A Definitive Guide to Custom Barbell Collars

Just like any other gym accessory, the custom barbell collars hold significant value. These collars are the ideal option for weightlifting. 

If you need custom barbell collars for your commercial gym, this guide can be helpful. It offers the most relevant information about barbell collars.

So, without any delay, let’s start our guide.

Table of Contents

Definition of Custom Barbell Collars 

Custom barbell collars are common equipment used in commercial gyms. This particular accessory makes barbells safe to use. 

These colors work by keeping the weight plates safely attached to the barbells. Manufacturers offer a variety of customization options while buying barbell collars wholesale.

Figure 1: Custom Barbell collars

Why is it necessary to use Custom Barbell Collars

Safety is the major purpose of using barbell collars. These collars secure the loaded plates to a barbell. Lifting weights without using barbell collars is a hazard. 

The loose plates can slip out of the barbell and cause injury. In addition, these collars prevent the weight from moving. In fact, a stable barbell with secured weight plates is easy to lift. 

The barbell collars are necessary for the safety of a lifter. So, using them is always advisable.

Figure 2: Barbell safety equipment

Advantages of Custom Barbell Collars

Listed below are the five major advantages of using barbell collars.

• Safety
• Performance
• Concentration
• Protect the gym floor
• Investment

Figure 3: Barbell collars are necessary for gym safety

Safety

Using the barbell collars enhances your safety when lifting weights. Most especially, barbells used in commercial gyms lose their grip due to extensive usage. 

This makes them slippery, causing plates to move freely. Hence, lifting the weights without barbell collars would be risky. 

To ensure the safety of their clients, commercial gyms must always keep a stock of these.

Performance

Using barbell collars ensures improved performance. It also enhances muscle development. So, barbell locks are highly advisable when it comes to getting the best workout results. 

These collars help to maintain balance by securing the weight plates. If the plates on one side change their position, the barbell will lose its balance.

Concentration

Since the barbell collars enhance safety, you can lift the weights with confidence. Securing the weight plates with barbell collars ensures peace of mind. 

As a result, you can pay more attention to your workout. The increased level of concentration allows you to draw the most out of your workout session.

Protecting the Gym Floor

The weight plates can damage the gym floor when they drop frequently. When not secured with a barbell collar, the plates can easily slide and fall. 

Apart from being a safety hazard, dropping a weight plate is also fatal for the gym floor. Therefore, using barbell collars can help you save on the cost of maintaining the gym floor.

Investment

Buying custom barbell collars is an investment that pays off in the years to come. These collars are made of industrial-grade and durable materials. 

It is possible to order custom barbell collars in bulk. These collars will continue to serve you for an extended period. No doubt, custom barbell collars are the true asset for your gym. 

Various types of Custom Barbell Collars

Talking about the types of custom barbell collars, these are numerous. Some of the most popular ones are:

• Spring clamps
• Lockjaw clamps
• Screw clamps
• Spinlock collars

Spring Clamps

Also known as clamp collars, this particular barbell collar consists of two prongs. By pressing these prongs, you can open the clamp.

Springs clamps are easy to use, as you just need to press the prongs and slide the clamp onto the barbell.

This type of barbell collar is available in almost every commercial gym. The reason for this popularity is their cheaper price and availability. 

Figure 4: A spring collar or clamp

Lockjaw Clamps or Collars

Lockjaw clamps are the upgraded version of a spring collar. These round-shaped collars have a locking clip at their upper side. 

To open the clamp, you need to move the clip upwards. After that, just slide the lockjaw clamp on the barbell. In the end, press the locking clip and secure it to the barbell.

These collars are durable and easy to use. Therefore, lockjaw clamps also serve as a popular option for commercial gyms. 

Figure 5: A lockjaw clamp securing the weight plates

Screw Clamps or Collars

As the name suggests, the locking mechanism of these clamps uses screws. Once you have attached these clamps to the barbell, twist the screw to secure them. 

Mostly, these collars are made of expensive metals. In addition, tightening of the screw takes some time, making it a less preferred option.

Figure 6: Screw clamps or collars

Spinlock Collars

These barbell collars come with their barbells and dumbbells. This is so, as they aren’t suitable for other types of barbells or dumbbells. 

You have to screw the spinlock collars just like a bolt. Spinlock collars are inexpensive and they perform well as a set. 

Figure 7: Spinlock collars

Materials used for Custom Barbell Collars

Custom barbells are made of different materials. These include:

• High-gauge steel
• Plastic, Nylon, or TPA
• Metal coated with ABS plastic
• Aluminum alloy

Barbell collars made of plastic are less durable. These collars start to wear too early. Other materials also have their respective pros & cons. 

However, barbell collars made of aluminum are lightweight and durable. Barbell collars made of steel weigh not more than half a pound. 

Yanre Fitness uses a variety of materials while manufacturing barbell collars. These include nylon, TPA, aluminum alloy, etc.

Figure 8: Parts of a Lockjaw barbell collar

Specifications of a Custom Barbell Collars

Given below are the general specifications of the barbell collars.

Weight: TPA, nylon, or aluminum collars weigh between 30 to 400 grams. On the contrary, metal colors weigh 5.5 lbs. approx.

Diameter: Inner-45-50 mm approx. Outer 7-9 cm, or more

Width: 1-1.5 inches approximately

Color: Customizable

Standard Barbell Collars vs Olympic Barbell Collars

The most prominent difference between these two barbell collars relates to their fitting. The Olympic barbell collar fits a specifically designed Olympic size bar (2-inch diameter).

On the contrary, a standard barbell is compatible with a standard 1-inch bar. The clamp size of a barbell collar is available on the manufacturer’s websites. 

Hence, the standard collar won’t fit the Olympic barbell. It’s the major aspect to consider while ordering custom barbell collars in bulk. 

Figure 9: Barbell collar for a standard bar

Figure 10: Barbell collar for an Olympic bar

Locking Barbell Collars and Spring Clamps

Both these options serve a similar job. However, there are various notable differences between the two. These include:

LOCKING BARBELL COLLARS	SPRING CLAMPS
Expensive clamps Durable and sturdy Easy to attach  Minimum friction when sliding Can secure heavy weights	Affordable  Not that durable  Difficult to use  There is some extra friction between the rod and collar Not suitable for heavy weights

Lockjaw clamps or locking barbell collars are feasible options for heavier weights. 

Lifting without Custom Barbell Collars

To put it simply, it is not a good idea to lift the weights without using barbell collars. The weight plates can easily slip out of the bar and fall. This might cause an injury or damage to the gym flooring.

Besides, the moving weight plates also cause an imbalance. This lowers the overall performance of a weightlifter. Custom barbell collars secure the plates in place. 

Figure 11: Yanre Fitness’s locking barbell collars

How much Custom Barbell Collars weigh

Usually, the weight of the custom barbell collars depends on their size and material. The weight of nylon, aluminum, or TPA barbell collars stays between 300–400 grams approx.

On the contrary, collars made of steel or other similar metal weigh up to 5.5 pounds. Knowing the weight of a collar is necessary, as it adds to the overall weight of the barbell with plates.

Available options for customizing Barbell Collars

In most cases, manufacturers offer customization options if you are ordering in bulk. Similarly, you can also get the customization option when buying wholesale barbell collars.

You have to share your preferences or needs with the manufacturer. As a result, they will provide you with different customization options.

For example, Yanre Fitness offers customized barbell collars. The available options include:

• Color
• Logo
• Packaging
• Logo design 
• Font

Here are the benefits of using customized products:

• More sales
• Customer loyalty
• Helps to market your brand

Figure 12: Custom colors of barbell collars

Things to consider when buying Custom Barbell Collars

Given below are the points that you must keep in mind when ordering custom barbell collars in bulk:

• Materials & design
• Weight & holding capacity
• Size
• Easy to use
• Durability
• Locking mechanism
• Warranty

Materials & Design

There is a wide range of materials used for making barbell collars. The most common ones are plastic, TPA, and steel. Normally, top-notch barbell collars consist of two or more types of materials.

The use of industrial-grade materials enhances the durability of the barbell collars. Hence, you must consider the materials and design. For instance, collars with stainless steel hinges are more durable. 

Moreover, buy a barbell collar with a simple yet practical design. 

Weight & Holding Capacity

There should not be a variation when it comes to the standard weight. Every single barbell collar must weigh similar to the specifications mentioned on the label.

Besides, the collars must have a strong holding capacity. It will help to keep the plates in place. Low-quality barbells are not so durable. So, avoid these cheaper options.

Size

Standard barbell collars fit the standard barbell that is 1-inch in diameter. But, you need an Olympic barbell collar that is suitable for the 2-inch Olympic barbells.

Sizes are available on the manufacturer’s website. So, choose the size while taking into account your needs.

Easy to Use

This aspect is also important. The user must find it easy to use. The locking pin must be long. This makes it easy to lock or unlock the collar. 

In addition, the barbell collar must take less time to slide on and off the bar.  

Durability

The commercial gym environment is tough. Hence, low-quality accessories won’t last for long. Therefore, buy durable and sturdy barbell collars for your gym.

Locking Mechanism

The locking mechanism is another key feature to consider. If you are looking for the simplest locking mechanism, a spring clamp is a good choice. However, for a secure fit, just rely on the locking barbell collars.

Warranty

Just like any other quality product, barbell collars also come with a reasonable warranty. So keep this factor in mind. If the manufacturer offers a vague warranty, just avoid making a deal.

Final Words

To conclude, barbell collars are among the key gym accessories equipment used on a commercial scale. They may appear to be small, yet the benefits they offer are amazing. 

We hope this guide offers you the most essential information regarding custom barbell collars. Here at Yanre Fitness, we pride ourselves while offering top-rated gym accessories. 

If you have a query, just make us a call today! Feel free to contact us for a quote.

Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Barbell Buying Guide for Gym Owners