Loading up the barbell and sending plates flying mid-lift isn’t just a gym fail waiting to happen—it’s a disaster for your floor, your ego, and anyone standing nearby. That’s why barbell collars, clamps, and clips exist: to keep your weights secured so you can lift with confidence.
But with different types of barbell fasteners out there, how do you know which one is right for your setup? Let’s break it down so you can lock in the right choice for your home gym.
Why Do You Need Barbell Collars?
Before diving into the different types, let’s answer the big question: why bother with collars at all?
✅ Keeps Plates Secure – Prevents weights from sliding around or flying off mid-lift.
✅ Increases Safety – Reduces the risk of unbalanced loads, awkward lifts, and rogue plates.
✅ Protects Equipment – Avoids unnecessary damage to your barbell and plates.
✅ Improves Performance – More stability means you can focus on lifting instead of worrying about plate movement.
Now that we’ve established why collars matter, let’s look at the different types and which one is best for you.
Spring Clips: The Budget-Friendly Standard
If you’ve ever trained at a commercial gym, you’ve probably wrestled with a pair of spring clips. These classic metal collars require squeezing the handles to open them and sliding them onto the bar to hold the plates in place.
Pros of Spring Clips
✔ Budget-friendly – One of the most affordable options.
✔ Lightweight and simple – No fancy parts, just squeeze and slide.
✔ Durable – Built to last and resistant to wear and tear.
Cons of Spring Clips
❌ Can be frustrating – If you’ve got sweaty hands or a thick barbell, getting these on and off can feel like a workout in itself.
❌ Not the tightest grip – Can loosen over time, especially with repeated drops.
❌ Not great for fast-paced training – If you’re doing timed workouts or circuits, removing and adding weights quickly is a pain.
Best for: Budget-conscious lifters or those who just need a simple solution without spending extra cash.
Check out Bells of Steel Spring Collars for a basic, no-fuss option.
Clamp Collars: The Strong & Secure Upgrade
Clamp collars (also called lock-jaw collars) are the next step up from spring clips. These feature a lever mechanism that lets you snap them on and off with ease, offering a stronger, more secure hold.
Pros of Clamp Collars
✔ Easy to use – One-hand operation makes them quick to put on and remove.
✔ Stronger hold than spring clips – Less shifting, even on Olympic lifts and deadlifts.
✔ More comfortable – No metal digging into your fingers like spring clips.
Cons of Clamp Collars
❌ More expensive – A small investment, but worth it for the convenience.
❌ Can wear down over time – The locking mechanism may loosen with excessive use. This ultimately depends on the quality and brand.
Best for: Lifters who want a stronger hold than spring clips but don’t need anything too fancy.
Upgrade your setup with Magnetic Clamp Collars—super secure and easy to stash on your rack when not in use.
Zip Clips: The Quickest Option for Fast Transitions
For fast-paced lifters who hate fumbling with clips and clamps, zip clips are the solution. These innovative barbell collars snap on instantly with no squeezing, twisting, or struggling.
Pros of Zip Clips
✔ Super-fast application – Snap them on and off in seconds.
✔ Secure grip – Holds tightly to Olympic bars with minimal shifting.
✔ Ideal for fast-paced training – Perfect for ladder workouts, supersets, or AMRAP-style workouts.
Cons of Zip Clips
❌ Not as heavy-duty as clamps – Holds well, but might not be the best for repeated heavy drops.
❌ Sometimes pricier – But worth it for the convenience.
Best for: Athletes who prioritize speed and efficiency in their workouts.
Get Bells of Steel Zip Clips and say goodbye to wasting time between sets.
Choosing the Right Barbell Collar for Your Home Gym
At the end of the day, the best collar for you depends on your training style, budget, and personal preference.
|
Feature |
Spring Clips |
Clamp Collars |
Zip Clips |
|
Ease of Use |
❌ Takes effort |
✅ Quick & easy |
✅ Fastest option |
|
Security |
❌ Medium |
✅ High |
✅ High |
|
Durability |
✅ Very durable |
✅ Durable |
❌ Moderately Durable |
|
Speed of Removal |
❌ Slow |
✅ Moderate |
✅ Fastest |
|
Best for... |
Budget lifters |
General use |
Fast-paced training |
If you just need something basic, go with spring clips.
If you want a balance of security and ease of use, grab clamp collars.
If you’re all about speed and efficiency, zip clips are your best bet.
Barbell Collar FAQs
Do I really need barbell collars?
Yes—unless you enjoy dodging flying plates mid-lift. Even if you’re careful, weights can shift and throw off your form, making collars a small but essential investment for safe lifting.
What’s the most secure type of barbell collar?
Clamp collars and zip clips offer a stronger grip than spring clips. If you’re lifting heavy and dropping the barbell often, go for a clamp-style option.
Are magnetic barbell collars worth it?
Magnetic collars, like Bells of Steel Magnetic Clamp Collars, are super convenient because they stick to your power rack when not in use—no more searching for lost collars.
Can I use these on different bar sizes?
Most barbell collars are designed for Olympic bars (2” diameter). If you have a standard 1” bar, make sure you get collars that fit.
Final Thoughts
Barbell collars might not be the flashiest piece of gym gear, but they’re a must-have for safe, effective lifting. Whether you go for spring clips, clamp collars, or zip clips, securing your weights protects you, your gear, and your gains.
Want the best option for your setup? Browse Bells of Steel’s top-notch collars and clamps to find the perfect fit for your lifting style.
