Homemade Squat Rack - JP Fitness Forums

chris_f · 11-28-2006, 09:23 AM

I remember a year or two ago MH ran a sidebar article on how to build a squat rack using the support beams in your basement for $21 or something insanely cheap like that. Does anyone have that article still, or know where I can find it?

Thanks!

OldGuy · 11-28-2006, 09:28 AM

PM fayman. It was his project that was in the magazine.

Blackjack · 11-28-2006, 01:56 PM

Or you can ask me...I made one!!!

Not sure about the $21 though. I added a chin/pull up bar and used 1/2-inch x 7-inch lag bolts for the hooks. I'm thinking it was closer to $50.

Basically, I took two 4x4's and notched out the top so they fit from the floor to the ceiling joists exactly. Then I bolted the top of the 4x4's through the joists. For extra support (probably wasn't needed) I ran a couple of 2x4's along the floor and screwed them to the 4x's with some "L" brackets and then to the wall to keep the rack from moving. Although, it's so tight, I'm pretty sure it's not going anywhere.

I used a piece of galvanized pipe and some "C" type clamps and screwed it to the top for a chin/pull up bar. Then I put some 7-inch long (1/2-inch dia) lag screws in at 45-degree angle for hooks at the appropriate height for squats and and a lower set for bent-over-rows and RDL's and of course curling. Instead of the pullup bar, I probably should have just installed another set of lag bolts and put a barbell up there to use - the knurling would be nice. I have athletic tape wrapped around the galvanized pipe but it's a little worn and getting sticky.

Problems I've had:
1. No safety bars. Granted, I'm not that "aggressive" with it so I never workout to failure.
2. It's directly bolted to the floor joists so when you put the BB on it or when you slide weights on/off, it's pretty load upstairs. Not too big of an issue unless you workout at 5:30 in the a.m. and your wife is sleeping upstairs...but I digress.

I've been using it for almost 2-years without any failure. I might be able to snap a pic and post it for your reference.

Good luck and let me know if you have questions.

Ted

chris_f · 11-28-2006, 02:37 PM

Thanks black jack! (and OG, for the direction - i had no idea that was one of our own residents ideas!)

Black, the only concern I have is the safety bars. That's a big drawback for me - I was hoping to have them for benching and squatting. I wonder if there's a way.... hmmm

Lost Dog · 11-28-2006, 02:50 PM

What about your homemade rack and one of these?

Shermworks "free spotter"

diamondpete · 11-28-2006, 07:02 PM

Black jack, I am working on a new FAQ which is homemade gear would you post some pics or email some to me, and I will post them when the thread is ready

BjsAust · 11-28-2006, 07:26 PM

I use saw-horses.

I wouldnt recommend that. Havnt had to use them yet and saving for a proper squat rack :p.

Terry Monk · 11-28-2006, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lost Dog

What about your homemade rack and one of these?

Shermworks "free spotter"

I absolutely endorse the 'free spotter'. I use it exclusively for squats without any bars or anything else. Did it just tonight with 335 and I've had 445 on it no problem. The ropes are rated up to 1000 I believe.

Good post Roland

Eustace · 11-28-2006, 09:53 PM

Does anybody know of any things like this that can be used at a commercial gym? Mine doesn't have a power rack, just a smith machine. (Along with 5 benches and about 4 machines just for bench presses

)

Cynic · 11-28-2006, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eustace

Does anybody know of any things like this that can be used at a commercial gym? Mine doesn't have a power rack, just a smith machine. (Along with 5 benches and about 4 machines just for bench presses

)

Not likely because it's fixed to the ceiling.

I don't know what you can do when you gym doesn't have a rack, other than find a new gym.

Terry Monk · 11-28-2006, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynic

Not likely because it's fixed to the ceiling.

I don't know what you can do when you gym doesn't have a rack, other than find a new gym.

Totally agree.

Lost Dog · 11-28-2006, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eustace

Does anybody know of any things like this that can be used at a commercial gym? Mine doesn't have a power rack, just a smith machine. (Along with 5 benches and about 4 machines just for bench presses

)

Folding saw horses that use really, really long 2x4s. You might get some queer looks...

Blackjack · 11-29-2006, 08:33 AM

I don't bench in mine - I have a seperate bench for that. But again, I generally don't go to failure. I use the "leave one rep in the tank" philosophy. I've come close, but never had to "dump" any weights.

For squatting, the saw horses might work. For bench, probably the best thing would be a spotter. Maybe have someone around when you're really going heavy.

I'll try and snap some pics and post them here.

Ted