PowerLifters

Join

Anyone using chains?

tomcornhole
tomcornhole Posts: 1,084 Member
in Social Groups
Just picked up 80lbs worth at Harbor Freight. Just did an empty bar as it's rest day, but I really like the concept. Can't wait to put them to use on squat and bench.

Tom

chains.JPG

Replies

  • juliewatkin
    juliewatkin Posts: 764 Member
    I'd like some but can't bear to shell out for them. I've been checking around at boating companies and freight places to see if I can get some.
  • tomcornhole
    tomcornhole Posts: 1,084 Member
    I got mine at Harbor Freight Tools. They are $27.99 for 15 ft (20 lbs). I got 1 bucket at one store and got 20% off. Then went to another store and got 20% off. Got 4 buckets (80 lbs) total for $100. That's a lot cheaper than anything on line or Home Depot type places. And almost the same price / lbs as plates.

    I checked on line and you can get the same thing for 20% the first bucket (20 lbs) and shipping is $6.99

    Tom
  • Lofteren
    Lofteren Posts: 960 Member
    I use some tractor tow chains that I found in a cotton field. They weigh about 65lbs a piece. I use them for squat and bench occassionally but I really like using them on deads as I have a tendency to have a slow pull.

    Edit: I'll also double them over several times and hook them up to a D-Ring cable attachment to use like a dumbbell/kettlebell/dungeon torture device.
  • tomcornhole
    tomcornhole Posts: 1,084 Member
    Just finished a bunch of reading on Westside Barbell and they seem to use chains and bands on every lift all the time. Not sure I'll go the all the time route, but my approach this week is to put the same weight on the barbell my programming indicates and add chains to that.
  • tomcornhole
    tomcornhole Posts: 1,084 Member
    Used the chains today. Was a deload day, so no heavy weights, but it was good. I used my Safety Squat Bar (SSB) just for variation. I used 80 lbs of chains which is probably only 70 lbs on the bar at the top of the ROM. At lighter weights, I didn't even notice the chains. As the bar weight got heavier, the chains became more noticeable. But man can you explode out of the hole. Then you hit the chains and really need to remember to push again. Seems like a great addition.

    I am going to do my 5 day next week by just adding the chains to the normal programmed weight and see how that feels. If I can crank out the working sets like that, I will be pleased. Not sure what to do on 3 and 5/3/1 days. On 5/3/1 day, I would be over my 1RM at the top of the ROM and well below it at the bottom. Maybe that's how I'm supposed to do it.

Categories