How to Clean a Barbell - Barbell Maintenance

[@frustrateduser666]

You apply oil on the shaft and brush it with some firm, hard strokes. Got it 😏

[@BasementBrandon]

oh baby

[@BalancedBodybuilding]

+1 for the nylon bristle brush instead of wire brush. Protects the bars with coated finishes and doesn't wear down the knurling.

[@wieser98]

Anon Ymous maybe a bit stiffer

[@jasond1433]

I've been using one of the nylon bristle brushes that came in a cheap gun cleaning kit I got from walmart or somewhere like that. Slightly stiffer than a toothbrush.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yessir!

[@azendakuben]

Anon Ymous Tried it, looked like the result with the bigger nylon brush Brandon used in the video.

[@oliverallen5324]

Brass brush on bare/stainless is better.

[@Corbets1979]

Brandon, thanks for this. I ordered the Rogue barbell cleaning kit and didn’t have a clue what to do with it, but in a few minutes you told me what I needed, and a few minutes later my 1.5 year old Chan bar looked almost new! Will do a better job on maintenance going forward, but I just wanted to say thanks for the help!

[@BasementBrandon]

that's awesome to hear. I have no need for a Chan bar but oddly want one of the cerakote ones lol.

[@Corbets1979]

Brandon Campbell Diamond "need"? What’s that got to do with home gyms? 😂

[@StylishDTailors]

That thumbnail alone makes me never want to go to the gym ever again. Just kidding I'm obsessed! Great video man! I wonder how the silver bars look now compared to the black ones...eww...

[@BasementBrandon]

Just got a silver bar, will have to update ya

[@skullkid112]

Hey Brandon, good video. I heard that while wd40 is great at lubrication, it can actually hold on to and attract more dirt and dust than just a typical lubricant spray. Might not be imperative but figured I'd mention it.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on

[@garysellars8914]

Great video. I just bought an ATX Ram Bar power bar and i love it. Had it just maybe a couple of months. Anyway i was one of these people that although i stored my bars carefully i tended to leave chalk sitting on there and never really thought about it. Then i read an article saying that" what does chalk do?" Absorbs moisture. Then that gets through on to the steel of the shaft. So i cleaned it with a brush and some GT85 and was amazed to see a tiny amount of surface rust on a small bit of the bar. So this is a much needed video for lifters with good quality bars who want to look after them. Because as you say a good bar is pretty expensive and you need to protect your investment in it..

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@overthebar]

I tried it at an olympic lifting meet, and now I work there. Now thanks to you I can feed my twelve children. Big thanks you from Djibouti, Brendan Cowbell.

[@BasementBrandon]

all up in djibouti

[@jamesreid5950]

Great video! Just bought my first personal barbell a week ago. Haven’t received it yet but I was looking for exactly this.

[@BasementBrandon]

awesome, what did you go with?

[@tuomas2789]

@@BasementBrandon 😅 ay buddy yeaaah, i think he went with the ign ore everyone barbell

[@beyondmeaning]

I wish commercials gyms did this.

[@BasementBrandon]

The good ones do, they're just few and far between!

[@ErikBrabantsPianist]

No need at my gym, they just don’t allow chalk.

[@TheDivineNicholai]

Good stuff Brandon. I picked up these exact items a few weeks ago but I was hesitant to use them because I feared I would use them incorrectly. Glad to see I was on the right track. Thanks brother.

[@BasementBrandon]

Good thinking!

[@jasongrenier3590]

Great informative video. I purchased a deadlift bar and leave it at the gym for others to use and I don't use chalk and it's getting pretty chalked up from others. I'll do maintenance on it this weekend.

[@BasementBrandon]

Hopefully people take care of it and know it's for deadlifting. I've seen people bench and squat with one...

[@Dippedinblackink]

Great vid Brandon and thanks for the reminder that I need to clean my Ohio Power Bar.

[@BasementBrandon]

Keep it clean, keep it sexy

[@jamienyeste5438]

Didn't realize i need this video until now. Kick ass man!

[@BasementBrandon]

Glad to hear it was helpful

[@themuscularnerd]

Nothing better than a clean shaft.

[@BasementBrandon]

hey now

[@hulkslayer626]

Good info. Currently saving for a Rogue Zues custom bar. Sooooo excited! All I ever had were the cheap China bars that come with the sets that used to be in The Sports Authority almost 20 years ago. Never took care of them and it shows. So I wanted to watch this video for tips on how to care for my "Forever Bar" lol

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@bradcoombs5244]

It's very important to maintain a clean shaft ;)

[@BasementBrandon]

words to live by

[@Rex_126]

Thanks for this Brandon. I made the mistake of getting a long bristle brush and as you said it doesn't get in there well enough at all and I ended up destroying it trying to press it down hard enough to get everything.

[@BasementBrandon]

luckily they're all cheap, so easy to replace!

[@armouredoutlaw1537]

I've not used Olympic bars myself, I'm just getting started in lifting and I'm on a real tight budget so standard inch bars only for me right now, but I noticed you using wd40 on the collars and from my experience wd40 on bearings isnt a good idea as it dries the grease out and can damage the bearing, or do the collars use something other than bearings? Not hating just getting my info straight before I invest..

[@BasementBrandon]

Bushings.

[@BarbellSocietyUK]

This was dope, makes me wanna set up our own little training kit in the garage!!

[@BasementBrandon]

You could call it Barbell Society Barbell.

[@BarbellSocietyUK]

Brandon Campbell Diamond doesn't have a ring to it. What about GAINS-CITY??

[@fedguy9182]

I use an old beater bar that came with a cheap weight set in my landmine. No appreciable wear on the sleeve...minor scratches

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice.

[@ChristianDurusTelamon]

Great video! I made a mistake and used a metal brush and now I am fighting rust. Any tips on how to deal with rusting plates?

[@BasementBrandon]

for plates? maybe some rustoleum or white vinegar.

[@SuperK7654]

Honest question. How does having oil on the bar not lessen the grip of the brush.

[@wallyirizarry7092]

Brandon, thanks! for the good advice, I own a black zinc oxide barbell and some Cerakote barbells. Is good to know the best ways to keep them in good shape. My biggest concern was damaging the knurl or shaft color coating .. good video.

[@BasementBrandon]

If you keep up on them they'll last forever. I just posted a pic the other day on an IG story showing what a black oxide bar looks like with no upkeep. Spoiler alert: it's not black any more lol.

[@metal4you87]

From my notifications I thought maybe you were getting into olympic weightlifting

[@BasementBrandon]

Let's not talk crazy talk

[@MorpClips]

So your Texas Dl Bar is Zinc Oxide shaft but what type of sleeve is on it? (bare steel or chrome)

[@BasementBrandon]

it was chrome

[@pxduffydc]

Thanks for the video, B! Question - i live in DC and am going to start storing my bar outside. I’ll keep it dry ,aside from condensation, but should I be concerned about freezing temps? Might water get into the bushings and freeze, wreaking havoc on my gains? 😱 Lastly, thoughts on using chain lube instead of WD40? Thanks!

[@BasementBrandon]

I'm not too sure on this one, don't have much experience here!

[@fs3994]

Been using chain lube for alot of years with good results.

[@algordon5524]

Do you disinfect the bar at all? Rouge says not to use alcohol, ammonia, bleach or phenol. Not sure what else to clean it with that will kill bacteria?.

[@BasementBrandon]

I do not.

[@falzonrobert]

Hi Brandon you might not see this, seeing as this video is really old. I've bought a SS OPB and I bought a SS wire brush already before seeing the video. Do you think that it's a bad combination? Would you recommend I return the wire brush and just get a nylon brush? Thanks

[@BasementBrandon]

I'd go nylon or a softer metal like brass as it won't scratch the bar.

[@robertstables9059]

Hi Brandon, Great video, it’s helped me clean up my Barbell very well. Is it possible to respray a black zinc coated Ohio bar to help prevent rusting even more? I recently applied a black zinc paint which looked fantastic and actually improved the grip, unfortunately the paint ended up coming off on my grip. Do you have any thoughts on this?

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't think spray paint has any resistant qualities in that regard.

[@robertstables9059]

@@BasementBrandon The black zinc coating has multiple functions, to protect the steel from further corrosion as well as for aesthetics, I was just wondering if you had any previous experience with respraying a black zinc coated bar so it would look as good as new.

[@Hossak]

I am about the only one in my commercial gym that wipes down the barbells after I use them. I won't describe what the wet wipe cloth looks like after you have wiped the knurling.... - not pretty. I don't think they would like it if I started WD40'ing and brushing the bars though. Great video Brandon!

[@BasementBrandon]

Haha good point

[@magicmegs6560]

Thanks Brandon! Do you wipe your plates down with anything or just a damp cloth?

[@BasementBrandon]

TBH I usually don't clean them. But would prob use a microfiber cloth

[@magicmegs6560]

@@BasementBrandon thanks again! Got my 3 in 1 oil arriving soon. We've had our barbells for over a year and haven't cleaned them yet..😉

[@BasementBrandon]

@@magicmegs6560 If you have a temp controlled environment, or low humidity, you may not really need to!

[@johne3999]

Does owning a bare metal barbell make sense when it's kept in a humid garage gym? you would have to wipe the oil off and coat it in oil again, every time you want to use it.

[@BasementBrandon]

Up to you I think. Won't look pretty, but will still function.

[@rayjbb1494]

Would you suggest cleaning the Ironmaster dumbbells knurling?

[@BasementBrandon]

I'd base it off look, if it looks like it needs it, sure.

[@BrianMakesBenjamins]

How did you say shaft so many times and not give a small giggidy.

[@BasementBrandon]

I did... in my pants.

[@mikegorbet2544]

Is there anything wrong with quarternary ammonium salts that are normally used to clean gym equipment? I guess hypothetically it wouldn't pull out as much oil as a 3 in 1 would just because hydrophilic versus hydrophobic, but anything bad in your experience?

[@BasementBrandon]

Don't have any experience there TBH

[@dannyy8619]

YES! HE TOLD US TO STAY BIG!

[@BasementBrandon]

Lol enough people were asking

[@i.rodrigoalonso9914]

whats the type of paint that u recommend for a barbell? i see a lot of bad quality paint in the market, specially in black

[@BasementBrandon]

I wouldn't recommend any paint on a barbell!

[@getagripjayhoo4190]

i bought second hand olympic power bar named barbell. it is pin lock type sleeves but spin is pretty poor i opened the other sleeve. and there is only bushing which shows sleeves inside end. ho should i service this bar. Thanks!!. and what pin use if the old pin is damaged in the operation

[@BasementBrandon]

Best way to service is takes sleeves off and clean with a lubricating oil like 3 in 1. Pin replacement will vary, so can't help you there.

[@briandoxsey]

Do you use steel wool for rust spots on black zinc (stored in non humidity controlled garage)

[@BasementBrandon]

I do not.

[@lucasakins5841]

Now my bar is super slick... how do you get the oil off completely after cleaned?

[@BasementBrandon]

Towel

[@ToddChilton]

For a bare steel bar, I use 3-in-One oil and a copper brush. Works great.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah bare steel you can take a rougher brush as there's no coating to worry about! Plus you'll likely get more rust build up without one.

[@nycste1982]

Hey guys just considering buying my first boneyard bar and only raw steel is available. This bar will only be used in an apartment setting so other then some change in weather from windows being open and stuff it won’t be by the beach or basement or etc... just curious if you’d recommend saw steel for a first time buyer

[@ToddChilton]

S D Yes. Raw steel is fine for a first time buyer.

[@pritulaag]

STAY BIG! IT'S BACK! HOORAY!

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@Jacob-wg7xi]

Quick question boss, so I just gotta new rogue bar and I saw you put WD-40 in the bushing. When far along should you start putting that into the bar?

[@BasementBrandon]

Def don't need to, I rarely do it, just showing you can.

[@Jacob-wg7xi]

Brandon Campbell Diamond appreciate it :)🙏🏼

[@SteezySteez2011]

I have a horrible time trying to get all of the dead skin out of my power bar's knurling. It's so deep, and the crud simply won't come out by brushing w/ nylon. Any advice? I'd use brass, but the bar is zinc coated. Alcohol? Gun solvent?

[@BasementBrandon]

I find a toothpick helps

[@michaelrollo1774]

Any advice from your experience to get the smell away from the bar after brushing it with the 3-1 oil? I can’t seem to get it off weeks after for some, after using a clean old towel multiple times and even disinfectant wipes

[@BasementBrandon]

Hmm I haven't run into an issue with smell personally :(

[@marc-olivierbenoit1069]

Just ordered my Ohio power bar!!!!! Should it takes more than 1 week ?

[@BasementBrandon]

depends on your location, but likely 3-5 days

[@austinrobbins8455]

Would you recommend using WD40 to clean the shaft if you don't have any oil?

[@BasementBrandon]

You can, I think that's more of a lubricant than a cleaner though.

[@assassinz16]

Hello :) what is the coatage of the black bar plz ? Black zinc or e coat ? What is the blackest choice pls ? I know ecoat is shinny pretty much than the black zinc but it looks like pretty much dark i think ;)

[@BasementBrandon]

black zinc, the problem is that zinc will fade and get a greenish tint.

[@assassinz16]

@@BasementBrandon thank you for your answer, so the blackest bar is the zinc ? I dont know what should i choose ^^

[@calebmathews2966]

Resurrecting an old video here, what about using a metal brush (like a brass brush) on a bar if it's already bare steel?

[@BasementBrandon]

Def ok with that! I have another cleaning video where I use a wire wheel if rust is super bad, otherwise would do the above way first.

[@desmondnutley6064]

Great vid boss , off too get me 2 in 1 oil an short bristle brush thanks man

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@tomchow3860]

Hey, i have a matt chan bar with cerakote shaft and black cerakote collars - should i put the 3 in 1 on the shaft and collars or just the shaft?? thanks :))

[@BasementBrandon]

Shouldn't need to clean the cerakoted parts.

[@tomchow3860]

Thank you 💪🏽💪🏻

[@jordytreks]

Brilliant video thanks man, love the channel

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Jordan

[@jassisethi1662]

How long does the black oxide bar last you with proper maintenance compared to stainless steel ?

[@BasementBrandon]

Really depends on environment.

[@zolo4600]

forever

[@MeepMeep88]

I wonder if you can just use a power wash

[@BasementBrandon]

Maybe?

[@AexoeroV]

Hey. Donyou think a landmine would damage the black zinc from the sleeves?I want to buy a landmine but i also tought it would damage the coating/finish

[@BasementBrandon]

Maybe slightly, but won't have any more real impact than weights sliding on and off IMO

[@AexoeroV]

Brandon Campbell Diamond, my thoughts were that it will have more impact than sliding disks on and off because all that movements you make with the bar like moving it side to side, up and down and so on. Never had a landmine in the gym i used to workout but now that im building​ slowly​ my own small home gym i thought to buy one.

[@JFomo]

Can the barbell be used straight away after cleaning with the oil?

[@BasementBrandon]

Yes, but you should clean it when done, not before using it. I would just dab it with a towel to get any excess of.

[@KyleHohn]

I bought a used Ohio bar. How can I tell if it’s zinc oxide or iron oxide (black)?

[@BasementBrandon]

The black oxide bar also has black oxide sleeves. The black zinc bar has chrome sleeves.

[@Nippon1971]

In one of your videos, I checked that you have a strengthshop bastard squat bar! How do you clean that bar? It's a electroless nickel coating !! How do you clean that ?

[@BasementBrandon]

3 in 1 oil and nylon brush.

[@mbmenendez]

Oh also what would you do with sun discoloration on one side and where the hands wear it out?

[@BasementBrandon]

Not much you can do really :(

[@PPMarc23]

All you do for the shaft hm....? 😏

[@BasementBrandon]

Big black shafts get da views

[@mrran5630]

Had to give you a dislike on the comment....only because you beat me off to it.

[@SimonEdwardJohns]

Gotta get through that ingrained smegma...

[@alexmora2342]

My homie bar all chalk/sweat up this would be good to show him

[@BasementBrandon]

Hah make him clean it!

[@justinpasko3387]

Do you ever use the 3-in-1 oil on the collars? If not, why not?

[@BasementBrandon]

Not often, for powerlifting, spin isn't too important.

[@justinpasko3387]

Thanks for the reply and the vid!

[@jorgefierro8537]

Hi, can I paint my new Rogue Barbell? It is black oxide and I would live it to be mate blue

[@BasementBrandon]

I mean you could, but I wouldn't.

[@alvarocalle777]

That whiteness on the barbell’s ring , it happened to my barbell when I first cleaned it, what is that? Does it go away

[@BasementBrandon]

There's no whiteness here after it's been cleaned.

[@alvarocalle777]

Brandon Campbell Diamond my bad Brandon, at first I wrongly attributed this to a reaction with the oil, turns out it was just wear on the finish i had failed to notice prior

[@pritulaag]

Do you use the same brush for initial cleaning (sans oil), and then with the oil?

[@BasementBrandon]

I actually just use the oil and brush right away. Here I did it without to show the difference more.

[@mbmenendez]

What do you do with nicks and scuffs on the black coating?

[@BasementBrandon]

Just leave it as battle scars :)

[@jaird.7192]

Is there a way to restore the blue/black look on the bar?

[@BasementBrandon]

Not if the black zinc finish is robbed off due to use, which def happens over time.

[@razziez]

Does he ever take the ends off to add some 3 and 1 to the bushings or bearings?

[@BasementBrandon]

No real need to

[@razziez]

@@BasementBrandon Thanks for the reply!

[@TehxHope]

isn’t the residual oil unsafe to get on your hands long term?

[@BasementBrandon]

no

[@barbellsandgames3721]

Thoughts on the brush you can pick up from Rogue?

[@BasementBrandon]

I haven't used it, but there's no real savings there IMO. a 3oz thing of 3 in one oil and a brush will set you back about the same if you bought it locally.

[@mc7770]

Nice one, great video, thanks Brandon

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@torang_]

I like my Barbell's like my women, Dirty.

[@BasementBrandon]

hey now

[@Sanus180]

Good one Simple and to the point

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@limitisillusion7]

I love to oil my shaft too. I prefer steel brushes. More stimulation.

[@BasementBrandon]

Hey now

[@richardmihlfeith5610]

like the video as usual could you consider doing a review of the Ivanko OBXS-20KG-29MM ... if you get one. thanks!

[@BasementBrandon]

Would love to get one

[@azendakuben]

Why the 3in1 for the shaft instead of WD40 for everything? I habe never used 3in1 oil.

[@BasementBrandon]

The 3 in one oil is an actual lubricant where as the wd-40 is a solvent

[@azendakuben]

Brandon Campbell Diamond But wouldn't you use them the other way round? The solvant for cleaning and the lubricant for the sleeves?

[@BasementBrandon]

nope, the 3 in one oil helps protect against corrosion. You could however also use it to clean the bushing/bearings if you'd like, I just find the wd-40 to be easier.

[@azendakuben]

Brandon Campbell Diamond Thanks, already ordered some.

[@WildDanHibiki]

Cleaning rust and restoring metal plates?

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't have much experience here, but maybe I can pick up some for cheap and try it.

[@kingkahlil1974]

“Strong job Brandon” this jit lmao good video tho

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks boss

[@davidpatterson579]

Can you paint the barbell black?

[@BasementBrandon]

You could, although it would likely just chip off and not offer any real protection from the elements.

[@ah_o_kay]

a toothbrush is also fine or not?

[@BasementBrandon]

Sure, might want to use one that's considered stiff.

[@Beeftitan]

Not one innuendo yet you said shaft 4 times. This channel use to have standards.... Great video lol just in time since im about to start using my own bars at my own place

[@BasementBrandon]

I take my shaft seriously

[@92Cope]

What is 3 in 1 oil? Sinc i cant find that in my country by that name... 😑

[@BasementBrandon]

general-purpose lubricating oil

[@92Cope]

@@BasementBrandon thanks a lot 😊

[@nolenlifts4661]

Will this get rust off?

[@BasementBrandon]

to a degree, if it's caked on it will be tough.

[@MrJgonzalez09]

If the tips are rusted to the ass can i just spray paint them?

[@BasementBrandon]

Get a wire brush and go to town

[@jeremyestrella1532]

Does this work with cerakote bars?

[@BasementBrandon]

It does, I would stick to nylon brush and 3 in 1 oil.

[@kucci8157]

I just use diluted rubbing alcohol and wipe it down after i use it. Same as you would in a commercial gym.

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice.

[@LiftHeavy1]

I use soft brass brush. Next you can show us how jerk a bar since you showed us how you clean your shaft.

[@BasementBrandon]

Tune in next time...

[@B1az3xGoiNxPRO]

Cleaning/ maintenance vid on other equipment like the rack, bench, and gear??

[@BasementBrandon]

Hmmm will consider it!

[@javascriptkiddie2718]

Wouldn't you be better off putting rubber grips around the handles. I put rubber grips on everything from bars, to my xbox controller, even my glock. Keeps everything in great condition

[@BasementBrandon]

No that would change the diameter of the bar.

[@smackin]

Holy shit, I was just going to ask for this video... Is Brandon Campbell my Tyler Durden? I do live in Seattle and train at SSP and have never seen him... HmmmMmmm

[@BasementBrandon]

You're not your fucking khakis.

[@zeeeeb0]

talk about nerding out on your hobbies on a whole nother level. :D

[@BasementBrandon]

Hah no different than washing your car!

[@donaldhorace894]

Thanks man. Appreciate it.👍

[@BasementBrandon]

Any time!

[@GeorgeL.Bischof]

try "grosser more quickly" - great video!

[@BasementBrandon]

😅

[@TheJoeyrs311]

What if my bar is already rusted?

[@BasementBrandon]

Is it a steel bar? Is it a patina or is it actual rust? in that case a metal brush could help.

[@Justin-fromtennis]

What would the difference be between a patina and actual rust? I'm thinking of getting the new Bells of Steel bar, and wondering what I'll have to deal with

[@bench175]

I always sand down my callouses with a file so they don't get caked in the bar. That's the ONLY reason.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on

[@Christian-yv6eq]

Yo Brandon, you should fix your posture. Your right shoulder is lower than your left. Might hurt you down the road...

[@BasementBrandon]

some scoliosis.

[@MarkMacqueen]

WD40 on the shaft is always a good idea! lol

[@BasementBrandon]

hey now

[@MRJJJarhead]

Hi Brandon, great info but I got a odd question for you: any substitutes for 3-in-one? I live in China so there's no easy way to get hold of the sucker. thanks!

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't know of brands off hand, just look for a lubricant/cleaner for metal that you can spray.

[@MRJJJarhead]

@@BasementBrandon yep that makes sense. thanks!

[@DaveLotito]

Put that 3-1 on the shaft baby

[@BasementBrandon]

you know this!

[@thechosenonesk]

Good video! Thank you.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!