IronMaster quick lock handles with standard plates does it work

[kikindust]

Could I buy IronMaster's quick lock handles and use my own standard plates?

This would offer an advantage on shipping costs and total cost of the dumbells. Do you have a set, have you tried?

[trnk1001]

Keetman has done it. Just look for the dumbbell thread, nice discussion there. (I can't post link, so you have to copy and paste these to your browser)

forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=117628551&page=2

Dumbbell thread, page #2, post #36 & 37 by Keetman

forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=123160683&page=7&highlight=ironma ster

Also post # 193 in this thread by Keetman (same pictures, different thread)

[sawoobley]

You are better off just getting the ironmaster plates unless you are desperate. They will last you forever if you take care of them. You lose a lot of the benefits of having ironmasters if you try and use different weights IMO.

[KBKB]

Here's a link to Keetman's first post on the matter:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...#post647712423

I, too, think it's better to get the Ironmaster plates if you can afford it. I think it'll be faster to change plates if you use the Ironmaster plates and the stand. The stand is important because it provides a smooth, level, but grippy surface for changing plates.

If you don't use Ironmaster plates, you must take care to get enough thread engagement with the lock-screws.

[Keetman]

Here's a link to Keetman's first post on the matter:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...#post647712423

I, too, think it's better to get the Ironmaster plates if you can afford it. I think it'll be faster to change plates if you use the Ironmaster plates and the stand. The stand is important because it provides a smooth, level, but grippy surface for changing plates.

If you don't use Ironmaster plates, you must take care to get enough thread engagement with the lock-screws.

This.

I can't remember exactly what my motivation for doing that was, but I think I was just seeing if I could. With the screws that come with the 120lb set, I think I could get like 140lbs on the handles. This was good and worked, but it certainly isn't going to be as good as using them the way they were designed. I have no doubt that IM would strongly suggest you don't use their equipment this way and I absolutely don't claim its a good idea....its just possible, so do it at your own risk.

The screws for the 75 & 120 lb set ups only have threads on about 25% of the shaft. The point is to line up the marks, make a quarter turn and the db's are tight and ready to go. This will probably work just fine with the pancake plates, but with different width plates the math might work out differently on the turns. The important thing is to make sure the shaft/screw doesn't get anywhere near making a complete turn or you run the risk of them getting to the disengage point and everything could land up on you....which is bad.

I have the IM's going up to 120lbs, so personally....if I ever need more than that I'll probably be using them up to 140 in the setup I showed in those threads. After that, I'll probably just invest in the upgrade to 165lbs....but I'm not going to hold my breath needing 140lb plus dbs.