What to look for when purchasing a second-hand Olympic weight set

Olympic weight sets are great for serious weight lifters or lifters looking for a well-built quality set of weights. Unfortunately, quality does not come cheap. So, buying second-hand is a good way to get the best at a reasonable price. This article discusses what to look for in second-hand Olympic weights.

Damage

The main thing to look for when purchasing any second-hand item is damage. When it comes to weights, the amount of damage is as important as ever, as lifting with damaged equipment can cause serious injury. Sleeves and housing bearings The most delicate parts of any Olympic bars are the sleeves and housing bearings as they allow the weights to spin while lifting. Depending on the build quality of the bar, the sleeves occassionally do not spin smoothly. Sleeves are typically held on by large screws that can loosen with use.
The most important factor in relation to the sleeves are the bearings. If damage has occured and bearings feel rough and crunchy, then a bearing replacement may be needed, in which case it can become quite expensive. The plates themselves need to be checked for damage. Most Olympic plates have a rubber coating. So, any missing nips or rubber chunks can be expected from being dropped. Although, if this is particularly evident, it is best to check the bar itself as regular drops take their toll on the sleeves.
Cast iron weights differ as they are not housed in protective rubber. Although, damage is very rare, they have been known on occasions to crack or split if exposed to extreme cold. Cracks are usually easy to spot and weights should not be used if found.

Extras

A good indication of a well-looked after weight set is a complete weight set with a few extras.
Collar clips are a basic essential to hold the weights in place. Look for damage, especially if they are spring clips. Check for bends or rust that could cause weakness while holding the plates. Squat stands and weight stands are a good extra to look for if they come with the deal. It is even better as it offers a safe place to store the newly acquired weight set, as well as offering a rack on which to load up the weights before commencing any exercises. Some of the best brands to look for are Zhang Kong, Troy, York and Pendlay. It is advised that before participating in any strenous sport, you should consult a GP.