pairs, and one pair to hold 3 pairs. It's not as space saving as having a single pair, but it was super cheap and gets rid of the extra threaded handle stabbing me in the quads when I rest the handles on my legs. Also it helps with bench pressing. I can get the barbells to touch plate to plate if that makes sense without a couple of inches of handle clacking into each other. handles are super cheap, and I picked up 240 lbs worth of standard plates for about $0.75 per pound.

[@TylerWelch1987]

@James O'Connor Sure. I'll post a link, maybe I'll make a short video.

[@joeshmoe7967]

From the savings point of view, most of us have lots of plates, so additional purchase might be less. I am a huge fan of used plates, and 50-75 cents a pound is pretty common. I also prefer most of my plates to all be the same style. I definitely think you solution would be a huge money saver for this type of dumbbell set up. I just had a birthday and I am now year out from 60. I am pumping my inspiration by watching all kinds of videos etc. Great video, and you are no slouch in the strength department pressing 110s. - Cheers

[@santanasantabarbaracal2252]

THANK YOU SO MUCH , NOW JUST GOT TO WAIT FOR THE HANDLES TO COME BACK IN STOCK

[@karljay7473]

Great video! I'll be honest about dumbbells, I had the spin locks and went with full pro style dumbbells because it wasn't worth the hassle. The key (IMO) is that you have the dumbbells ready to go at the weight you want. Most only need a few different weights. I'm no where near 100's, so I understand the costs factor of getting a pair or 100's, 110's, ... that's damn expensive. Pro style handles aren't that expensive. I got lucky by finding a full new set of prostyles for dirt cheap on CL, otherwise I'd weld them. I've welded a number of attachments. The key is how long it takes to change out the weights. I want to go from 1 set to another without having to rework the plates.

[@martin1234512345]

I'm doing this for sure. I have nuobells which are great but I need to go over 100 pounds. This is a perfect solution and the combination of the two will really save me space. I hate my Dumbbell rack. Can't wait to free up some space.

[@mjscott2079]

Great video. The best part was at the 13 minute mark when he warns that if you don’t have the system locked, “the plates will slip out, fall on your face, kill you, and you will be dead.........” At the risk of being redundant he made a critical observation. I like Ironmaster, and I love this hack, but I can be a little forgetful at times; so this is something to consider. This risk is not just present with this hack, this risk is present with unmodified Ironmasters. Something to consider. Thanks for the info! Great video!

[@vipnetworker]

I really appreciate the extreme detail of this video. My takeaway is, I’d rather have powerblocks. I got lucky and found a pair on Craigslist a year ago. I’ve been really impressed with them. They’re not perfect, but they’re the best solution I’ve found so far and I also used to own the top of the line set of bowflex select tech... I hated those. I also started with the spindle dumbbells. I can see some arguments for the Ironmaster system over powerblocks, but not when it comes to convenience and cost. Especially if you can find them used. Pre-COVID it was MUCH easier.

[@timk8258]

If speed of changing the weights is a priority, powerblocks are definitely the way to go. Since I’m only using these for weights over 100lbs I’m more concerned with compactness, durability, and how they feel to use. Once you get over 90lbs with the powerblocks I don’t like how bulky they are, and the weight increments are weird with some odd jumps. If someone had limited space but lots of money, Powerblocks up to 90lbs and Ironmasters for heavier weights would be a pretty great setup.

[@vipnetworker]

@@timk8258 That makes perfect sense. Again, I really appreciate the video. It was extremely helpful 🙏🏻

[@rayjbb1494]

You were onto a great idea! Badass dumbbells are a new company that create handles to be used with standard 1' plates. There is no additional stuff needed!

[@kevinmclaughlin4638]

Excellent idea. My 2¢ is to add a caveat: AVOID DROPPING THE DUMBBELLS WHEN USING STANDARD PLATES WITH IRONMASTER HANDLES. If dropped with standard plates, the locking screws would bear a fair amount of the impact because standard plates rest directly on the locking screw pins (~3/4 inch diameter). Ironmaster's plates rest in / on each other, and in / on the handle plate, kind of like Lego blocks. When the locking screws are tightened against Ironmaster's plates and handle, the plates and handle are interlocked so that they actualy hold and lift each other when moved. They behave more like single piece of solid steel. The pin itself is suspended (for lack of a better word) inside the hollow of the plates and handle, but the plates do not rest on the locking screw pins like standard plates would. If dropped with Ironmaster plates, the locking screws get shaken/rattled inside the hollow of the plates and handle, but it's the plates and handle that take the impact as a unit. Thank you, and all the best!

[@bigdogkropp]

I got lucky and got 16 ten pound pancake plates for $0.75 = $120. Bought used BaadAss Handles on Ebay for $90. Bought the new BassAss endcaps with built in magnets from the manufacturer in Canadia for $240. Total cost $450 and I can go up to 100 lbs. With the magnet endcaps you can add 5 lb or 2.5 lb plates to the endcaps wtihout unscrewing the endcaps. Works for me. Thanks for making the video and giving me the idea.

[@shift3389]

Thank you for this review. Lots of folks wondering how this would work.

[@mexicola29]

Great video, appreciate the mental and physical effort 💪🇬🇧🇺🇲🤝

[@tdo7125]

You sir, are a genius.

[@sang8720]

Thank you for making this video! ♥️

[@manddproductions7446]

I wish there was a way to make those fit olympics! Really great setup!

[@hellman5820]

good video man. i learned a lot. trying to set up this home gym on quarantine.

[@gsoe2132]

4 years late but this video is fire

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

I have the plates all I need is the 1 inch metal washer rings and Ironmaster dumbbell handles when they come back in stock.

[@ernestoluzan]

Same from me. Like and Sub. I really like the Original gear, but your method is so practical. My program trains for hypertrophy, and the preferred chest methods are incline, decline and flat d bell lifts in place of barbell. I need something practical like you’ve done, with space saver ability, and ranges from 50-120 pounds. Ironmaster gear looks so sexy, but it’s also not cheap. Only issue is I still need all the standard plates as I only have 2 inch plates. I need to price the plates, stand and handles against just buying the set,

[@annmarielcole3503]

This is exactly what I needed thank you

[@Simonet1309]

Have wanted to get ironmasters, but in the UK they are absurdly expensive. This could be a good solution. Thanks.

[@clarkconnery4556]

Out of curiosity, do you have the ironmaster kettlebell handle? I was thinking of putting standard plates on the kettlebell handle with the long pin to take it above 100 pounds, ideally reaching 120 pounds. I'm worried of the pin failing and the weights falling off though. I was curious if you had played with this at all and had any thoughts.

[@GayleGrantDocGrant]

Geez you guys are super strong!!

[@MathewMkay]

This video was extremely helpful for me. Every gym in my area the dumbbells only go up to 120's and I mainly do flat dumbbell press. I was searching everywhere for somebody who tried to do this exact solution. Just a question, since the 25's are quite large I feel they would limit the range of motion quite a bit. Do you know how many pancake 10's could fit per side safely on this dumbbell?

[@oscarestevez613]

Paint a white mark on the plates on the edge on the inside and outside and as you place the plates on the handle line them up with the notch that way you don't have to feel for the notch with your hand.

[@morinbaptiste636]

First day impressions:It arrived in a waist high box. kzbin.infoUgkxP26Tir6n60vUkdtn4mbwhRO8cwuJQNy2 Each dumbbell was in its own foam box within the shipping box. Everything was secure and in good shape. No weird smells. The weight changing mechanism is really smooth and straight forward. Changing weight is really fast and easy. Though the handle is plastic, I don't think it will be breaking anytime soon. So far pretty impressed after my first session with them. I was afraid they were going to be too wide at first, but I didn't have any issues with them while doing upright rows.

[@jotoquito1234]

Hey you may not read this but I feel like I should put this out there, you should make more videos on DIY gym hacks and make videos on just gym related things because this video is great. Especially during this pandemic. Keep up the great work 👍🏼

[@zombie231]

Awesome video brother .Thank you so much. I will look into getting those handles

[@l31007]

I think Kensui Adjustabells beat these now. Please do a review on those! Great video

[@freedomring4813]

You can go on craigslist and buy dumbbells cheap as hell. 5 sets...10,20,25,30,40...100 dollars. Last year some young people were moving out of a place and for 2 weeks there was some stuff laying right next to the road to be picked up by the garbage truck and I finally stopped to see what they were throwing out and couldn't believe it...260 pounds of plates and a 6 foot crome bar. A month later I quit the gym and have worked out on my concrete patio, luckily I live in Florida and can work out year around outside. I'm 60 at 5'10 200lbs.

[@warmachinebodybuilding]

Very good dumbbell bro, suoer like by Warmachine bodybuilding of garage Gym italy

[@BeardFaceSuper]

You got me excited about this. I was going to buy some... Turns out the handles alone are over 200 dollars. I'm not sure I can justify that purchase. Plus the cost of the plates.

[@timk8258]

David Yeah I go over the cost in the video. Definitely not the cheapest option but cheaper than buying an equivalent ironmaster set... at least based on pre-COVID prices, lol.

[@BeardFaceSuper]

@@timk8258 I know. I was saying that compared to the spin lock handles I already have I don't know if it is worth it.

[@Alex6969M]

Great video!

[@theshadow6273]

You could also order the Pepin dumbell handles for the same price as the iron masters and not have to worry about messing about, even though this is a pretty simple solution!

[@timk8258]

Yeah this video was made in 2019 before Pepin handles existed

[@theshadow6273]

@@timk8258 thats fair! Its a pretty helpful video nonetheless

[@boxerfencer]

Great run down

[@HardcoreFury1]

thank you so much, it is really appreciated

[@martyg2333]

I have the iron master set and if you put one of their 5 pound plates on and then the non-iron master weights, you won’t need the washer because the 5lb plate acts like a washer. I’ve tried it and it works perfect. I had to do this because they’ve been sold out of weights for over 2 years. Iron master…if you’re listening….SELL MORE WEIGHTS PLZ…

[@pugilemoltobene3708]

I bought some of these when I was living in western Washington (Seattle) in 2010, dude who owns ironmaster said ‘just come on over! You can just throw em in your car!’. I drove over and he’s got all sorts of new gear he’s cutting, welding and testing in the back. These guys are salt of the earth over there, just like Ken and Robby over at Rogue. HOWEVER...this locking mechanism, while FAST, is not really that safe...definitely not for alternating different plates

[@Fitforacting]

More videos please? 🙏🙏🏻🙏🏽

[@gigabuyceps]

Those longer threads were from 120lbs addon kit, 165lbs has even longer ones.

[@yaroslavmormil434]

This is a goodass video my dude.

[@Keranu]

OHH YEHZZ WE IN THE ADJUSTABLE DUMBBELL MAKING BUSINESS NOW, BEECHE

[@myanime101]

this is pretty interesting using standard plates you can change out weight faster because of the use of the 25s and the dumbell ends up being shorter

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

I have the same kind of weight plates I just wish they had the empty dumbbells at ironmasters in stock if it wasn't for the pandemic.

[@Skill_Issue92]

I picked up a set of olimpic dumbells. Standard size and easy to use and cheap.

[@qfiveo]

Great video, I have some yes4all ad dumbbell 100 each side, these plates should fit? Tires of getting jabbed in the thighs. Thanks again.

[@nicolasluengo9065]

Do you have the link to buy the grip on amazon? Thank you so much.

[@timk8258]

You need to order from Ironmaster.com

[@futbol1972]

I have powerblocks up to 90 but I don't think they work with the mad hook spotters or the sport grip spotter system;( so iam looking for dumbells 50 and up to use the spotter systems since I have shoulder pain. I may sell the powerblocks 90s and get the once up to 50lbs only since I do hitt workouts 2x a week and they are fast to change.

[@icxcnika555]

Dam thats genius! I'm very tempted to try this 🤔 not only to save money but they're currently sold out till summer for the full kits. Plus for some reason i prefer the round look of DBs vs square shape lol

[@randymoreno9345]

Get on their mailing list. I got an email yesterday telling me that I could purchase them and I did.

[@loveisrealdudes]

I like this video. Good stuff. Thank man

[@DoritosResidue]

Brilliant!

[@BigHayes7771]

So glad I found this before I bought the full set

[@casper7784]

Love rural king horse mats 4 ft by 6 ft 3/4 inch thick, caught mine on sale 29.00 !

[@prestonrichardson7894]

He made what should have been a 3 minute video into a 30 minute video 😂😂

[@BeardFaceSuper]

True.

[@timk8258]

Personally I like longer videos that anticipate and answer all of my questions thoroughly vs a quick overview of a concept that leaves me to fill in the blanks on my own... so that's what I tried to make here. Still, I agree that it was too long but as I mentioned in a different comment... "it's the second video I've ever made so it was either reshoot it 10 times trying to make it "perfect" before uploading and then probably end up never getting it posted, or just put it up the way it turned out. I tried to help make it more manageable with the detailed timestamps. "

[@prestonrichardson7894]

@@timk8258 I like the long videos too when I'm actually trying to do the DIY. It was a really cool concept and a good video I was just making a joke to see if I can get a bunch of likes.

[@tjbruetsch]

Just buy some Kensui handles. They come in two sizes including aluminum handles that carry more weights.

[@timk8258]

Didn’t exist when this video was created.

[@tjbruetsch]

Yes I see this post is quite old. I have had good luck with the Kensui handles. I don’t need more than 70 pounds per handle so the $40 handles work for me. The $100 aluminum handles will hold 150 pounds per handle.

[@gigabuyceps]

If i extra thin steel plates around 17mm 10kg width i could stack probably 220lb 100kg?

[@timk8258]

Yeah if the plates are thin enough it should work. Might want to be careful about dropping them with that much weight though.

[@gigabuyceps]

@@timk8258Can you measure how much sleeve length is maximally loadable in millimeters please with longest screw? Thanks for detailed answers, I think you are absolutely a MAN!💪 I found construction steel plates cut very precisely on sale looking new and very shiny. 10kg - 24cm/30mm; 5kg - 17cm/30mm; 1kg - 14cm/10mm. Trying to do precise calculations on how much I can max load. TY👐

[@gigabuyceps]

Wow i can load up to 122kg and still have 3,59cm deep screwed, THAT'S INSANE. Found measurements 8,5inch = 21,59cm-3,59cm for security 18cm= 60kg per side with 10kg 3cm steel plates

[@conqueringbarbell2101]

Can you use 2" holes, Olympic plates on these?

[@timk8258]

Maybe if you tightened the screw down enough but I would be worried that they might end up shifting around and causing issues because the screw is only 1”. But the surfaces in contact with the plates are big enough that they wouldn’t be able to fall off or anything.

[@ThumpPumpkin]

really good video

[@moviesignsol]

9:45 Genius trick

[@gabrielsoto2411]

Doable with Olympic plates?

[@tifu678]

Paint your left and right walls black and you’ll be completely in the dark.

[@IIG]

I think I'm going to try this, but are there any durability issues? I like ironmasters because you can drop them if necessary, unlike other adjustable dumbbells. Is that still true when using standard plates?

[@GaysAreGroomers]

It's the exact same system, just different style of iron weights. Did you not see him slamming the weight on the ground?

[@sg8345]

Does anyone know where to find thin plates?

[@jesusabrahamamadoguillen3323]

How thick are the iron master plates ?

[@robertgail8374]

Would standard plates also work with their Kettlebell?

[@timk8258]

Robert Gail I would think so but I haven’t tried it.

[@pennywise-IT]

I want you to make a 30kg dumbbell! And I want you to give me a present!

[@jesusabrahamamadoguillen3323]

Opinions on the Iron Master + pancake plates Vs Baadass + pancake plates ?

[@psxdadz]

This is great do you need the washer for both ends ?

[@timk8258]

darren crolla They come in a pack of ten or something like that. I don’t think I’ve ever had to use four at once but I’ve got enough just in case. It’s kinda random whether you need a washer because the weights aren’t all perfectly uniform in thickness.

[@anonymousjay5594]

Ironmaster are onto you, lol. They have significantly raised the cost of the handles

[@gigabuyceps]

I wonder if i buy IPF steel zinc plated 10kg plates that are around 17mm wide, calibrated, will i still need that ring? Or 100% no since plates extract same width.

[@timk8258]

I think the Ironmaster plates are sized precisely so that the screw threads will never line up with the groove when tightened down, regardless of how many plates are used. So unless those plates are the exact same thickness as the ironmaster plates, you'll still need some kind of spacer in those cases where the threads end up in the groove.

[@gigabuyceps]

@@timk8258 very doubt that is the case, because IronMaster plates even have micro plates and they all so different in thickness.

[@justdewit]

Anyone getting the Farva vibe? Jk thanks for sharing these hacks!

[@abul]

I love the handle, how much are they

[@rafaelsungatullin4213]

thank you for the review! Are these handles more comfortable to use than 1" dumbbell handles?

[@timk8258]

Yes, they are 32mm, much more comfortable for pressing movements.

[@rafaelsungatullin4213]

@@timk8258 thanks a lot!

[@IronOutFat]

You got a like and a sub from me man!

[@boiifyoudont9038]

What kind of plates are you using for these?

[@ernestoluzan]

@TimK can you give me a measurement of the square section of the handles where the round plates touch against it?

[@timk8258]

The square part is 6.5" across (so it would be a 6.5x6.5" square, except that the corners are rounded).

[@davemamba]

Can you link me on amazon to the right washer? Don't want to risk getting the wrong one. Thanks!

[@timk8258]

www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group-280074-1-Inch-10-Pack/dp/B000H5ZU6W/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=1%22+washer&qid=1585960936&sr=8-5

[@Tony32]

Why is it so dark, I feel like I need a flashlight to see what's going on in there.

[@timk8258]

The wide shots are a little underexposed but there's plenty of detail in the close ups on my calibrated monitor, so maybe turn up your screen brightness if you're having trouble.

[@Tony32]

@@timk8258 👍

[@JuanCruz-vy3zu]

Smart dude you smart.

[@goldiesincity8005]

I don't know about the weights falling off onto your face and killing you , you'll be in pain and possible broken face bones oouucchh!! depending on how much weight the the odds of dying are slim plus they might not even laid on your face or head area at all if your doing a dumbbell bench press they would laid more like your upper torso area maybe more of a chance doing a incline press , but anything is possible i would just make sure those ends are tight fore sure.

[@srendavidsen3445]

Are your normal pancakes plates with 30 mm hole in the middle?

[@ZeroColdx911]

Is it possible to do this with the hoist adjustable dumbbell kit?

[@timk8258]

Possibly. I think the Hoist db's were basically the same design but I'm not 100% on the differences between them.

[@ZeroColdx911]

@@timk8258 I was wondering if I could add 10/5lb plates to them similar to what people did with the IMs

[@kaydawgy1999]

For those wanting to go this route, I suggest ordering a set of Pepin adjustable dumbell handles. They're cheaper, and you don't have to worry about using washers

[@timk8258]

Kelly Huffaker The Pepin dumbbells weren’t on the market when I made this video. They do look good but I’ve seen some reports of the handles breaking when dropped, so I’m somewhat skeptical of the durability. If you never drop them, probably not an issue of course. The other thing is that they don’t have the quick lock threads (which is why you don’t need any sort of spacers to get the threads lined up) so you need to spin the ends all the way in and out every time like regular spinlocks. Not a huge deal though, might just cancel out with the time spent playing with the washers.

[@clarkey9262]

They brake easily waste of money iron master the best

[@focvl.point19]

What brand are those weight plates?

[@timk8258]

Allen Pacheco not sure, I bought them used. Any brand should be fine, just make sure they’re the flat “pancake” style so they’re not too thick to fit a decent amount of weight.

[@Viktor007]

Buy Pepin dumbbell handles instead, they fit any weight plates

[@timk8258]

This video is from 2019, before Pepin handles existed.

[@deceivingthedeceiver]

These plates look better than the Ironmaster, and they aren't as long.

[@UnknownUser-fg3fs]

Are there any knockoff handles similar to these ?

[@strawberryyogurt0]

@UnknownUser .... Consider just making your own flat bottom handles using floor flange that would be more secure than the ironmasters such as this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ7Jc42rqMllm9k . The only problem is getting cheap weighted plates right now.

[@timk8258]

There is a similar product out now called Pepin Dumbbells.

[@strawberryyogurt0]

​@@timk8258 ... True. There’s technically three that I know of in no specific order: (1) Baadass (2) Pepin (3) Bullrock Fitness Trex dumbbells. I was leaning towards the Baadass, but the craftsmanship is simply not there when it comes to aesthetics, however they are probably the most durable. The Trex is probably the cheapest but they use smaller weight plates. I’m honestly leaning towards the diy method that I linked because it’s the quickest adjustment if I could find standard plates at better prices. Will probably be getting the PowerBlock’s 90 just for the time being for the ease of adjustment factor.

[@Fitforacting]

@25:09 why not just show the price price of the 75lb kit with the stand? It would make more sense and show the true cost difference. I loved you video btw and never thought of doing this

[@timk8258]

The kit with the stand costs $81 more than the just getting the 45lb dumbbells and 75lb upgrade. I don't have any type of stand for my setup so it didn't make sense to compare it to a full ironmaster kit that includes the stand. Would not have been an equal comparison and would have made it look like you're saving more than you really are by going the DIY route.

[@Fitforacting]

TimK got you. Then it would’ve been cool to show that at the end. For $81 more you can get the stand. Kudos to your video 🙏🏻🙏🙏🏽

[@DV-dk5hd]

should have just got the baadass dumbbell handles they work with pancake plates. it's cheaper and it's a lot less aggravating you don't need any 1" washers

[@timk8258]

They didn't exist when I made this video two years ago.

[@pugilemoltobene3708]

I think I paid like $500/$550, then sold them years later for $100. Sure they were going for about $900, but I just wanted them gone

[@youcantouchgrasstoo]

Why not use Olympic dumbel handles?)

[@timk8258]

They're much bulkier and awkward to use. I'd also have to buy a bunch of extra olympic plates which are generally more expensive to acquire than 1" plates. But the biggest thing is that starting and finishing pressing movements is pretty rough because you can't rest them on your knees the same way. If you use 25lb olympic plates you can start the movement fairly easily because there's enough surface to rest them on your thighs but when you bring them down at the end of a set it's still sketchy compared to any dumbbell that has a flat surface on the end. Another drawback is figuring out how to secure the weights. I wouldn't want to trust spring clips or cheap locking collars with the weight over my head, and if you go with high end collars like OSO's then you're adding a lot of expense.

[@youcantouchgrasstoo]

@@timk8258 thanks for your answer. I use Olympic dumbells, I was able to buy used cheap set. I am able to balance on my knees resting in the crook between the dumbell and plates, its not perfect but good enough. I want an adjustable dumbell for convenience and space saving, I probably won't be buying any of these dumbell models because the plastic parts have bad reviews of braking. Weights should last.several life times. Lol. I made a stand to hold my dumbells and I can load them easily as well. What about you? What do you use.

[@AbideinChristFully]

I want to do this....but can you help before I mess up? Can I fit three 10 lb weights using the small screw safely? How about two 10 lbs plus a 5 lb? Thank you!

[@timk8258]

It really depends on the plates you're using, the thickness varies a lot between brands. The short screws are 3-5/8", so as long as your 10lb plates aren't thicker than 1" you should be good with three 10's. Just need to add up the thickness of your plates and see how much thread you'll have left over, 5/8" or MAYBE 1/2" is the minimum I would want. With the pancake plates I have, they're pretty thin so I could fit three 10's and a 2.5... or maybe a 5, but it would be borderline on the effective thread length. Some pancake plates are smaller diameter and thicker, so you'd be able to fit less. You really don't want any kind of plate with a lip around the edge because those are going to take up way too much space on the screw.

[@AbideinChristFully]

@@timk8258 I'm looking at the CAP plates. There are no specs on their website, but assuming amazon is accurate...the 10 lb is .8 inches. I think it is getting iffy at 3 10's plus anything. Not saying it wouldn't work, but would be scary. Thank you

[@timk8258]

@@AbideinChristFully Yeah I have had some cap plates and they did seem slightly thicker than the ones I'm using now. Never saw a 10lb plate thicker than 1" though unless it had a lip around the edge, so you would definitely be good up to 70lbs (three on each side plus 10lb handle), maybe 75 if you can squeeze a couple of 2.5's on. If you want to go heavier then you'll need to get the long screws or use 25lb plates like I'm doing.

[@AbideinChristFully]

@@timk8258 I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the ironmaster 40 lb full set! I plan on upgrading to the 75 lb later, but I want a Rep 5200 first. Not having any weights, it just made since to have the thin weights, and not need the long screw anytime soon. :)

[@nicsmada]

🤦‍♂️ ONE OF THE KEY RULES OF WORKING OUT. MAKE CHANGE OUTS & EXERCISE TRANSACTIONS AS QUICK & SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE.

[@timk8258]

ok

[@Radzio2006]

Good job man just for the future if you recording a video make sure is more light in your room because i barely see anything, background and your clothes are black.

[@timk8258]

Need to turn up your screen brightness, everything is visible on my calibrated monitor (I’m a professional photographer)

[@Radzio2006]

@@timk8258 im watching on the s10 phone like most of the people with 80% brightness, usually i'm on 50%.

[@MaxIQ77]

#science