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Best Barbell Clamp Collars

Updated March 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Lock-Jaw 2" Olympic Barbell Collar
Lock-Jaw
2" Olympic Barbell Collar
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Expert-recommended
Bottom Line

A lightweight yet durable barbell clamp collar that is made for a 2-inch Olympic bar; our fitness expert has never had a problem with these.

Pros

Lock-Jaw Hex features a unique design that allows you to securely clamp the collar in place without requiring much force, yet the holding power is impressive. The bright color makes the clamps easy to locate.

Cons

These clamps may slide when they are dropped from overhead.

Best Bang for the Buck
Greententljs 2" Quick Release Olympic Barbell Clamps
Greententljs
2" Quick Release Olympic Barbell Clamps
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A good choice for simple weightlifting workouts, but they may not stay in place during workouts with a lot of motion.

Pros

Pair of barbell collar clamps made of nylon, steel, and rubber. Made for 2-inch Olympic barbells. One-hand installation. Spring-powered snap-latch design. Very secure. Easy to take on and off. Choice of colors.

Cons

Best for deadlifts, squats, and bench presses. They may slip if used for workouts with a lot of movement.

Lock-Jaw Barbell Collars PRO 2
Lock-Jaw
PRO 2 Barbell Collar
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Our expert loves these barbell collars for how reliable they are during long weightlifting sessions.

Pros

The 2-inch size makes them perfect for Olympic and competition-sized barbells. They contain a spring-loaded latch that allows them to stay clamped for extended periods while also being easy to take off. Interior material keeps the collar from damaging the bar.

Cons

Some users noted that it may be harder to open that other choices.

Greententljs 1" Barbell Clamps
Greententljs
1" Barbell Clamps
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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

If you are a beginner looking for clamps for a 1-inch bar, our fitness expert approves this easy-on-easy-off pair from Greententljs.

Pros

Pair of barbell collar clamps made of nylon, steel, and rubber. Made for 1-inch barbells. One-hand installation, and spring-powered snap-latch design. Easy on and off for people with arthritis. Works well on a threaded bar.

Cons

May not hold heavy weights on the bar through multiple repetitions.

2" Olympic Barbell Clamps
Clout Fitness
2" Olympic Barbell Clamps
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Durable Design
Bottom Line

These clamps hold up through workouts with a lot of movement and come in a convenient carry bag for the gym.

Pros

Quick release. Not easy to slide. Made of reinforced plastic. Travel bag makes them convenient for the gym. Can take on and off with one hand. Hold up to workouts with a lot of motion. Choice of color.

Cons

The plastic can break, making the clamps unusable.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consumers
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Buying guide for Best barbell clamp collars

Strength training isn't just for building massive muscles. As you age, it preserves bone density, keeps you strong, and helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis. If you use a barbell, you will need some way to keep the weight plates from sliding off. Barbell clamp collars slip over each end of the barbell to do exactly that.

It is important to pay attention to the size of the barbell clamp collar because most of them only fit one size bar. The best models are easy to use, won't scratch your barbell, and hold a significant amount of weight. Additionally, you will likely want a barbell clamp collar that adds a negligible amount of weight.

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Barbell clamp collars lend greater stability and balance to your weights. One of the side benefits of barbell clamp collars is that they help you achieve better form.

Key considerations

For a barbell clamp collar to function properly, it needs to fit securely. Though there are some exceptions, most clamps are specifically designed to fit one size of barbells. The most important consideration is making sure the clamp you are purchasing is the right size for your bar: one inch for a standard barbell, two inches for an Olympic barbell.

Locking mechanism

The locking mechanism is how the barbell clamp collar attaches to the barbell. There are various types of locking mechanisms available.

Spring

Spring-style barbell clamp collars are typically made of coiled stainless steel. You squeeze the ends to open them slightly, then slide them on and let go. The concept is simple, though individuals who lack grip strength may struggle with this type of locking mechanism.

Quick release

These barbell clamp collars are the most prevalent and have the greatest variety. Simply slide the collar over the bar, and when it gets to where you need it to be, squeeze down until it clicks. To remove, pop up the quick-release lever and slide the collar off. Two problems that some inferior models have are popping open and slipping. If you get a quality collar, however, the operation should be effortless.

Screw down

With a barbell clamp collar that features a screw, you'll have to tighten and loosen that screw every time you want to change plates. These screws are made of metal and can be more expensive than other types of locking mechanisms. They also can leave marks on your bar.

Compression

Compression collars can be highly effective, but they also take up a bit of space on your bar. They slide over the bar, and you twist them to make them clamp (as you would with a telescoping pole for vacuuming a swimming pool). To release the clamp collar, just twist it in the opposite direction.

Velcro

Basically, the design is a Velcro strap that wraps around your barbell. This type of barbell clamp collars are highly portable and adaptable, but they are relatively rare.

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Expert tip
Spring collars are very effective and usually cost less than other styles. However, they do require significant grip strength to put on and take off a barbell.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Features

After you've picked the right size barbell clamp collars, and decided which type of locking mechanism you prefer, there are only a few more variables to consider.

Ease of use

Since you will be using them often, the best barbell clamp collar for you will be one that’s easiest for you to use. The collar clamp should slide on and off the bar easily, and it should lock and unlock securely without much effort. If it doesn’t, you may start to dislike changing plates, and you could be tempted to use an inappropriate weight.

Comfortable grip

This is mostly for the spring collars, but it’s good advice for any model: if your barbell clamp collar hurts your hands when attaching it, your hands may subsequently not be in the best shape for lifting. Always choose a model that features a comfortable grip.

Non-slip

Beware barbell clamp collars that pop open or slip, thereby allowing the weights to wobble. One bad drop could turn into a catastrophe. Never settle for a product that only kind of does what it's supposed to do.

Materials

Barbell clamp collars can be manufactured of many materials, including nylon, rubber, aluminum, and stainless steel. Since there are decent products across the board, the type of material used is more a matter of preference. If you like a lightweight set of durable ABS plastic barbell collars and they hold the weight plates without slipping or popping open, that's what you should get. If you feel more confident with aluminum clamp collars, they will cost you a little more, but you'll have the clamps you want.

Color

If hue is important to you, many barbell clamp collars come in a wide range of bright colors.

Travel bag

Some companies offer travel bags with their barbell clamp collars, so the collars are easy to transport and won't get lost.

Expert tip
Quick-release collars are the preferred choice for securing weights on a barbell since they are easier to put on or take off.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Barbell clamp collar prices

Inexpensive

If you're looking for the most affordable way to clamp your barbell, you can find a spring clip for as little as $5. The better models will be closer to $10, however.

Mid-range

An average barbell clamp collar with a quick release will cost between $8 and $15. This will be the price point where most lifters find their collars.

Expensive

In the $15 to $25 range, you can get some extra-sturdy aluminum clamps that won't come loose when you drop the bar. You do need to be cautious in this price range, however, because some models may not have features that warrant doubling the price.

Tips

Of all the different types of barbell clamp collars, the toughest one to operate is the spring clamp. For many other barbell collars, all it takes is sliding the collar on and squeezing it until you hear a click. The spring clamp collar, however, can be a bit trickier. Here are a few tips for using this sometimes troublesome piece of equipment.

  • Put it on the right way. The handles of a spring clamp collar are angled. When you place these on the barbell, the angle needs to be facing away from the center so you can get the collars up against the plates.

  • Use two hands. Spring clamp collars can be difficult to work if you have a weak grip. If this is your situation, use two hands to squeeze.

  • Use your dominant hand. If you only require one hand to squeeze, make it your dominant hand so you are in full control of the process.

  • Squeeze first. Before lining up the spring clamp collar, squeeze it so it is open and ready for a quick, slip-on motion.

  • Line it up. If you square up the spring clamp collar first, you can quickly slide it straight down the bar to the plate.

  • Make it flush: Be sure the spring clamp collar is flush against the weight plate to prevent the plates from wobbling.

  • Squeeze and slide: To release the spring clamp collar, first squeeze, then slide the collar off as smoothly as possible.
Content Image
If you lift weights without a barbell clamping collar, the weights may slide off the bar and do damage to you, your floor, or the weight plates.

FAQ

Q. Why are barbell clamp collars important?

A. When you are lifting weights using a barbell, you will need to frequently swap out plates to adjust the weight for different exercises. A barbell clamp collar holds your weight plates securely in place, providing balance while you are lifting. Barbell clamp collars also disengage quickly so you can change the weight plates as needed.

Expert tip
Collars are easy to lose. Trust me. It almost happens daily. I recommend storing them near your weight plates in a small bucket or box.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Q. How much do barbell clamp collars weigh?

A. For the most part, the weight of barbell clamp collars is negligible, meaning it won't add an appreciable amount to the overall weight you’re lifting. Most clamp collars weigh only about half a pound. But if you prefer a set of barbell clamp collars with some heft to them, you can purchase sets that are 2.5 pounds per collar.

Q. My barbell clamp collars do not fit my barbell. How is that possible?

A. When it comes to barbells, there are two different sizes. A standard barbell is one inch in diameter. An Olympic barbell, on the other hand, features sleeves that are two inches in diameter (which rotate to reduce the torque on your wrists). If you purchase a standard barbell clamp collar but you have an Olympic bar, it will not fit — and vice versa.

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