I made a few of these as Christmas presents this year and wanted to share the info. I got the idea from an article on Diesel Crew and made some small adjustments. You can pick up the materials for around $25 dollars which is half the price of say a Iron Mind Loading Pin.

Great if you are just starting out with some Grip Training, strapped for cash or want to have multiple Pins around for different lifts.(can keep then loaded with plates so you don’t have to move weight around every time)

What is a Loading Pin?
If you are wanting to get some solid Grip work in I highly suggest getting a loading pin. Basically it is a implement that you load plates on attach a carabiner or “S” hook. Pick your grip tool of choice and lift. Pretty simple

Some tools of the trade(lots of options here are some)

• Rings
• Rolling Thunder
• Vertical Bar
• Hub Lifting
• Balls
• Pinch block

I think the 12″ nipple is a good average length for a Loading pin. If you are looking for a bit longer pull you can use a 10″ or build both. This is set up to take Olympic plates but could be adjusted for standard plates.  Hit up the plumbing section of your hardware store to find the gear.
 What you need

• 12″ Nipple (1.5″)
• 1.5″ Cap
• 3/8 eye bolt (4″)
• 1.5″ Floor Flange
• Steel epoxy (Gorilla epoxy rocks)

Tools

• Hand Drill
• 3/8 drill bit
• Pliers

Building the Loading Pin

Step 1:
Find the center of the cap and drill a hole in the center. A Vice would help tons here if you have one. Be sure to check that the eye bolt fits smoothly through the hole. I had to do a little extra smoothing.

Step 2:
Insert your eye bolt, coat the crap out of the threads and the inside top of the cap with epoxy then tighten down your eye bolt with pliers. Let this set for 15-30mins on top of your nipple before you move on.

Step 3:
More epoxy on the threads of your nipple and screw it down tight onto the Flange

Step 4:
Screw down the cap onto the nipple and you are done! Keep in mind do not put epoxy on the cap/nipple. You will have to remove the cap when loading plates then screw it back down.

I would let the epoxy set overnight then Enjoy!

When picking carabiner or S hooks be sure to get something strong(200lb+)

Suggestions for your Loading Pin
Homemade Strength – great product for all kinds of homemade gear

Iron Mind  -Rolling Thunder, Rings, Pinching, etc

Stronger Grip  – Rings, Balls, etc

Grip Strength, grip work, Homemade, Loading Pin