Restoring rusty weights, an easy DIY project for the home gym

[@alvinprettyman1802]

thanks for posting I started making my own gym in 1993 when I was 39 years old still working on it most of my stuff is used some of it was broken and donated then repaired 67 years old and still making gains ... no matter what the "experts" tell me.

[@alvinprettyman1802]

p.s. I enjoy your channel and find it inspiring

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Wow, that’s some real dedication! Glad to hear it.

[@Handygrrl]

How is the paint holding up without primer? Were you able to do all the lettering with one pen?

[@geraldbiggers4860]

I just converted my garage into a gym at 38. I’m looking forward to the journey

[@danettehouston7869]

Just what I was looking for…thanks!

[@RodrigoGarcia-nz3pp]

That’s a great project. I did something similar 2 years ago. Besides sanding the plates, I left them 24 hours in a mix of water and vinegar. Then, another 24 hours in a mix of water and baking soda. Finally clean with steel wool. Once you finish, you’ll realize all the amount of rust hidden in those plates. After painting, they look way better than new.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thank you! I love to hear about and see other restoration projects. I tried vinegar once but found I could clean off rust effectively with just nylon and wire brushes. Either way, it saves a perfectly good set of plates!

[@dfugawyepeniata3795]

Thanks for this. Wondering what to use if we didn't have those machines.

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice work!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks! I get a kick out of fixing up these old plates and making them look nice.

[@TyKizer]

This is the best video that I have seen for weight plate restoration. Soaking in vinegar and then in baking soda and then scrubbing with steel wool and all that is good BUT if you have a good drill and these drill attachments, the job is WAY easier.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Heck yeah! Every time I post a restoration video I get spammed with comments about how vinegar is easier. Those people are dead wrong.

[@tripreed]

I love a good weight restoration vid 👌

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Sweet, me too! I’ll make sure to mix one in every now and then.

[@vintageweightspgh]

Excellent work! I love using drill bit brush attachments. Nylon brushes, with wheels, polishing cloths, etc.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thank you! It is the highest honor hearing this praise from you! Thanks!

[@memolibir]

Thanks for the video

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks for always supporting!

[@coachedvartsen]

I was just searching for restoration of plates, and then this pops up, thinking it was an old video, but no, it was brand new... Mind blown! =D Great video as always man, keep these comming. Think i love restoring more then DIY (even tho i love both!!) =D

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s awesome! Perfect timing! Yeah, the second video I ever posted was a weight restore video but every set of weights is different, so it doesn’t hurt to post another one. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ll try to keep restoration videos in the mix.

[@aldobruno712]

amazing work! you're left handed like leonardo da vinci

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Haha! I am! Truthfully, I am ambidextrous. I am mostly right handed except for eating and writing. It’s weird.

[@DavidDoingLife]

Love this kind of video!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jestprogres]

Nice work 💪😁

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thank you so much brother!

[@barrysays]

That was magic bro. Love your work. 👍

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Ice_Box_Gym]

Thats the same paint I used on my plates. The brush seems like it works pretty good. Good idea for those who dont have a shot peen or sandblaster 😎

[@KaizenDIYGym]

It’s my go to for black. The antique pewter is great for silver weights. The wire brushes are such a great investment. $15-$20 for the set and I’ve cleaned countless weight plates and dumbbells with them.

[@scottcharlton129]

Good work

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks!

[@GHASHTIKILLA]

Amazing content. Earned a sub

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s awesome, thanks so much!

[@gsuderman]

Love your channel and this latest on weight restoration. Couple of questions if you don't mind. 1) Why didn't you do a vinegar bath after the dust removal? I've done that with a crazy rusty nailset that fell under my deck 4 years ago and was only found when I replaced a deck board. After 24hrs just used an old toothbrush and every bit came off. 2) Where on earth do you find these kinds of deals? I'm all over the local Craig's list, Kijiji and Facebook sites. Haven't seen anything like that. Anyway, long post, keep up the great work!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks man! I’m happy to answer your questions. I never use vinegar. I’m not against using vinegar but I like to paint right after I get the rust off with the wire brush. I’ve never felt like it was necessary to add an extra step in the process. I find these deals on marketplace or Facebook usually. This one was from a guy who renovates houses. The previous owner left them and this guy just wanted to get rid of them. Generally to find the deals you’ve got to check often, have cash ready, and be available to pick up immediately. That’s what’s worked for me anyway.

[@gsuderman]

@@KaizenDIYGym thanks for the quick response!

[@lvetude]

Lol, I didn't have all these fancy tools so I used BBQ wire brushes in various sizes to clean them up and a sander...its not perfect but did the job in restoring my dad's weights from back in the day :B

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Nice! Whatever gets the job done!

[@thatguyontheright1]

Not a gym guy, but something to help with rust. I use Ospho, it's a mix of phosphoric acid and other goodies. It turns the rust into iron phosphate, which is inert.

[@mosesgtz.h.7014]

I did exactly the same, well, kinda, only thing I did different is when finish using the wire brush I wash the plates with soap and water , dry them with newspaper or a rag thoroughly and apply a coat of WD-40 but this time I let the WD-40 dry by itself, this takes days obviously but there will be no trace of rust. I also did not paint them and the rust never came back.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome, I'll add the WD40 step next time I do this, thanks!

[@trevordoeseverything219]

More!!!!!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s awesome to hear. I’ll definitely be doing more restoration videos in the future.

[@DesignBuildLift]

Nice work, Kyle! They look great! Question: What is the unit of measure under the numbers? Is looks like “bla” …. Follow up question: How much do 45 “bla”s weigh in pounds?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

To be honest, I have no idea. I didn’t weigh them but I think they’re 45 pounds. I need to ask Vintage Weights PGH if he can identify them.

[@vintageweightspgh]

One Bla equals 5 Schrute Bucks

[@Val2073]

I soak it in vinegar then I use a powerwash. Let it dry and then paint.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s awesome, I love how many ways there are

[@clayton7443]

I recently tried this on some old plates. I removed the rust with wire brush, primed a couple coats and then 3 coats of Rustoleum hammered spray paint. They looked great but it seemed like the would chip with the slightest bumps. Any suggestions on how to make the paint more durable?

[@jackdanolife]

try ans find epoxy paint instead. It's super solid for shocks

[@midge486]

How many spray cans did it take to do this number of weights and how many coats did you give them? I’ve just bought 420kg for £250 ( that’s about 925lb for about $310 in your system) I’ve got about 40+ plates to do😫 thanks

[@KaizenDIYGym]

It’s been a while since I shot this video but I believe it was just a single can of spray paint. I put on a couple coats. You got an incredible deal friend, it’ll be lots of fun cleaning those up.

[@mck6392]

I guess Timothy Olyphant really is a multi-talented guy. Who knew he could help you unrust your weights too?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

He’s the best

[@westoncrockett9661]

Do you know of a way of coating weights with rubber?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I’ve never done that before

[@Giblet12]

You may be able to use a rubberized truck bed liner

[@zachsw1328]

How have these weights held up?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Normal wear and tear from use, nothing crazy

[@GlucksGym]

Do you recommend a dust mask for this?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Get outta here with that liberal commie crap!

[@F_antomas]

@@KaizenDIYGym ignorant ... What is '' liberal commie '' ? Have you ever been to a school ? The pain is extremely toxic and will cause lung cancer or head/neck cancers . you are really something . Go get an education .

[@F_antomas]

Glucksgym yes its very toxic . Google that . all paints are toxic and the exposure to the fumes overtime can cause cancer .

[@dre6289]

Does the paint weather proof them? I have an outside setup. I feel like I should buy some new iron plates and immediately paint them. Or is this a dumb idea?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Concrete plates do well in the weather and they're pretty easy to make. Iron plates will eventually rust, the paint will chip with regular use. If you're set on iron and you're buying them new, I wouldn't advise adding paint on top of the paint that's already there. I'd use them and let them eventually chip and rust, then clean them as needed.

[@dre6289]

@@KaizenDIYGym thanks bro!

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Just paint on Ospho and you are good to go. Ospho (orthophosphoric acid) changes the red rust,(iron oxide), to black iron phosphfide, and prevents further rust.

[@lym3204]

The least amount of work is better. The plates stop rusting once you get them out of the yard exposed to rain.

[@cybersir_the_real]

Where can i find/buy rusty weights?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Craigslist and Facebook marketplace have been good for me

[@killakori]

Pair of Thieves...I won't wear anything else 😄👍

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Gotta love that top quality Target underwear!

[@FrankZen]

I've seen people submerge them in solution some and you did not. So I take it that step isn't necessary?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

There are many ways to accomplish the same thing. I am actually working on a video now trying out the different suggestions I’ve received.

[@tommyharris5817]

The nylon brush was unnecessary as the wire brush would've removed both the rust and the dust. Also, an angle grinder isn't required if you're using a drill.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Cool sorry bro

[@DavidDoingLife]

What im hearing is the mask is optional? 😂

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yes totally optional!

[@cstrongdude]

.50-60 cents a lb. Holy heck what a deal man.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yeah, I have a buddy who flips houses and he found this set in a house he bought. They were free to him so he gave me a sweet deal.

[@jd6197]

It's much efficient just do some paid work and purchase brand new :)

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I love that for you