Barbell collars prevent weight plates from falling off during weightlifting, aiding balance and reducing the risk of injury. Newer models use coil springs for easier operation, while older models used bolts that could slip and damage the bar. Threaded collars were also used but were difficult to remove. The invention of the spring collar has made traditional free weights preferred by professional weightlifters.
Barbell collars are used on barbells and weights to prevent the weight plate from loosening or falling off. These lockouts are attached to the bar after the weight plates are added. The bar collar locks onto the bar by turning a locking bolt or by a spring mechanism.
Weight lifting is a very exact science. The movement of the weight plates can greatly influence the lifter’s ability to balance and lift the weight. Bar collars help keep the weight stable by locking it into place on the bar. This aids the lifter’s ability to balance the weight and also keeps the weight centered over the lifter’s body.
Another benefit of barbell collars is the reduction in injury to the lifter. Loose weights can allow the weight to shift and throw the lifter off balance. When this happens, the lifter is forced to exert himself unevenly against the shifting weight and the result is often a serious injury. Barbell collars keep weight from shifting.
Newer models of bar collars are coil spring devices that attach to the bar and release more easily than screw-on models. This results in saving time for the lifter. The ease of operation and the ability to stay tight without loosening are responsible for the popularity of these new barbell collars in many gyms.
Many of the older collars were held in place with a bolt. Once the weight plates were attached to the bar, the collar was slid up against the weight plate and the bolt tightened against the bar, locking it in place. Often this bolt would slip against the bar and allow the weight to shift. This slippage would not only allow the weight to shift, but also damage the bar.
The first attempts to combat slip bar collars were threaded bars. These threaded bars had collars that were threaded on after the weight plates were attached to the bar. While threaded collars had some success in holding weights tight, they were often difficult to remove and often required tools to loosen once tightened.
The modern weight machine was designed to help combat the negative effects of loose collars. The intention was to prevent the weights from changing due to weight loss. While effective in that regard, many professional weightlifters prefer traditional free weights and the invention of the spring collar was born. This type of collar is used in amateur weightlifting and even in Olympic events.
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