Barbell Collars

Barbell collars might be small, but they have an important job. Designed to secure weight plates on your barbell sleeves, collars help keep your plates from shifting or sliding during lifts so you can focus on the rep instead of stopping to readjust your weights.

Whether you’re squatting, benching, deadlifting, or moving through Olympic lifts, a reliable pair of weight collars is an essential addition to your home gym. Keep a set close to your rack or lifting platform so they’re always ready when it’s time to load up and get to work.

The best barbell collar comes down to how you train and what you prefer. Traditional spring collars keep things simple with a lightweight design that’s quick to put on and take off, making them an easy everyday option for strength training.

Locking barbell collars use a clamp-style design to create a secure hold around the barbell sleeve. They’re easy to lock into place and remove between sets, making them a great choice for workouts with frequent weight changes or more dynamic movements. Magnetic options can make storage even easier by letting you keep your collars right where you need them when they’re not on the bar.

No matter which style you choose, the goal is the same: keep your plates where they belong while you put in the work.

Not necessarily. Most Olympic barbells use approximately 2-inch sleeves, so you’ll want collars designed specifically for Olympic-size bars when training with standard Olympic barbells and weight plates. Specialty bars and equipment can use different sleeve or weight-post diameters, so it’s always worth checking compatibility before choosing your collars.

The right fit helps your barbell collars securely grip the sleeve and keep your weight plates in place throughout your set. Check your barbell or equipment specifications, choose the collar size designed to match, and you’ll have one less thing to think about when it’s time to lift.