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How to Properly Store and Care for Your Bumper Plates
Written By : Mike Beatty
Filed In : Tips

Bumper plates are an essential piece of equipment for any weightlifting enthusiast or professional athlete.

They provide a safe and effective way to lift heavy weights without damaging your floor.

Iron-plates-vs-bumper-plates

However, if not stored and cared for properly, they can be damaged over time, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Here are some tips on how to properly store and care for your bumper plates:

4 Simple Steps to Take Great Care of Your Bumper Plates 

1. Store them in a cool, dry place.

Bumper plates should never be stored in a damp or humid environment as this can cause the rubber to break down quicker. Likewise, heat can also degrade the rubber coating on the bumper plates faster than normal. When possible, look for a room with adequate ventilation and away from excess heat sources such as radiators or HVAC systems.

2. Clean the plates regularly.

Keeping your bumper plates clean is important for both hygiene reasons and longevity of the equipment. Use a soft cloth and cleaning solution designed specifically for rubber-coated items (like bumper plates). If you’re using multiple sets of weights, it’s especially important to regularly clean each set so you don’t cross contaminate with other users’ sweat and germs when switching between sets during workouts.

3. Properly stack them in storage racks/boxes/containers.

Ideally these should be designed specifically for storing bumper plates safely on top of one another without sliding off or becoming toppled over easily by accident. This will prevent damage caused by excessive weight shifting or dropping that could cause cracks, dents, or chips in the rubber coating over time due to excess pressure placed on particular areas around their circumference when stacked unevenly against one another in a haphazard fashion.

4. Handle with care when carrying them from one place to another.

Even though they’re made of durable rubber materials; sudden impacts may still cause significant damage such as splitting seams along their edges which could lead to more serious issues down the road should it go unnoticed immediately after being dropped.

By following these simple tips, you’ll help ensure that your bumper plate collection stays looking new longer!

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Keeping your bumper plates in the BEST Condition 

Bumper plates are a valuable investment for any home or commercial gym, and proper storage and care can help ensure their longevity and performance. Here are some tips on how to properly store and care for your bumper plates:

  1. Store bumper plates on a plate rack or stand: Bumper plates should be stored on a plate rack or stand to prevent them from rolling or being stacked on top of each other, which can cause damage to the plates.
  2. Avoid storing bumper plates in direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause the rubber on the bumper plates to deteriorate over time, so it is important to store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
  3. Clean bumper plates regularly: Sweat and dirt can accumulate on bumper plates over time, which can cause them to wear out faster. Clean your plates regularly with a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap to keep them in good condition.
  4. Avoid dropping bumper plates on hard surfaces: While bumper plates are designed to be dropped, dropping them on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt can cause damage to the plates or floor.
  5. Rotate bumper plates regularly: If you are using bumper plates on a regular basis, it is a good idea to rotate them regularly to ensure even wear and tear.
  6. Store bumper plates in a dry environment: Moisture can cause the rubber on bumper plates to break down over time, so it is important to store them in a dry environment to prevent this from happening.

By following these tips, you can help ensure the longevity and performance of your bumper plates, and get the most out of your investment.

Bumper Plate Material, Durability, and Shelf Life:

Bumper plates are a popular choice for weightlifters and CrossFit athletes due to their durability and ability to absorb shock. Generally, bumper plates are made from a high-density rubber material and designed to reduce noise while protecting floors and other equipment when dropped.

Additionally, they come in various thicknesses, depending on the weight of the plate.

Bumper-plates-buying-guide

The rubber material used for bumper plates is often dense enough to withstand up to 300,000 drops from a height of 12 inches without being significantly damaged. This makes them extremely durable and long-lasting even with rigorous use. Bumper plates also have an inner steel ring which helps keep the plate firmly on the barbell during lifts.

How long are Bumper Plates Good For? 

The expected lifespan of a quality bumper plate is anywhere from 10 to 15 years depending on its usage.

It is important to store them correctly in order to maximize their longevity; keeping them out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures will ensure that they stay in good condition for many years.

Additionally, be sure to inspect your bumper plates regularly for any signs of wear and tear or damage. Replacing worn-out or damaged plates will ensure that you always have safe, functional equipment available whenever you need it. With proper care, your bumper plates should provide reliable performance for many years to come!

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How to Properly Store and Care for Your Bumper Plates:

When caring for and storing bumper plates, it’s important to take a few key steps in order to ensure their longevity.

First, the general rule is that you should always store weights in the same way that you lift them—this helps preserve their shape and condition. When storing your bumper plates, be sure to place them on end where possible or lay them flat on the ground. Additionally, it’s important to store your bumper plates away from areas where they may be exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can damage the rubber material over time.

When using your bumper plates for lifts, it pays to be mindful of how you handle them. Dropping weights from overhead can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the plates—so try your best to control each rep as you lower the weight down. To reduce noise when dropping weights, use a barbell cushion or rubber mat underneath the weight plate—this helps absorb impact and reduce shock. Lastly, give your bumper plates regular maintenance like wiping them after each use with a damp cloth or mild soap solution in order to keep dirt and debris off them.

By taking all these steps into consideration while caring for and storing your bumper plates, you’ll be able to extend their life significantly and maintain a safe environment for weightlifting!

You can also make your own bumper plates if you’re handy!

Should I keep my bumper plates Outside? 

No, it is not recommended to keep bumper plates outside. Bumper plates are designed for indoor use and exposure to the elements can cause them to degrade over time. Bumper plates are typically made of, which can be damaged by exposure to direct, rain, snow and wind.

Additionally, the iron core of a bumper plate will corrode if left exposed to water or moisture.

The iron core can also rust if exposed to high levels of humidity or salty conditions. Keeping your equipment indoors will give it the longevity it needs and help maintain its structural integrity so you can enjoy using it for years to come.

Looking for the best bumper plates for you? Check out this extensive research to see the best options on the market today.

Over to you. Drop us a line on Twitter ( @scottbird ), or add a comment below.

Cheers.

 

NB : if you love talking about strength-training as much as I do, you might also like to check out the weekly newsletter (there's also a daily version available). A regular dose of fitness-focussed discussions, absolutely free.

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Written By Mike Beatty
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