Olympic Bar Repair?

[MAXX]

I have an older olympic bar that is missing the hex screw-in in the end of one of the plate sleeves that hods the sleeve to the bar. The screw-in takes a pretty large hex wrench--a lot bigger than any I have. Any thoughts on ways to repair this or where I can get the screw-in? I'd hate to throw the bar out--it's still in pretty good shape. But I'm tired of it just laying around. Thanks.

[Cynic]

What's the load capacity on it? I have one that sounds very similar, if not the same, and it's an El Cheapo model, probably a 500lbs capacity, I got at Sports Authority with their El Cheapo 300lb set.

If it's 500lbs, discard it. If it's a better quality, what's the name? Try contacting them for parts.

[goergen1]

I agree with Cynic.

If you get a good bar, there are no hex nuts in them and problems like this never come up.

[AFI82]

Bah, why you gotta bad mouth the cheapo bar? Mine holds 500lbs worth of pink plates, and it's pretty too.

If you can't find a bolt to fix it with, maybe try to sell it on craigslist or ebay. Might be able to get a little something out of it.

[Cynic]

Originally Posted by AFI82

Bah, why you gotta bad mouth the cheapo bar? Mine holds 500lbs worth of pink plates, and it's pretty too.

Nothing wrong with them as starters for people who aren't even close to 500lbs. I started with one and still use it for a lot of work. However, it's not a big loss if you can't service it either.

[MAXX]

It is an el cheapo, but I keep the el cheapos around for exercises that don't use a lot of weight. Plus, since my workout area is in the basement, a lot of the mid-priced bars end up corroding and I can't afford to have too many expensive bars laying around, so I just use the el cheapos, which don't corrode if they are chrome. I can't throw around the weight like I used to any way, so I don't need a high load bar.

[J Stankowski]

check local flea-markets or search online for tools (a search for 'hex wrench' or 'allen wrench' should do the trick). you should be able to find a cheapie for a few bucks. it'll be more than adequate for occasional re-tightening/maintenance (ie. lubricating) of your o-bar

then if you take your existing bolt to a local hardware store or machine shop, they should be able to match the size/thread or machine a new one for ya'.


-JS-

[MAXX]

Thanks JS....someone said that NAPA should be able to get a replacement, or a machine shop as you said.

[nanook]

I have the same problem with one of my bars. I just shoved the bad end into a corner of my basement and use the bar for Lumberjack Squats.

[RobLL]

Ask a friend who repairs his own cars. He will know how to fix a bunged up screw, or its threads

[Cynic]

Originally Posted by RobLL

Ask a friend who repairs his own cars. He will know how to fix a bunged up screw, or its threads

Tap and die. Any decent metal worker would be able to help, but car mechanics are probably the best source since they're accustomed to removing rusted bolts and nuts.