The Ultimate Guide to Axle Bars: Why Strongman and Powerlifters Swear by Them

What is an Axle Bar?

An axle bar is a barbell with a thicker grip diameter than a typical 45 lbs Olympic barbell. It may have fixed or rotating sleeves. Its larger diameter is designed to challenge grip strength and enhance overall lifting performance. Unlike standard Olympic barbells with a 1.1 inch grip diameter, a commercial axle bar diameter is usually between 1.9- 2 inches, making them significantly harder to grip and control.

Its basic design makes merely gripping it for any length of time a challenge. The average human cannot cradle an axle bar in the palm of your hands as you can an Olympic barbell. As a result, it must be gripped at all times. The athlete must engage the forearm muscles throughout the duration of an exercise. With regular use, the load it places on the muscles in the hands, wrist-related muscles and forearms translates to increased grip strength and the development of strong, large, powerful hands, wrists and forearms. Whether you train at home or at a commercial facility, every gym should have an axle bar.

Why is it Called an Axle Bar?
The name originates from strongman competitions and early strength exhibitions, where competitors lifted actual axles from vehicles. Over time, this unconventional training tool evolved into a specialized piece of training equipment used in gyms worldwide.

Axle Bar vs. Olympic Barbell- Compare Dimensions:

Benefits of an Axle Bar Over an Olympic Barbell

•          Enhanced Grip Strength – The thicker bar requires increased hand and forearm muscle activation.
•          Greater Stability Challenge – Without rotating sleeves, lifters must stabilize the weight entirely on their own.
•          Improved Wrist and Forearm Development – The open-hand grip strengthens tendons and muscles often neglected in traditional barbell training.
•          Versatility in Strongman Training – Used for deadlifts, presses, and carries, axle bars mimic real-world strength challenges.
•          Improvement on all pulling exercises with less hand fatigue

Axle Bar vs. Axle Grips (Fat Grips)
Axle grips or fat grips are rubber attachments that can be placed on a standard barbell to simulate the thickness of an axle bar. While they offer some grip benefits, they do not replicate the full experience of an axle bar.

Force of Habit Axle Bars: 24 lbs vs. 55 lbs Side by Side Comparison

Shipping Cost Advantage
Although the shipping costs may vary from region to region, our lighter 24 lbs axle bar is less than half the weight of our 55 lbs bar. This significantly reduces the shipping costs of the 24 lbs unit, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking to add an axle bar to their training without breaking the bank.

Why Strongman Competitors and Powerlifters Train with Axle Bars
Enhances Grip Strength Development – Essential for events like the Farmer’s Walk and deadlifts.

Increased Forearm and Wrist Stability– Helps prevent injuries and improves overall lifting mechanics.

Real-World Strength Application– Mimics unconventional lifting scenarios found in strongman competitions.

References: 

• Fringe Sport: What is an Axle Bar? https://www.fringesport.com/blogs/news/what-is-an-axle-bar-and-how-it-can-help-you-build-dad-strength-and-mom-strength
• Golden Grip: All About the Axle Bar https://www.goldengrip.com/blogs/golden-grip-blog/all-about-the-axle-bar
• Gopher Sport Blog: 5 Lifts Made Tougher with the Axle Bar https://blog.gophersport.com/5-lifts-made-tougher-with-the-axle-bar/