Bar Very
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 ATOM BOMB HOPE WORLD MINT 999 SILVER ART BAR VERY RARE COOL PIECE $49.95 End Date: Thursday Jun-21-2012 15:03:01 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 VERY RARE Nazi Era DeGussa Silver Bar 171 Ounces Hand Poured Cast Stamped 1932 $15,599.00 End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 16:38:44 PDT Buy It Now for only: $17,160.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 ROSE 1 2 OUNCE PAMP SUISSE 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE SIZE COOL PIECE $54.95 End Date: Saturday Jun-16-2012 12:58:51 PDT Buy It Now for only: $54.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Quantity of TEN Bars 1 GRAM 999 PURE SILVER ACB MINTED BAR VERY RARE $33.33 End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 21:48:12 PDT Buy It Now for only: $33.33 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 4 OZ 2000 1000000000 BILLION LIBERY 999 SILVER MONEY CURRENCY BAR VERY RARE $219.95 End Date: Monday May-28-2012 4:24:12 PDT Buy It Now for only: $219.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 999 4 1 TROY OUNCE SILVER INGOT BAR 4 PC WILD TURKEY SET VERY RARE $499.99 End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 16:51:48 PDT Buy It Now for only: $600.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 BENGAL TIGER ANIMAL DT MINT 999 SILVER ART BAR VERY RARE ONLY 200 MINTED $54.95 End Date: Wednesday Jun-20-2012 12:35:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: $54.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 20 GRAMS CREDIT SUISSE 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE SIZE COOL PIECE $49.95 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 3:25:56 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 CONCORDE ISIC 31 SILVER BAR VERY RARE FIND AIRPLANE $100.00 End Date: Thursday Jun-21-2012 17:20:51 PDT Buy It Now for only: $100.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 10 Oz Engelhard Bar 999 Fine Silver 10 Troy Ounces Very Old Ser P306763 $340.00 (10 Bids) End Date: Thursday May-24-2012 18:07:35 PDT |
 Engelhard Thin Logo T OZ Old Pour 10 Ounce 999 Silver Bar VERY RARE $599.00 End Date: Monday Jun-18-2012 20:37:05 PDT Buy It Now for only: $599.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 5 GRAMS JM JOHNSON MATTHEY 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE SIZE COOL PIECE NICE $24.95 End Date: Saturday Jun-9-2012 13:30:29 PDT Buy It Now for only: $24.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 CLUB DES ROIS ENGELHARD COMMERCIAL SILVER BAR VERY RARE $93.81 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 17:29:38 PDT Buy It Now for only: $93.81 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 10 Oz Engelhard Bar 999 Fine Silver 10 Troy Ounces Very Old Ser P378548 $327.22 (9 Bids) End Date: Thursday May-24-2012 20:07:26 PDT |
 SPRUCE GOOSE HOWARD HUGHES SILVER BAR VERY RARE FIND $112.50 End Date: Thursday Jun-21-2012 18:20:29 PDT Buy It Now for only: $112.50 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 5 GRAMS JM JOHNSON MATTHEY 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE SIZE COOL MINT SEALED $24.95 End Date: Saturday Jun-16-2012 13:39:46 PDT Buy It Now for only: $24.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 PLANET OF THE TAPES WATERGATE SATIRE SILVER BAR VERY RARE FIND POLITICS $125.00 End Date: Thursday Jun-21-2012 17:50:22 PDT Buy It Now for only: $125.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Engelhard 1 tr oz very desireable and plain back rare bar $39.99 End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 11:34:32 PDT |
 MGM CINEMA GREATHOUSE BRONZE BAR SHARP VERY RARE $49.95 End Date: Wednesday Jun-6-2012 14:30:38 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 PEANUT ZM 13 MINTAGE 200 SILVER BAR VERY RARE $106.75 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 17:29:39 PDT Buy It Now for only: $106.75 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 BIG D JRS TEXAS SILVER BAR OLD POUR INGOT VERY RARE AND VERY NICE CONDITION $142.78 End Date: Monday Jun-4-2012 16:45:11 PDT Buy It Now for only: $142.78 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 10 Oz Engelhard Bar 999 Fine Silver 10 Troy Ounces Very Old Ser P378551 $242.49 (8 Bids) End Date: Friday May-25-2012 21:00:20 PDT |
 SANDS REGENT HOTEL CASINO 1 TROY oz 999 SILVER BAR ORIGINAL PACKING VERY RARE $112.50 End Date: Saturday May-26-2012 17:35:38 PDT Buy It Now for only: $112.50 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 VINTAGE CINER REFINERS ONE OZ 999 FINE SILVER BAR VERY SCARCE GREAT HEDGE $53.00 End Date: Monday Jun-18-2012 17:50:19 PDT Buy It Now for only: $53.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 FEINSILBER DEGUSSA 999 Fine Silver 1 Kilo 1000 Grams Bullion Bar Very Rare $2,199.00 End Date: Tuesday Jun-12-2012 19:22:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2,199.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 10 Oz Engelhard Bar 999 Fine Silver 10 Troy Ounces Very Old Ser P378573 $295.01 (10 Bids) End Date: Friday May-25-2012 20:00:08 PDT |
 ABC AUSTRALIAN BULLION OLD POUR SILVER 247oz CASE VERY RARE BAR INGOT $272.64 End Date: Monday Jun-4-2012 14:45:07 PDT Buy It Now for only: $272.64 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 ELVIS LIVES GCM 15B BRONZE BAR VERY RARE FIND $49.49 End Date: Wednesday Jun-20-2012 16:04:15 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.49 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 5 GRAMS SAUDI ARABIA PAMP SUISSE 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE SIZE COOL PIECE 1 $39.95 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 3:30:44 PDT Buy It Now for only: $39.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 10 Troy ounce Hospital Trust National Bank 999 + Fine silver bar Very Rare $321.02 (6 Bids) End Date: Thursday May-24-2012 10:35:33 PDT |
 VENEZUELA SILVER BAR ENAMEL SET WITH ORIG CASE 96 OZ INGOT Ag Very RARE $432.00 End Date: Monday Jun-11-2012 15:05:17 PDT Buy It Now for only: $432.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1 TROY OZ SILVER BAR 999 FINE VERY RARE SHIELDS MINT W ARMOR SUIT FRONT $54.99 End Date: Monday May-28-2012 18:00:50 PDT Buy It Now for only: $54.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 VERY RARE SWISS NUMBERED RARITY LISTED DROVERS COUNTRY FINE SILVER BAR $229.95 End Date: Wednesday Jun-13-2012 9:05:06 PDT Buy It Now for only: $229.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 999 12 1 TROY OUNCE SILVER INGOT BAR DR PEEPERS 12 MONTH NUDES SET VERY RARE $599.99 End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 17:01:16 PDT Buy It Now for only: $700.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 ELVIS LIVES GCM 15G SILVER BAR WITH 24K GOLD VERY RARE FIND MINTAGE 20 $201.60 End Date: Sunday Jun-3-2012 18:55:54 PDT Buy It Now for only: $201.60 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 TAJ MAHAL USSC 999 SILVER ART BAR VERY RARE SHARP $54.95 End Date: Saturday Jun-9-2012 11:44:08 PDT Buy It Now for only: $54.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Star Metals 999 Fine Silver 3 Very Rare Bars Over 20 Ounces 2081 oz $895.00 End Date: Tuesday Jun-12-2012 12:57:06 PDT Buy It Now for only: $895.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 999 12 1 TROY OUNCE SILVER INGOT BAR ROUND ZODIAC 12 MONTH NUDES SET VERY RARE $599.99 End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 17:23:02 PDT Buy It Now for only: $700.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 BILL CLINTON SM 48B BRONZE BAR VERY RARE $43.00 End Date: Friday May-25-2012 17:45:09 PDT Buy It Now for only: $43.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 USVI 999 ASSAY CERTIFIED SILVER OLD POUR STYLE INGOT BAR ROUND VERY RARE FIND $225.00 End Date: Monday Jun-4-2012 13:45:05 PDT Buy It Now for only: $225.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 EAGLE BELL OCTAGON LOMBARDO 999 SILVER ART BAR RARE ITEM VERY COOL ITEM $54.95 End Date: Monday Jun-11-2012 13:36:54 PDT Buy It Now for only: $54.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 ENGELHARD 1 TROY OZ 999+ FINE SILVER BAR GREAT HEDGE Very Sought After $27.31 (5 Bids) End Date: Saturday May-26-2012 19:00:13 PDT |
 GOLDEN EAGLE HAMILTON MINT 999 SILVER ART BAR VERY RARE ONLY 250 MINTED $53.95 End Date: Sunday Jun-3-2012 10:56:17 PDT Buy It Now for only: $53.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 5 GRAMS SAUDI ARABIA PAMP SUISSE 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE SIZE COOL PIECE 2 $39.95 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 3:32:48 PDT Buy It Now for only: $39.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 ROSARIO REPUBLIC OF HONDURUS FLAG STELE AT COPAN SILVER INGOT BAR COA VERY RARE $69.99 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 9:45:23 PDT Buy It Now for only: $69.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Very RARE Old Handy Harmon 999 Fine Silver Bar 100 Troy Ounces Bullion Oz $3,150.00 End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 18:39:23 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3,495.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 HARRY TRUMAN 1975 ISIC 18 SILVER BAR VERY RARE FIND POLITICS PRESIDENT USA $85.00 End Date: Thursday Jun-21-2012 17:35:21 PDT Buy It Now for only: $85.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 ST 75 MERRILL CRTM 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE FIND $88.34 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 14:35:51 PDT Buy It Now for only: $88.34 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 3 OZ MEXICO CITY 1970 WSA CONVENTION SHRINE TEMPLE 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE $199.95 End Date: Sunday Jun-3-2012 10:39:26 PDT Buy It Now for only: $199.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 VINTAGE JELENKO 1 TROY OZ 999+ FINE SILVER BAR VERY RARELY SEEN $29.04 (20 Bids) End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 19:00:13 PDT |
 STRAWBERRY EMPIRE INTERNATIONAL 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE PIECE $49.95 End Date: Saturday Jun-9-2012 16:21:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 DESERT STORM AMERICA AT WAR SILVER BAR EJA 26 VERY RARE $112.49 End Date: Monday Jun-11-2012 16:21:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: $112.49 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 MECCA PAMP SUISSE 1 2 VERY RARE SILVER ART BAR SWISS $110.75 End Date: Thursday Jun-7-2012 5:41:06 PDT Buy It Now for only: $110.75 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1 5OUNCE AND 1 1OUNCE 999 FINE SILVER VERY OLD BAR $245.00 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 13:20:29 PDT |
 WAUTO 1 WESTERN AUTO CHAMPION ORLANDO SHOW 1983 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE FIND $92.64 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 15:05:34 PDT Buy It Now for only: $92.64 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 TRANSTECTOR IDAHO SILVER 999 SILVER ART BAR VERY RARE $63.95 End Date: Friday May-25-2012 5:40:13 PDT Buy It Now for only: $63.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 10 GRAM EAGLE OVAL PAMP SUISSE 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE BEZEL COOL PIECE $49.95 End Date: Friday Jun-1-2012 14:27:32 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL 1 TROY OUNCE USA 999 SILVER BAR VERY GOOD $44.99 End Date: Thursday May-24-2012 13:27:53 PDT |
 GUY LOMBARDO GREATHOUSE MINT 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE ONLY 200 MINTED $149.95 End Date: Monday May-28-2012 5:23:56 PDT Buy It Now for only: $149.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 German Airship GRAF ZEPPELIN Cancel Bar 1 oz 999 silver Very Rare Only 500 $69.95 End Date: Saturday Jun-2-2012 3:24:33 PDT Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1974 THE GOLD BUG 24KT GOLD OVER 1OZ 999 SILVER BAR BY ISIC VERY RARE $89.99 End Date: Saturday May-26-2012 8:21:13 PDT Buy It Now for only: $89.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 AMER REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL 1 TROY OUNCE USA 999 SILVER BULLION BAR VERY GOOD $44.99 End Date: Thursday May-24-2012 13:31:10 PDT |
 ANNIE OAKLEY USSC 999 SILVER BAR COOL BAR VERY RARE NICE COOL PIECE HISTORY $59.95 End Date: Monday Jun-4-2012 14:58:05 PDT Buy It Now for only: $59.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 ST 33 WESTERN AUTO 75th ANNIVERSARY SHOW 1984 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE FIND $82.50 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 15:07:09 PDT Buy It Now for only: $82.50 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 42 OZ BUNKER HILL CO CRESCENT MINE KELLOGG IDAHO 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE $249.95 End Date: Friday Jun-15-2012 17:25:57 PDT Buy It Now for only: $249.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Flags of America 3 Silver Bar Set American Beauty in Very Fine Form $55.50 End Date: Thursday May-24-2012 18:28:18 PDT Buy It Now for only: $80.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 MARTHA WASHINGTON USSC 999 SILVER BAR COOL BAR VERY RARE NICE COOL PIECE HISTORY $59.95 End Date: Monday Jun-4-2012 14:51:53 PDT Buy It Now for only: $59.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 HAMILTON US STATES SILVER ART BAR COLLECTION 50 OZ 999 VERY VERY RARE $3,500.00 End Date: Saturday Jun-2-2012 7:58:06 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3,500.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 ST 60 HARDEE MANUFACTURING COMPANY 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE FIND $84.68 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 13:35:35 PDT Buy It Now for only: $84.68 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Very Scarce and Rare Italian UNO A ERRE 65g silver bar $22.50 (2 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-29-2012 17:40:07 PDT |
 ALTEGRIS 999 SILVER BAR INGOT VERY RARE Commercial $67.76 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 12:05:03 PDT Buy It Now for only: $67.76 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 ST 206 WESTERN RESOURCES 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE Ag ART INGOT $74.11 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 15:35:09 PDT Buy It Now for only: $74.11 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 21 OZ JUDAH GENESIS 1974 MOSAIC ART 1974 CANADA 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE SHARP $109.95 End Date: Wednesday May-30-2012 16:09:29 PDT Buy It Now for only: $109.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1 1OUNCE 999 FINE SILVER VERY OLD BAR MERRY CHRISTMAS $28.00 (2 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-29-2012 14:37:22 PDT |
 10 COMMANDMENTS 1973 GREAT LAKES MINT 999 SILVER BAR VERY RARE PIECE GREAT GIFT $59.95 End Date: Friday May-25-2012 14:22:23 PDT Buy It Now for only: $59.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 5 oz Engelhard Bars Struck Style Very Cool $369.99 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 0:36:23 PDT Buy It Now for only: $369.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 VERY RARE AND HARD TO FIND JOHNSON MATHEY 50 OZ SILVER BAR $2,699.00 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 14:29:55 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2,699.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Very Scarce and Rare Italian UNO A ERRE 50g silver bar $0.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-29-2012 17:42:11 PDT |
 ROME COLOSSEUM USSC 999 SILVER ART BAR VERY RARE SHARP $54.95 End Date: Sunday Jun-17-2012 7:08:40 PDT Buy It Now for only: $54.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 TM 63V THE STORK CONGRATULATIONS ITS A BEAUTIFUL BABY SILVER BAR VERY RARE 1987 $74.99 End Date: Tuesday Jun-5-2012 11:47:22 PDT Buy It Now for only: $74.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1973 SILVER BAR ROUND WK WILSON INDEX REFERENCE VERY RARE ITEM 1 OF THE FIRST $129.99 End Date: Monday May-28-2012 9:48:44 PDT Buy It Now for only: $129.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Very Collectible Heraeus 20g Silver Bar $3.26 (3 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-29-2012 17:43:33 PDT |
 EASTERN MOLE HAMILTON MINT 999 SILVER ART BAR VERY RARE ONLY 250 MINTED $49.95 End Date: Sunday Jun-3-2012 10:49:48 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 HENRY FONDA GREATHOUSE TRG 41 SILVER BAR MINTAGE 125 VERY RARE INGOT $156.48 End Date: Saturday Jun-2-2012 13:59:45 PDT Buy It Now for only: $156.48 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 VERY RARE COLLECTIBLE SILVER KILO BAR DEGUSSA hand poured hand stamped 1KILO $2,599.00 End Date: Thursday Jun-21-2012 21:27:11 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2,599.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1 1OUNCE 999 FINE SILVER VERY OLD BAR SEASONS GREETINGS $35.00 End Date: Tuesday May-29-2012 14:33:55 PDT |
 IN THE GARDEN GREATHOUSE BRONZE BAR SHARP VERY RARE $49.95 End Date: Wednesday Jun-6-2012 14:29:02 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 GREATHOUSE ANNIVERSARY BRONZE BAR SHARP VERY RARE $49.95 End Date: Wednesday Jun-6-2012 17:37:44 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 JACK BENNY GREATHOUSE BRONZE BAR SHARP VERY RARE $49.95 End Date: Saturday Jun-9-2012 13:37:36 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 VERY NICE MASONIC TEMPLE ONE OZ 999 FINE SILVER BAR ctl57 $26.07 (6 Bids) End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 19:29:38 PDT |
 ERIC HEIDEN GREATHOUSE BRONZE BAR SHARP VERY RARE $49.95 End Date: Saturday Jun-9-2012 13:39:28 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 GEORGE BURNS GREATHOUSE BRONZE BAR SHARP VERY RARE $49.95 End Date: Saturday Jun-9-2012 13:40:55 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 JIMMY DURANTE GREATHOUSE BRONZE BAR SHARP VERY RARE $49.95 End Date: Saturday Jun-9-2012 13:42:28 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 VERY NICE 1973 MASONIC TEMPLE ONE OZ 999 FINE SILVER BAR ctl57 $12.50 (5 Bids) End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 19:29:38 PDT |
 CHRISTMAS 1979 GREATHOUSE BRONZE BAR SHARP VERY RARE $49.95 End Date: Saturday Jun-9-2012 13:44:38 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 2 PAMP SUISSE 5 GRAMS VERY RARE 999 SILVER BAR SEALED THE SWISS $118.75 End Date: Monday May-28-2012 7:22:18 PDT Buy It Now for only: $118.75 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 VERY RARE TAI CHI SWORD PLAY DRAGON JEMASI AM HALLMARK SILVER ART BAR 162+ BOOK $274.99 End Date: Monday May-28-2012 10:21:18 PDT Buy It Now for only: $274.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 VERY NICE Two Bears ONE OZ 999 FINE Madison Mint SILVER BAR ctl57 $0.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 19:29:38 PDT |
 TODAYS COINS 1 oz 999 VERY RARE SILVER ART BAR KERMIT $78.75 End Date: Saturday Jun-2-2012 9:01:54 PDT Buy It Now for only: $78.75 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 CALIFORNIA CONDOR HAMILTON MINT 999 SILVER ART BAR VERY RARE ONLY 250 MINTED $49.95 End Date: Sunday Jun-3-2012 10:53:43 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
Olympic Bar Maintenance
Lets face it whether you spent $150 or $1500 on your Olympic bar it probably represents a significant investment on your part. If you are running a gym, especially a CrossFit or Strength and Conditioning gym, bars are definitely one of the most used and abused pieces of equipment you have. Often though nobody takes the time to properly maintain the bars. Let's face it, the bar gets used and forgotten about, not to mention that often there are a variety of bar brands that are being used and typically the manufacturers do not send out information regarding the care of the bar. In fact I emailed all of our bar vendors asking them for information on how to maintain and care for their bars and one actually emailed me and said, "Here is our warranty information. Don't overload the bar, don't drop the bar." That was it! Nothing else. I have to tell you I was floored. So, the question remains, "How do we maintain and care for our Olympic bars?"
RUST
One thing that should be obvious about bars is that they are steel. Steel rusts when it gets wet. People sweat. Sweat=Wet=Bar Rust. Bar manufacturers try to combat this by putting a coating on the bars. The most common coatings (from least expensive to most expensive) are black oxide, chrome, zinc, and making bars from stainless steel. Even with these coatings you still need to maintain the bar so hear are a few tips on what you can do.
Clean the chalk out of the knurling. If you use chalk and you are the only one using the chalk then please clean the chalk off the bar. If you provide chalk at your gym then you need to clean the chalk off regularly (probably daily). Use a small stiff nylon bristle brush to go over the knurling. Remember that chalk dries sweaty palms. How does it do this? By absorbing moisture. Guess what it does while sitting on the bar. Absorbs moisture! Any humidity in the air any moisture at all and the chalk will absorb and hold it on the steel. So if you want your bars to not rust please clean off the chalk.
Wipe your bars down regularly with a light coat of WD-40 or 3 in 1 oil. Regularly depends on how often the bar is used. If this is in your house then twice a month should be sufficient. If you are in a commercial setting then once a week would be better. If your using them a lot and in a high humidity area then you might need to do it more frequently. WD-40 works well because it is a water displacer and it dries quickly. Spray it on a rag and wipe it down giving a good even coat across the whole bar. If you use 3 in 1 oil again place it on the rag and give a nice thin coating across the entire bar. Let it sit overnight and then wipe it down again. 3 in 1 will work awesome but it will leave your bars feeling a bit more greasy then WD-40.
Most bars today have been made to be fairly maintenance free. You typically do not have to oil the sleeves. Most of the sleeves have oil impregnated bearings or bushings. Some of the higher end bars do have small oil holes in the sleeves. For these bars you would drop in some 3 in 1 oil (DO NOT use WD-40 here) and let it work into the sleeve. Again do this after use and check it before using it again for any excess that may have leaked out to wipe it up.
STORAGE
Bars should not be stored with weight on them. PERIOD. If you leave weight on your bar, especially if it is racked, you are just begging for a bent bar. The are designed to withstand the weight not designed to permanently hold the weight. Strip you bars. I know you are tired after a hard workout but please catch your breath and put the plates away. Not only will this protect your bar, but if you are in a gym it will make the next person who uses the bar much happier if they don't have to strip it for you.
The bars can be stored on the rack unloaded or in a bar stand. If you can store them horizontally it is better the vertically. We highly recommend that you do not store needle bearing bars in a horizontal bar holder. Dropping the bar into the holder can cause damage to the needle bearings. Most gyms that teach the Olympic lifts (that would use a needle bearing bar) do not care about mirrors so it is very easy to make a wall rack that you can store the bars on. Potomac CrossFit did a great job with theirs. Take a look at the photo.
All in all its pretty simple to maintain an Olympic bar. A couple of minutes and you can protect your investment so that it lasts for years and years. If you have any other suggestions on maintaining your Olympic bar we would love to hear them. Leave us a comment.
About the Author
Noah Alkinburgh is a father of 4, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and IT manager at Christian's Fitness Factory - The Ultimate Fitness Equipment Supplier (http://www.christiansfitnessfactory.com). Christian's Fitness Factory is your complete source for Commercial & Residential Fitness Equipment at affordable prices. Please visit http://www.christiansfitnessfactory.com/index.php/Bars/View-all-products for our complete line of Olympic Bars.
Very Bad Cops - Scène - "On va au bar!"
