Barbell Knurling: A Match Made in the Pure Gym

If you grab it, you may have immediately noticed that something feel different about it. The differences could have been subtle ,this barbell feels like I’m lifting with a chainsaw!”.

There actually is a market for people who prefer lifting with bars that feel like chainsaws. When you know about knurling and how the style of knurling can affect your lifting, you can start to understand why this is the case.

Today, we’re going to discuss barbell knurling in detail while also discussing the different types of knurling and what sports, disciplines, etc. By the time you finish, you’ll be one of those lifting dorks that unironically uses terms such as “Cerakote” and “hard chrome” in casual conversation.

What is Barbell Knurling?

Barbell knurling is the crosshatch pattern on the shaft of the barbell designed to increase the amount of grip on the bar by increasing friction between your hands and the bar. Knurling is made by pressing the material into diamond-shaped pyramids and varies greatly in depth, pattern, and aggressiveness.

Factors Influencing the Feel of Barbell Knurling

The factors influencing knurling feel include:

• Depth: How deeply the pattern is cut into the steel.
• Pattern: This can range from simple crosshatches to more complex designs.
• Coating: Finishes such as chrome, zinc, or even bare steel affect the texture.

When you start learning about barbell knurling you’ll often hear about mountain, hill, and volcano knurls. We’ll discuss each of these categories in more detail later on, but, at the most basic, fundamental level, the choice between aggressive or passive knurling comes down to your lifting needs. Do you want something that won’t chew up your hands, or do you need maximum “stickiness” to feel more grip security during heavy lifts?

Whether you’re a seasoned powerlifter or are just starting out with your home gym best barbell , the knurling is something you should be paying close attention to. It directly affects your grip, enhances the durability of the bar, and ultimately contributes to your overall lifting experience.

What is the Importance of Barbell Knurling?

It’s important for lifting success. 

Affects Grip

The big thing about knurling is its affect on grip. When I’m lifting, especially during exercises like heavy deadlift muscle workout , having a bar with the right amount of knurling is key. It prevents the bar from slipping out of your hands, which is crucial for both safety and performance. Not only that, but a secure grip also helps me focus on proper form (less thinking about grip = more brain space to focus on form).

Affects Comfort

Excessive aggressive knurling can dig into the palms, causing discomfort and calluses. On the flip side, a barbell with too smooth of knurling might feel “comfortable”, but doesn’t provide enough friction or grip which can lead to questions on whether there is “enough” knurling to help you maintain your grip throughout the lift.

Ultimately, it comes down to an easy comparison:

• Aggressive Knurling: Might provide excellent grip but can be harsh on the skin, causing discomfort
• Passive Knurling: Offers a more comfortable feel but may compromise grip security

Affects Technique

The right knurling allows for a firm grip without the need to overly squeeze the bar (doing this can throw off your form). This balance allows for greater concentration on lift mechanics rather than worrying about bar slippage.

With consistent knurling, my hands have become accustomed to how the bar is supposed to feel in my hands, enhancing my overall lifting technique 

What Are the different types of Barbell Knurling?

Let’s look at the density, coating, and marking of the knurl patterns that affect your grip and lifts.  

Density

Knurl density is all about the number of knurls per square inch and how tightly packed they are. It determines the feel and grip on the bar. Aggressive knurling has a high density (more knurls per square inch) that offers a strong grip which is great for heavy lifting but may be rough on the hands.

Passive knurling has a lower density, generally creating a more comfortable grip suitable for high-rep training. 

Coating

The type of coating on a barbell can significantly influence the knurling’s effectiveness:

• Bare steel offers a natural and raw feel but is prone to oxidation. These bars can look really beat up rather quickly (even if they’re actually in pretty decent shape).
• Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating that protects the steel while maintaining a good grip. It is also holds up pretty well to the elements and won’t rust to easily.
• Chrome adds durability and reduces maintenance but can slightly diminish knurl feel.
• Stainless steel provides excellent resistance to corrosion and maintains a consistent feel over time. These bars are generally the most expensive, though.

Categories of Knurling

These can generally be broken down into three categories:

1. Mountain Knurling: Aggressive knurling that resembles small mountain tops
2. Hill Knurling: Passive knurling that resembles small diamonds
3. Volcano Knurling: Middle-of-the-line knurling that resembles both mountains and hills

Marking/Rings

Knurl rings, or markings, are crucial for consistent hand placement. These rings don’t just guide your grip; they’re a subtle nod to the specificity of your training style. You don’t have to place your hands directly on these rings (and shouldn’t if you need a wider or more shallow grip), but being mindful of them can really help your grip setup on every rep.

When and Why to Select Different Knurling?

Choosing the right knurling on a barbell isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s fundamental for grip, performance, and comfort. 

Personal Preference

The type of knurling varies significantly among barbells—hill, mountain, and volcano patterns each offer a distinctive texture that can make or break your comfort during a lift. New lifters often favor a gentler knurl to avoid discomfort, while experienced lifters may opt for a more aggressive pattern for a secure grip.

Despite any of the other items on this list, personal preference should always be the go-to indicator for the types of bars you’re using.

Intensity and Duration of Lifts

A deeper cut, like a mountain pattern, might be your ally during high-intensity training where the bar slipping is not an option. However, prolonged workouts with too aggressive knurling can be tough on the hands, sometimes leading to calluses, discomfort, or the most dreaded of all…torn hands. 

Ultimately, you need to find the sweet spot that comes the closest (because it will probably never be “perfect) to ticking all workout boxes.

Frequency of Lifts

If you’re lifting multiple times a week, choosing the right knurling can help prevent overuse injuries to your hands. For daily lifters, I suggest a moderate knurl that provides enough grip without being overly harsh. Conversely, if your sessions are less frequent or revolve around high-rep sets, you might enjoy the security offered by a sharp, volcano pattern knurl that’s designed to lock in your grip, rep after rep.

For newer lifters, less aggressive knurling is likely your best bet. This is always preferable to getting in the habit of wearing lifting gloves…always.

What Are the Different Types of Knurl Rings?

Knurl rings serve as guideposts for exercises like the squat, deadlift, or snatch. The spacing of these marks varies to accommodate different training styles which generally use different weightlifting bars:

Powerlifting: The rings on power bars are typically placed 81 centimeters apart. This spacing aligns with the regulations set for powerlifting competitions and supports exercises focused on strength like the squat and deadlift.

Olympic lifting: These marks are spaced 91 centimeters apart, adhering to the standards for Olympic lifting. This wider grip is optimal for dynamic movements like the snatch.

Whether you’re powerlifting or Olympic lifting, those knurl rings should serve as reference points for consistent hand placement.

Frequently Asked Questions