Barbell Maintenance 101: Everything You Need To Know Barbell Maintenance 101: Everything You Need To Know
Like any investment, if you've just purchased a brand new barbell, you want it to stay that new for as long as possible. In... Barbell Maintenance 101: Everything You Need To Know

Like any investment, if you’ve just purchased a brand new barbell, you want it to stay that new for as long as possible. In this article, we’re going to cover the basics of barbell maintenance so that you can keep your bar in the best shape possible.

Why Barbell Maintenance Matters

The odds are pretty good that if you’ve stumbled across this article, you already have an idea of why you care about maintaining your barbell. But if you’re new to weightlifting, you might think your barbell is just a steel rod – what’s there to maintain anyway?

That is sort of correct. Your barbell is, basically, a bar, and will almost surely outlive your ancestors. However, it is not just a bar, and you need it to do more than just be a bar. It’s a tool made up of different components – sleeves, bearings, bushings, knurling – that you need to perform a set of tasks as flawlessly as possible.

The more neglected, worn out, and abused your barbell is, the more it’s going to underperform, and the less use you’re going to be able to get out of it.

The Basics Of Barbell Maintenance

What You Need

Everyone’s barbell maintenance needs will be a little different since not everyone is going to be using identical bars in identical environments. Still, these are the typical tools you’re going to need to keep your barbell in tip-top shape.

First, a nylon brush with stiff bristles. This will be used for cleaning your bar, particularly when it comes to the knurling. When it comes to cleaning, you’re almost always going to be using some kind of oil. WD-40 and 3-in-1 oil each work great, and you likely have both laying around in the garage.

You can use a mild detergent if you like, though this will more so be for cleaning germs and sweat off of your bar than maintaining it. Once you’ve got all of that in hand, all you’re going to need is a shop rag that you don’t mind having covered in oil.

Keeping Your Barbell Rust-Free

First up is keeping your barbell rust-free. This is arguably the most important aspect of barbell maintenance, as even a small patch of rust can work its way through your bar and damage the bearings.

The biggest cause of rust on your barbell is going to be humidity. If you live in a particularly humid environment, then you’re going to be best served by using and storing your bar in a climate controlled environment. If you’re a gym rat, the same applies – pick a gym that has a climate controlled setting, otherwise you’re increasing the risk of rust dramatically.

The second most important part of rust prevention is keeping your bar clean. Clean your bar – especially the knurling – after every use. Otherwise, you’re creating a habitat for rust on your bar.

Cleaning The Knurling Of Your Barbell

The knurling of your bar is going to require the most attention, as it is the most prone to trapping dirt, chalk, and moisture – a recipe for rust.

You’re going to use that stiff-bristled nylon brush we mentioned earlier to clean the knurling. First, brush off as much of the chalk as you can while the bar is still dry.

Once you’ve done that, take your 3-in-1 oil and use it with your nylon brush to scrub the rest of the knurling clean. If you want to use some kind of household cleaner to disinfect your bar, do that before cleaning the bar with oil.

Do this with the rest of your barbell’s shaft as well, making sure to remove any early signs of corrosion. Once you’ve finished, wipe the oil off with your shop rag.

Maintaining Your Bushings/Bearings

This is the second most important part of barbell maintenance, as faulty bushings and bearings will turn any sane person into a dull boy. If you use chalk regularly, your main concern is going to be chalk getting into the bushings/bearings of your bar, reducing its ability to spin smoothly.

Luckily, this is a pretty easy fix. We’re going to use the same oil that you used to clean the bar (assuming it isn’t silicone-based – DO NOT use a silicone-based lubricant, as it will dry out and damage your bushings/bearings).

Stand your bar on its end vertically, and apply oil to the bushing/bearing closest to the ground on the inner side. Spin the sleeve slowly until the motion feels smooth. Then, turn your bar over and repeat on the other side.

How To Properly Store Your Barbell

Like we mentioned before, keeping your barbell in a low-humidity environment is the most important part of your bar’s health. Never store it outside, even temporarily, and don’t leave it in the garage unless you live in a dry climate.

Never leave weights on your barbell while it’s in storage, as this can wear it out much, much faster than intended. Always store your bar horizontally if possible, and never leave it laying on the ground. A rack for hanging it on the wall is best. If you prefer to store it vertically, be sure to rotate the end that sits on the bottom and be aware that it could leak oil by being stored this way.

How Often Should You Clean Your Barbell?

How often you clean your barbell will depend on how you use it and where you live. If you use your barbell every day, then cleaning it every few days is probably best. If you only use your barbell every now and then, be sure to clean it after every use. The more humid your climate, the more often you’re going to need to clean your bar.

What To Expect Over Your Barbell’s Lifespan

While it would be nice if your barbell could look the same from the day you first bought it until the day you retire from weightlifting, even the best maintenance won’t keep your bar in that good of shape. Expect your bar to develop a patina over time, slight wear and tear, smoothing of the knurling, and maybe even a slight bend near the end of its journey. All in all, though, these maintenance tips will keep this kind of wear from showing as long as possible.

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