Rack Mod: Attachment Point for Chain, Bands, Rope, Etc.
You can easily add attachment points to many squat or power racks for chains, bands, gymnastic rings and numerous other devices by swapping heavy duty eye bolts for the regular bolts. Additional attachment points can be placed anywhere else on the rack by drilling new holes if you have the appropriate tools. More on this later…
Before swapping out bolts, you’ll need to know the diameter and length you’ll need. Most home and commercial equipment uses 3/8 and 1/2 inch hex bolts. The bolt size is not the same as the head size. A 3/8 inch bolt will have a 9/16 inch head, and a 1/2 inch bolt will have a 3/4 inch head. Check the head size using your socket or wrench and write it down.
Remove the bolt and measure the distance from the bottom of the head to the end. Write this down. Or, take the bolt with you to the hardware store and compare directly. Let anyone else that might use the rack know you’ve removed the bolt before you go.
When selecting eye bolts, check the packaging for the safe working load. The stainless steel bolts will typically have the highest, although zinc plated steel will usually be more than strong enough for most uses. The eye bolts I purchased will handle up to 540 pounds, and the spring clips up to 400. The packaging will usually contain some warning about not using the product for support of human weight or athletic equipment, but this is just there to cover their ass - a properly secured 3/8 or larger steel eye bolt is more than strong enough to safely support you and then some. If you’re over 400 pounds I doubt you’re going to be doing any body weight rows or ring dips any way. Use common sense. If you ever notice any kind of wear or damage to a bolt or spring clip, replace it. Hardware is much cheaper than an emergency room visit for a concussion or broken bone.
When installing the eye bolt use a flat washer near the head. If you did not have washers on the original bolt, get some. Double check that all nuts are tight before suspending anything from the bolts.
Attachment points at the top of the frame can be used to hang handles or rings for a variety of bodyweight exercises. To hang handles or rings at points between the uprights additional holes can be drilled in the frame or a length of chain can be suspended between the uprights allowing attachments to be placed at a variety of positions. If chain is used, make sure the safe working load is high enough.
When a pair of rings or handles is used, they should be suspended just slightly further than shoulder width apart.
Drilling Steel
If you choose to add new holes but have never drilled steel before, I recommend removing the part of the frame to be drilled and taking it to a local machine shop to have a professional do it. If you insist on doing it yourself, be warned working with steel is a lot different than wood, and you don’t want to find out the hard way by messing up an expensive squat or power rack. That being said, you’ll need the following:
- Clamps
- Tape measure
- Marker
- Eye protection
- Gloves
- Center punch
- Hammer
- Lubricating oil
- Variable speed power drill
- Bits suitable for drilling metal, long enough to go through both sides of frame
- Round metal file
Remove the part of the frame to be drilled. Clamp it securely to your workbench or whatever working surface you are using. If using metal clamps, place small blocks of wood between the clamp and frame to avoid marring the surface. Position the clamps so they will not be in the way while drilling. Double check the clamps are secure. You do not want the frame moving while you’re trying to drill.
Measure and locate the positions for the center of the holes. I recommend one in the center and two slightly further than shoulder width apart. Check your measurements again, then mark these with the marker.
Put your eye protection and gloves on before doing anything else.
Use the hammer and center punch to create starter holes at the positions you marked. Put a few drops of oil in the first starter hole to be drilled.
Start with a 1/4 inch bit. If your drill uses one remove the chuck key before you start drilling. Place the center of the bit in your starter hole, hold the drill perpendicular to the frame and start slowly. Increase speed gradually while keeping the bit centered. Be patient, and do not apply too much pressure. Continue until the bit penetrates both sides of the frame if drilling through tubing. After you finish the 1/4 inch hole, switch to a 7/16 bit if using 3/8 inch bolts, or a 9/16 inch bit if using 1/2 inch bolts, then repeat. Do not do this without gloves, as the bits will be hot.
When you’re finished, use the metal file to clean up and smooth the edges of the holes.
Install your eye bolts and reinstall the frame member on the rack. Double check all bolts are tight and you’re set to go.
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