Adding Knurling to Barbell

[Btcowboy]

So I have a barbell without a center knurl on it. I want to get a center knurl added. I called around and most machine shops told me no the cant. One however said he believes they could just depends in material. I did not know exactly at the time but now know it is heat tempered hardened chrome. I am not a machinist or metallurgical expert so dont know if this can be done. The shop wants me to bring bar in for them to see. Thought I would see if experts here have some thoughts.

 

[flenser]

It largely depends on the plating and hardening. A knurling tool might damage the plating. And if the bar is hardened on the outside, I doubt they will have a tool that can do a good job. The machinists at the shop will have a good idea, but I'm guessing they won't offer any guarantees.

 

[Btcowboy]

It largely depends on the plating and hardening. A knurling tool might damage the plating. And if the bar is hardened on the outside, I doubt they will have a tool that can do a good job. The machinists at the shop will have a good idea, but I'm guessing they won't offer any guarantees.

Thanks I am thinking it may not be the best idea... plus the shop is a distance away. Ordered an A7 Grip shirt should help some. Will keep eye out for another bar with the center knurl

 

[jJjburton]

Thanks I am thinking it may not be the best idea... plus the shop is a distance away. Ordered an A7 Grip shirt should help some. Will keep eye out for another bar with the center knurl

What would you use center knurl for? Close grip bench?

 

[Btcowboy]

What would you use center knurl for? Close grip bench?

Low Bar Squat, keep the bar from sliding down my back

 

[Oregongearhead]

Just pick-up some white athletes tape , I use it on all my bars (barbell & dumbbell) . No more slippage

 

[Btcowboy]

Just pick-up some white athletes tape , I use it on all my bars (barbell & dumbbell) . No more slippage

I have some and was the next plan, then I was told to try an A7 shirt. Checked it out looked like it will work so ordered one. I will report back when I get it.... thanks

 

[Btcowboy]

Pics of the shirt

 

[bigpoppachump2]

If you put it on a lathe and used the knurling tool it will mess up the plating if its chromed etc. It is most likely plated since the sweat from your hands would cause it to rust. As far as machine shops saying "no they cant do it", it probably has more to do with hassle vs profit than anything else. I can knurl it for you in about 20 minutes on the manual lathe without a doubt since I highly doubt its hardened to the point of being brittle since it would need to be somewhat flexible to keep from breaking in half. I also have a hand burner that works like a copper pipe cutter but it's a royal pain in the ass to use and it's not cheap which would probably make it more cost effective to just buy a different bar.

 

[Btcowboy]

If you put it on a lathe and used the knurling tool it will mess up the plating if its chromed etc. It is most likely plated since the sweat from your hands would cause it to rust. As far as machine shops saying "no they cant do it", it probably has more to do with hassle vs profit than anything else. I can knurl it for you in about 20 minutes on the manual lathe without a doubt since I highly doubt its hardened to the point of being brittle since it would need to be somewhat flexible to keep from breaking in half. I also have a hand burner that works like a copper pipe cutter but it's a royal pain in the ass to use and it's not cheap which would probably make it more cost effective to just buy a different bar.

Yeah I totally agree, try the shirt for now and buy a Texas Power Bar when I can

 

[Eman]

Probably a lot further ahead to buy a new one.

Is it an olympic bar? You may have a women's olympic bar. They don't have center knurling. However, there's new bars coming out without center knurling too so, hard to say... I used to know what every bar was made for but it's getting harder to tell these days. The newer ones I've seen look like deadlift bars but don't have the same whip as a traditional deadlift bar.

 

[Btcowboy]

Probably a lot further ahead to buy a knew one.

Is it an olympic bar? You may have a women's olympic bar. They don't have center knurling. However, there's new bars coming out without center knurling too so, hard to say... I used to know what every bar was made for but it's getting harder to tell these days. The newer ones I've seen look like deadlift bars but don't have the same whip as a traditional deadlift bar.

Its a Mens Oly bar without the center knurling... bought in Spring was limited on choices. Works for now the shirt will helpnon heavy squat day for now. A new bar as soon as shit settles down or I find something used.

 

[Eman]

Its a Mens Oly bar without the center knurling... bought in Spring was limited on choices. Works for now the shirt will helpnon heavy squat day for now. A new bar as soon as shit settles down or I find something used.

They actually used to have the center knurling because one handed lifts were a thing decades ago. After they died out it was more of a traditional thing.

I was looking at bars on FB marketplace recently... Those guys can get fucked with the prices they are asking.

 

[Brandaddy]

I forgot to ask. Do you chalk your back where the bar sits? That's makes a huge difference if you don't.