Axle Bar - Custom/DIY
An axle bar is a type of barbell with an extra-thick, solid shaft that significantly increases grip strength challenges for exercises like deadlifts, presses, and cleans, making it a staple in strongman training to build forearm power and overall grip endurance.
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Axle Bar - Custom/DIY Reviews
Based on 7 reviews from Gym Radar users, the Custom/DIY Axle Bar - Custom/DIY have an average rating of 4.43 out of 5. They're currently the #4 most-owned Axle Bar on Gym Radar, with 27 home gyms reporting ownership.
7 Reviews
Performance
4.43 / 5
Build Quality
4.14 / 5
Value
4.71 / 5
User Reviews
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(5.00)
Custom axle handle I welded works good for grip work
(5.00)
Found a guy on FBMP who makes these along with some other strongman equipment. This is hollow and it weighs 25 lbs. I like using it for rows, overhead presses and occasionally bench press. It's pretty slick so I use a lot of chalk, but overall I like this bar and think it's cool I got it from a local guy as opposed to a big company. It didn't hurt that it was only $50 as well!
(5.00)
Made in 2021 when I was working on the next evolution of the gym. As others said many ways to make one and this was the most basic. 1.5” pipe cut to length, some rubber hose fittings, and a couple of spring clamps.
Now 2026 and still going. Maybe one day upgrade to a real one. However it still works and why mess with what is still working?
When winter ends have some extra pipe....just for fun will tinker with another version.
(4.33)
Do I knock my own build
Quality? Sure.
Shaft collars an an easy play but toss a quick tack on then for added strength. We also used caps to really class it up, and finished with truck bed liner rattle paint.
My most recent build got “repurposed” into plate holder extensions for my leg press but I’ll rebuild for an outdoor bar at some point
(3.33)
I followed the instructions that are easily found online, but learned that pipe has since gone way up in price.
I used the 2 piece Azzsmuk shaft collars from Amazon. As the schedule 40 pipe is slightly narrower than 2”, I used an industrial 2 sided tape under the collars before I clamped them down, and it’s held very well. Added paint, which scratches like crazy, but I still like it. I’ve beaten this thing bad, and it has held up.
Still, it’s not any cheaper than just buying an axel.
(4.33)
You can go as simple or as boujie as you want with a DIY axle. Just a 1.5” pipe is technically all you need. You can spray paint or powder coat it. You can make collars out of duct tape, clamp on fittings, or welded rings. You can make the usual knurl mark spacing or leave it bare. It can be an easy little DIY but it’s also often nearly as cheap to buy an import from Titan or others on sale
(4.00)
A DIY axle is a very easy way to dip your toes into strongman or to have a thick bet for bench. At to help with elbow pain. With everything going on unless you already have the pipe it’s about the same cost to buy a budget friendly axle.
Made one in 2023