1.25 inch plates on a 1 inch barbell

[alexplank]

I have a set of dumbells with a 1.25 inch handle and plates that have a 1.25 inch diameter hole.

I just purchased a 1 inch diameter barbell and want to use the old dumbell plates on the new bar. The 1.25 inch plates obviously fit on the bar (the .25 inches doesn't seem like too much of a difference) but I was wondering if there would be a problem using these plates on the barbell. I can't imagine the weight distribution would be skewed too much but I just want to be safe.

I searched the forums and couldn't find any threads discussing this issue. Any ideas?

[CliveWarren]

You will have to get a machine shop press a sleeve onto the existing collars of your barbell. Better yet, get them to make reducer bushings for each plate for when you use them on the barbell or any new 1" bars yet still accommodate the 1.25" handles.

[daniel327]

You will have to get a machine shop press a sleeve onto the existing collars of your barbell. Better yet, get them to make reducer bushings for each plate for when you use them on the barbell or any new 1" bars yet still accommodate the 1.25" handles.

Seems like an expensive option given that a new 1.25" barbell will only cost about $30 (not that I'd recommend purchasing one).

Op, find a cheap second-hand olympic weight set on craigslist. It will be cheaper and better in the long run.

[morebarbell]

Wrap the sleeves of the bar with 0.125 inches of duct tape.

[Northernmoris]

Wrap the sleeves of the bar with 0.125 inches of duct tape.

Would you wrap your bars in tape?

[alexplank]

I think I may return it because it's a threaded bar and get one that isn't threaded so I can try putting tape on. Am looking on craigslist for weight sets.

[bum11]

cl and play it again sports. the one i worked at sold olympic weight for 0.50 a lb not matter what brand or condition. sometimes you can find a great set of oly plates for dirt cheap compared to the new price

[morebarbell]

I think I may return it because it's a threaded bar and get one that isn't threaded so I can try putting tape on. Am looking on craigslist for weight sets.

Don't buy another bar just to tape it. Why wouldn't you just buy a bar that fits? I wasn't being serious about using tape. In Los Angeles there's an abundance of quality gym equipment so if you read the stickies and do some searches and more reading then you could do very well buying used equipment locally.

[thegoldfinger]

Unless you are going to do olympic lifts, I can't see any reason not to use the 1.25's on the 1" barbell. On slow lifts like presses, squats, deadlifts, curls, you probably wouldn't even notice any wobbling. Any collar made for a 1" barbell will hold the 1.25's secure. If you use them and they bother you, then you can look for replacements.

[bluetrane2028]

Holy necro first post, I know... but this information may help out someone starting on a budget.

That out of the way, the cheapest solution to using 1.25” plates on 1” bars is to buy some washers with 1” holes in the center. I bought a bunch at Lowe’s in the US for about $1.20 each.

Put the washers on the bar first, then your plates won’t be able to slide over the built in stops on your bar. If you are concerned about strength of the washer, you could also just put a correct size 1” hole plate on the bar first, then load up the rest of the bar with the 1.25” plates. of course, that requires buying more plates and is therefore more expensive.

If you are using the spring type clamps on a solid bar, an additional washer next to the clamp may be advisable. In my case, I purchased threaded bars to use with the inherited 1.25” plates, they secure just as nicely as with true 1” plates.