5 Easy Ways To Keep A Pull-Up Bar From Spinning

Keeping a pull-up bar from spinning can be difficult if you don’t know the right methods to stop it.

A spinning pull-up bar can put a tone of pressure on your wrists, which may end up in possible injury or pain.

Fortunately, I’ve got the solution you need…

If you read this article till the end, you are going to learn what are the “top 5 best fast and easy ways to stop your pull-up bar from spinning“.

If you want to take your pull-up bar workouts on the next level I highly recommend you to take 3 seconds, enter your email below and download our huge free guide Pull Up Bar Training 101: Everything You Need To Know.

It’s packed with applicable advice and can really help you better and faster results based on science. And it’s 100% Free!

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Here’s exactly what you’ll learn next:

  • How to easily keep a pull-up bar from spinning…
  • How to build a static DIY pull-up bar…
  • The difference between a static and spinning pull-up bar…
  • How to work out on a pull-up bar safely and effectively…
  • And many more. 

Hi there, my name is Bozhidar, and luckily for you, I grabbed from experience some wise moves to keep a pull-up bar from spinning.

They’re easy are so easy to do…

With the help of practical knowledge, logic, and science, I will completely stop your pull-up bar for spinning no matter if it’s a DIY one or a factory made.

So read the whole thing to secure the best and safest pull-up experience.

How to Keep a Pull-Up Bar from Spinning?

To keep a pull-up bar from spinning, you’ll have to do the following methods:

  • Nailing the bar to a wood
  • Welding the bar
  • Attaching gymnastics rings to it
  • etc.
Example of a static pull-up bar

When should I stop the pull-up bar from spinning? 

You should stop the bar from spinning when you don’t know the right gripping techniques for handling a spinning bar. 

If you can’t stop the bar from spinning, you can either install and use another bar, or you can simply wear gears on your hands to support your grip.

If you prefer to buy a pull-up bar that doesn’t spin, instead of building your own, you can check my highly recommended product here.<<

This is the best commercial static pull-up bar I’ve ever used!

FYI: There actually exists a spinning pull-up bar, opposite the static one [1]. And yes, you guessed it right. The spinning pull-up bar spins for a reason. 

However, if that reason doesn’t support your desired training result, or if it doesn’t match your training level, then it isn’t for you. 

I will further explain the difference between the 2 later in this article. 

This time, continue scrolling down to learn how to do the 5 ways…

Method 1- Cut/Drill a Hole Through the Bar and Nail It Between 2 Trees.

Nailing the pull-up bar to a wood is a practical solution. It’s also cheap, especially when you’re rooting for a DIY outdoor pull-up bar. 

Nailing a pull-up bar to a tree…

When nailed, the bar won’t find any chance to spin. 

What You Will Need: 

Here are some items you will need…

  • metal bar (without any holes in it) or a wooden pull-up bar (some type of log or a wooden handle)
  • long nails that are designed for wood (make it 5 pieces for spare)
  • 1 hammer
  • screws
  • 1 drill

The steps are as follow:

Step 1- Find 2 Strong Solid Trees

  • Find 2 strong trees that are preferably close to each other, but not too close.
  • Measure to secure that there’s enough space for your body and both ends of the pull-up bar.

Step 2- Pre-Drill the Holes on the Pull-Up Bar.

  • Prepare your selected pull-up bar. Secure a bar that is not too thick so you can nail it faster.
  • Pre-drill a hole on both ends of the bar using a drill or a hammer, depending on the material.
  • Secure at least half an inch of allowance between the hole and the actual tip of the bar.

Step 3- Nail the Bar to the Wood Surface.

  • Secure a wood surface that is sturdy and not exposed to mold. 
  • Hammer the nails through the holes of the bar into the wood surface.
  • If screws needed to be attached (depending on the need of the material), pre-drill the bar.
  • Make sure that the whole length of the nail is buried in the wood and the head rests just right on the bar. 
  • Test the bar by gripping it. If it still spins, add one more nail for each side until the bar is firm.

What is the best material for my pull-up bar?

The best material for your pull-up bar is a metal pipe or any metal variant like galvanized iron and stainless steel. 

This method will surely keep your pull-up bar firm. But, it might not work sometimes. So, it’s better to have another option.

Read on to learn the second one…

Method 2- Weld the Bar if Possible.

Welding the bar to any strong metal frame fixes its spinning permanently. So if you’re planning to do this method, you’ll have to mind a fixed, permanent pull-up bar location. 

How to weld a pull-up bar…

The types of DIY pull-up bar that benefit from welding include:

CAUTION:

1. Welding is a powerful process of joining metals together by melting them using electrically-charged superheat spewed by a welding device [2]. 

This makes welding an extremely critical option. 

According to this study [3], welding without the safety gears can expose you to health hazards:

  • Lung cancer due to metal fume…
  • Stomach ulcers due to metal fume…
  • Electrocution…
  • Intense burns due to superheating…
  • Welder’s flash (temporary blindness) due to radiation…
  • And many more.

Safety is therefore a priority during welding. For that, I will include safety measures alongside the tips below…

2. If you’re doing it for the first time, I would recommend that you let an expert do it instead. Only consider welding when there aren’t any options available. 

What are the safety measures for welding?: The safety measures include:

  • Wearing protective gears like extra-thick welding gloves and apron (or any fire-resistance gears), boots, ear cover, and a welding helmet
  • Setting a well-ventilated welding area
  • Freeing the area of all flammable materials
  • Placing a fire extinguisher on standby

And, that’s about it. 

Now, it’s time to learn how to weld the bar….

What You Will Need:

Here are some items you will need…

Do you prefer to weld a factory-made pull-up bar? I recommend that you buy the best one to avoid possible problems.

Click this link here to check my top pull-up bar. I really like this pull-up bar because it is made from strong material.

It’s really perfect for welding and customizing.

The steps are as follow:

Step 1- Polish the Metal Bar with a Sandpaper.

  • Put on all necessary gears.
  • Secure the working space.
  • Begin sanding the metal bar and the metal piece where it will be attached. Make sure to polish and clear it off dirt and rust. 
  • Do not put too much pressure to avoid thinning out the metal. 
  • Keep on sanding the metals until they’re fully polished (remember not to extremely thin out the metal or it’d be difficult to weld it).

Step 2- Apply Acetone Into the Metal.

  • Apply acetone into the metals using a clean, dry cloth.
  • To fully clean the metal, wipe its surface with the acetone-wet cloth in a circular motion. 

Step 3- Set Up the Welding Equipment.

  • Prepare the welding equipment on sight. 
  • Check out if the equipment parts are complete. The parts include welding gun (with a tip that’s securely placed), wiring, clamp, and gas canisters.
  • Check out if the entire equipment is in good working condition.

Step 4- Attach the Clamp to Your Working Table.

  • Open the clamp to attach it to the edge of the table.
  • Close the clamp once positioned. It should stay attached for the whole duration to protect you from possible electrocution in case your skin brushes the table.

Step 5- Pick the Welding Gun, Hold Things Firmly, and Begin Heating.

  • Pick and hold the welding gun with one hand. 
  • Lay the other hand on the table to support and guide the motion of the welding gun. 
  • Ask assistance from another person if you’re welding several heavy metal bars or when you have to weld a bar into a fixed point like in the case of ceiling or wall-mounted pull-up bars.
  • Once you’ve held the gun firmly, keep it at a 20-degree angle against the metal surface you target to weld. This position also called push position [4] allows the gun to effectively shoot heat into the metal.
  • Make sure to check if the metal bar is tightly held against the metal frame/anchor where it is to be welded. Again, ask assistance from another person if needed.
  • With your index finger, press the trigger and begin heating the area in the metal. 
  • Press the gun tip into the bar and let it glide around its curve. Make sure to follow a single spot when gliding. 
  • Make sure to heat a spot for 1-2 seconds before moving on.

Step 6- Do the Circular Motion.

  • Once you’ve heated the connecting spot between the bar and the metal frame (where it is attached), repeat the whole process.
  • This time, as you move your gun along the area, do circular (clockwise) motions. 
  • Maintain the 1-2 second intervals. If you do it longer than 2 seconds, you’ll end up with several holes on the metal. If you do it shorter than 1 second, you won’t be able to heat the metal at all. 

Alternative: Welding the DIY ceiling, wall-mounted pull-up bar, and outdoor pull-up bars might take different processes accordingly (depending on their setups).

So check out the tutorials to properly set each one up.

Setup 1- Welding a Pull-Up Bar to a Ceiling (Home)

Tutorial: Click this link to learn how to do it.

Setup 2- Welding a Pull-Up Bar to a Wall (Home)

Tutorial: Click this link to learn how to do it.

Setup 3- Welding a Pull-Up Bar Between Posts (Outdoor)

Tutorial 1: Click this link to learn how to do it. 

Quick Note: Welding takes a bunch of considerations before being done. If you don’t have enough materials and equipment for doing it, I recommend skipping that option off. 

If you don’t wanna go through the trouble of manually welding a pull-bar to an anchor, I suggest you skip that method.

You can instead buy this top pull-bar product that’s already welded and attached to a wall/ceiling at a reasonable price.

All you have to do is to mount it!

It’s durable, and it’ll surely save you time and money…

So check out another easy method below…

Method 3- Attach Gymnastics Rings to the Bar and Use Them Instead.

This method also works as a practical solution against a spinning pull-up bar. On top of that, buying gymnastics rings does not cost as much as a well made pull-up bar. 

Gymnastics rings on a power rack

According to this study [5], gymnastics rings are more effective for pull-ups than an actual pull-up bar because of the following 4 reasons:

  1. They’re easy to install.
  2. They don’t spin even if they aren’t fixed (I’ve worked hundreds of times with them and I never encountered any problems with spinning).
  3. They can be adjusted toward your height and desired width.
  4. Since they promote strong gripping, they train more muscle groups.

What You Will Need For This Method: 

Here are some items you will need…

The steps are as follow:

Step 1- Hang the Strap Over the Bar.

  • Make sure that the anchor point is set up in the right length from the floor: minimum 6 ft. from the ground should be enough in case you’re setting it up indoors. The allowance secures space both below and above (head room) and promotes bigger movements from your end. 
  • Hang the 2 straps by sliding their tip over the anchor point.
  • Slide the opposite end of the straps into the rings. 
  • Link both ends of the strap using the buckle.

Step 2- Adjust the Straps.

  • Slide the buckle to adjust the strap. 
  • Adjust the strap until it fills the right length you need for your exercise. 

Step 4- Make Sure the Straps are Free of Any Obstructions.

  • As you slide the buckle out, check with your fingers the surface of the anchor point. Make sure that you don’t feel and see any obstructions. 

Alternative/s: If you are training at home the gymnastics rings are best attached/hang to a wall/ceiling-mounted pull-up bar, and outdoor pull-up bars. 

Despite some people saying [6] that they can be attached to a doorway/frame pull-up bar, I don’t recommend it. 

That is because both pull-up bar types have smaller weight limits and are not usually not very stable. If you insist on using such, you won’t be able to move that freely or do explosive training on the bar. 

Using gymnastics rings is a great alternative for building muscles.

If you still haven’t done so I highly recommend you to click this link to check my top wooden gymnastics rings.<< 

I’ve been using these rings for years, and they never failed me since.

Attaching the gymnastics rings take specific methods to do per pull-up bar. So, it’s important that you learn the different setups below:

Setup 1- How to Attach Gymnastic Rings On Ceiling-Mounted Pull-Up Bar

Recommended Ceiling Pull-Up Bar: (click here for more information)

Tutorial 1: Click this link to learn how to do it. 

Setup 2- On Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar

Recommended Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar: (click here for more information)

Tutorial 2: Click this link to learn how to do it. 

Setup 3: On Outdoor Pull-Up Bars

Recommended Outdoor Pull-Up Bar: (click here for more information)

Tutorial 3: Click this link to learn how to do it.

Setup 4: On a Power/Squat Rack

Recommended Power/Squat Rack: (click here for more information)

Tutorial 4: Click this link to learn how to do it. 

But I don’t want to spend time and money on buying gymnastics rings.

I’d like to instantly stop the pull-up bar from spinning so that I can do the exercises right now. What can I do?

A practical and instant solution, besides gymnastics rings, to stopping the pull-up bar from spinning is the 4th method below. Here’s how to do it…

Method 4- Use a Towel or Piece of Clothing to Stop the Spinning.

Using a towel or any piece of cloth on a spinning pull-up bar works every time as a practical and instant solution. 

Pulling-up using a towel

What You Will Need: 

Here are some items you will need…

  • 1 pc. thick, high-quality medium-sized towel 
  • or, any piece of clothing (15-20 inches long)

The steps are as follow…

Step 1- Hang the Towel/Cloth Around the Pull-Up Bar.

  • Hold the towel/cloth with one hand and hang it over the bar. 
  • Make sure you can reach it
  • Take the other end of the towel/cloth with your other hand. 
  • Hang on the towel (over the bar) for a few seconds to test its strength. 
  • If everything is fine slowly lift your body and do a pull-up.

Step 2- Hold Both Ends of the Towel or Cloth with Your Hands Together. 

  • Repeat the whole process. 
  • When hanging onto the towel do not ever let go of the other hand or else, the towel slides off, the bar spins, and you’ll fall down. 
  • Hold both ends of the towel very firmly together and make sure not to move the towel on any direction. 

Step 3- Do the Reps.

  • Do the required number of reps. 
  • Make sure to hold the towel tightly and release it for a quick break if your grip starts to weaken

Why a simple towel can keep any pull-up bar from spinning?

According to this study [7], the towel can effectively keep the pull-up bar from spinning because it focuses weight on a specific area in the bar, unlike when you grip it with your hands. 

When you grip a spinning bar with your hands, the force of the weight becomes unequal (as felt in the torque in your wrists). 

By all means, your palms are expected to face upwards due to the torque of your wrists, pulling the bar down to a spin.

Alternative: You can use the towel or any piece of cloth on any pull-up bar. In fact, you can even use it on any strong tree branch and instantly do outdoor pull-ups. 

Tutorial: Click this link to learn how to do it.

This method is one effective move. But, what if you’d like to focus on training your grip with a spinning bar? Now, that’s where the straps get in…

Get lucky and learn how to do it…

Method 5- Wear Straps When Using the Pull-Up Bar.

If you’re looking to build muscle mass with your grips supported, and still stop your pull up bar from spinning then straps are the perfect solution for you. 

Pulling-up using Versa Grips

Because of simple physics they easily keep the pull-up bar from spinning by preventing the wrists from dragging the bar downwards.

What You Will Need:

Here are some items you will need…

The steps are as follow…

Step 1: Slide Your Hands Through the Straps. 

  • If the bar is too high, step on an object to support you in reaching the bar.
  • When you’re on level with the bar, slide one hand through the strap. 
  • Tighten/lock the strap with the flap hanging below the down-facing palm. 
  • Repeat the process on the other hand. 
  • Pull the flap to adjust the tightness of the straps. 
  • Make sure to maintain a neutral strap grip around the wrists.

Step 2: Wrap the Flap Around the Bar.

  • With one hand, roll the flap around to wrap the bar. 
  • Ask an assistant to wrap the opposite strap flap around the bar.

Step 3: Do the Reps Without Relying on the Straps. 

  • When pulling up with the straps, don’t rely on them entirely. 
  • Exert your grips as much as possible on the bar even with the assistance of the straps.

Alternative/s: The regular straps do not really work to train your grip. They only exist to assist your grip and keep the bar from spinning. 

Now, if you’re thinking of (at least) training your grip a bit while keeping the spinning out, I recommend that you use the Versa Grips

Click this link to get a view of my highly recommended Versa Grips.

Option 1- Pulling-Up with Versa Grips

Tutorial: Click the link to learn how to do it. 

Can I use ab straps instead of regular straps to keep the pull-up bar from spinning?

Yes. You can absolutely use ab straps to keep the pull-up bar from spinning. 

But, take note that as its name suggests, it concentrates on training your abdominal and hip muscles (done through elevated crunches and sit-ups) more than the upper body muscle groups. 

Using ab straps is an awesome way to build up abdominal muscles on a pull-up bar. I recommend you to click this link here to check what are my favorite ab straps<<. 

They are stable and they support a lot of weight.

And that’s it!

You’ve got all 5 easy ways to keep a pull-up bar from spinning. Now, you surely won’t run out of options.

But wait… 

There are still important things to clarify before you close this page!

Which Option is Better for a Complete Beginner- Spinning or Static Pull-Up Bar?

The better option for a complete beginner is a static pull-up bar [8]. But, that doesn’t mean that the spinning pull-up bar isn’t useful at all. If you are an advanced athlete who wants to build strong grip strength then you may want to include a spinning pull-up bar exercises in your training.

What’s the main difference between a static pull-up bar from a spinning one?

The main difference between a static pull-up bar and a spinning pull-up bar lies with the level of difficulty. 

You’ll find it difficult to grip a spinning bar. Due to friction and the torque exerted by your wrists (through body weight), the spinning pull-up bar rotates more intensely, making every exercise a lot more difficult

To make-up, your hands will have to exert more effort to maintain a better grip. Thus, you’ll have to be at an advanced training level to play out with such a level of difficulty.

A static pull-up bar, on the other hand, requires less grip control and balance, making it easier for gripping. It securely stays in place, allowing you to move freely and do fuller reps.

I am a complete beginner. What can I do to work out on a spinning bar?

If you are a complete beginner but had to work out on a spinning bar, here are easy and effective ways to do it:

  1. Secure the bar in place by nailing it on wood or welding it to a strong anchor. 
  2. Limit the rotation of the bar by controlling your wrists.
  3. Use gymnastics rings (click here to check mine) instead.
  4. Hang a towel or any cloth over the bar and grip it instead of the bar.
  5. Wear wrist straps when working out on the bar.

Does a spinning pull-up bar build better and stronger grip strength?

Yes, a spinning pull-up bar builds better and stronger grip strength by conditioning the hands and wrists to exert more effort in gripping the bar [9].

A big hand to you, mate… You’ve reached this far!

I know it’s a lot but let’s move on for some quick overview….

The Next Steps

If you are an advanced athlete who’s looking for the best way to train your grip strength, then the spinning pull-up bar is perfect for you!

However, if you are a complete beginner, it is essential that you build a DIY static pull-up bar first or simply learn how to stop your current one from spinning follow one of the in-depth tutorials I’ve explained earlier.

Otherwise, it would be difficult for you to begin working out. 

Here’s a recap of the 5 best ways to keep a pull-up bar from spinning:

  1. Nailing it on wood
  2. Welding it if possible
  3. Using gymnastics rings over it
  4. Using towel/cloth on it
  5. And, putting on straps to support hands/wrist in gripping it…

But that just scratches the surface of pull-up bars and what you can achieve with their support. If you want to get even better simply follow these 2 easy steps:

Step 1:

If you already haven’t, enter your email and download our completely free massive guide teaching you everything about you need to know about pull-up bars (it’s really awesome and it will help you a lot)

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Step 2:

Read even more awesome articles about pull-up bars that will help you get bigger, stronger, and leaner. Here are a couple of great reads you are going to love:

See you again,

– Bozhidar

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