my hands got chewed to bits

[timtim]

started out with high rack deads this week. last 30% of the movement at the top. will be working my way down over the course of the next 6 weeks to try and boost my full deadlift.

got the good bar at the bar, chalked up, pulled 600 x 3, 620 x 3, 640 x 2, 660 x 1, 670 x 1. failed to realize half of my palms were removed. i have divits in my palms now. dont even know if i will be ready to go next week.

anyone have any recommendations on how to avoid this - cant use straps or gloves. i have a feeling i just have to deal with it but any strongmen/powerlifters competitors have any tricks?

 

[djeclipse]

It is the knurling on the bar you are using. Some bars have coarse knurling like sand paper, they are good for one rep maxes so your hands don't slip, but when using it for any kind of reps it will tear your hands to shreds.

This is something to look at when you are buying your own olympic bar.

Is there another bar you can use? Aside form that you can bring in a file and file down the knurling so it isn't as sharp/ coarse.

 

[timtim]

I0t is the knurling on the bar you are using. Some bars have coarse knurling like sand paper, they are good for one rep maxes so your hands don't slip, but when using it for any kind of reps it will tear your hands to shreds.

This is something to look at when you are buying your own olympic bar.

Is there another bar you can use? Aside form that you can bring in a file and file down the knurling so it isn't as sharp/ coarse.

there is a smoother bar i passed over, going for the more coarse one, thinking it would add to grip. thanks for the recommendation, makes complete sense.

i couldnt get away with filing the bars down but that is a good idea.

 

[djeclipse]

there is a smoother bar i passed over, going for the more coarse one, thinking it would add to grip. thanks for the recommendation, makes complete sense.

i couldnt get away with filing the bars down but that is a good idea.

ya, I've made the same mistake in the past. Tore my callouses right off. I mentioned it to the gym owner who told me about the different knurling on the bars.

 

[moya]

i love the bars with sharp knurling... you dont have to use as much energy on grip and can focus more on the pull...
i heard somewhere here that you can use a pumice stone to smoothe down your calluses after they tear and they should be good to go in a couple days...

 

[AEKDB]

Medical tape works well on the fingers and thumb (especially when using the hook grip). I use tape occasionally across my palm but it does not stay in place for more than a few lifts.