In this article, I will take a deeper dive into barbell end caps and show you simple tricks on how to get them, so keep reading!

What Is the End of a Barbell Called?

The end of a barbell, aka the part onto which you slide your weight plates, is called a sleeve.

What Is the Barbell Sleeve?

As mentioned above, the sleeve is the end of the bar that holds the weight plates. As this is not the part you grab onto when using the barbell, they don’t really impact the way you handle this piece of equipment.

The sleeve dimensions are important as they determine what kind of weight plates you can use and how many the barbell can hold.

Similarly important is the type of the sleeve, there are bushing and bearing barbell types, but again, you can decide which one to pick for your home gym setup.

Olympic barbells boast 2-inch rotating sleeves, whereas regular barbells feature 1-inch, non-rotating sleeves.

And unlike the length of the bar where you might need to choose between a short barbell and a long one depending on your needs, the length of the sleeve shouldn’t be a concern for most lifters.

Related Reading; Cambered bar Curls, What Are They and How To Do Them?

Where to Get Barbell Replacement Parts?

The best place to get barbell replacement parts is - drum roll please - the internet!

For every item you’ll need, I’ll be linking a website from which you can get the highest quality product at the best rate.

How to Change Barbell End Caps

Replacing barbell end caps isn’t that hard. The whole process shouldn’t take more than a minute or two. Here’s how to do it:

First Step: Ordering the Stickers

1. Head over to Avery.com.
2. Select a precut circle at a custom shape of 1.6” in diameter, which should cover the end cap dimensions nicely.
3. Upload your design and place it exactly at the center. Make sure everything’s within the edges of the circle.
4. Place your order and wait for your stickers to reach your house.

Second Step: Installing the Stickers

1. Take the snap ring out using a pair of snap ring pliers. My recommendation would be the SPEEDWOX 7.
2. Take the end cap off.
3. Put the sticker on the back after wiping it clean to get rid of any grease or oil.
4. Place the end cap back in.
5. Place the snap ring back in.
6. Voila! You’re ready to go!

Barbell End Sticker Ideas – Custom Barbell End Caps

One of the best ways to give your barbells that sharp look is by getting custom barbell end caps. These come in a variety of options that you can choose from...I will get into that in a moment. But first, do note that there are a few things you should keep in mind when deciding which barbell end cap to pick.

Compatibility - First things first, make sure your bar end caps are compatible with your bar. Most of them are easily usable on most standard bar from brands like Rogue, Titan and others. However, it pays to make sure your cap ends are a perfect match for your bar size, you don’t want to have to shave them down with a box cutter before use, do you?

Easy instalment – While at it, it’s worth noting that you need to make sure you can easily install and take off your avatar.

The quality – However stylish you want your custom barbell end cap to be, you can’t forego the quality. You do not want a great looking cap that chips away in a matter of months, or worse yet, weeks.

With that out of the way, let’s look at some of the designs you can add to your bar.

Your Gym’s Logo

Using your own logo as barbell end cap stickers would be the best idea if you’re a gym owner.

Coffee Shots and Heavy Squats Sticker

This the perfect sticker to use if you’re one to enjoy both sipping coffee and squatting heavy.

Link:https://www.redbubble.com/i/sticker/Coffee-Shots-And-Heavy-Squats-by-brogressproject/27071418.EJUG5

DO IT Logo

This is the kind of logo that can get you all pumped up and ready to lift some heavy weights. Especially if you often do squats and deadlifts on the same day, you will definitely need all the motivation you can get.

Link:https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/set-vintage-gym-motivation-graphics-logos-labels-badges_8498364.htm

Go Big or Go Home Design

If you’re looking for a sticker that sums up what working out is all about, then you ought to go with the “Go Big or Go Home” design.

Link:https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/crossfit-motivational-logo-flat-design_4759941.htm

Fitness Club Women Logo

Lifting heavy is not a privilege for men, as women are as capable of achieving peak fitness performance. Here’s a great end cap sticker design to consider for all the lady lifters looking to customize their barbells!

Link:https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/flat-fitness-logo-template-collection_4811447.htm

FAQ about Barbell End Caps

Still have more questions about barbell end caps? Here are some more answers to those questions.

Why Do the Ends of Barbells Spin?

The barbell sleeves spin to reduce the amount of torque created by the weight plates when a lifter performs an Olympic lift, thus reducing the risk of energy and improving the lift’s quality.

How Do You Remove the End Cap on a Barbell?

Removing the end cap on a barbell is quite easy. All you have to do is take the snap ring off using a pair of pliers, such as the SPEEDWOX 7, and remove the end cap.

Do I Need to Get a Barbell Repair Kit to Change Barbell End Caps?

Not really. After all, you only need a pair of reliable pliers.

Related Readings;

• How Much Does a Deadlift Bar Weigh? Tips & Everything You Need to Know
• How Much Does a Smith Machine Bar Weigh?
• How Much Does a Bench Press Bar Weigh?
• Sumo squats vs Goblet Squats: Which One Is Better for You
• Skull Crusher Alternatives: Which Is The Best One for Getting A Massive Arm?
• Setting Up A Basement Gym Low Ceiling

References:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwdAYdIrkqk