Smith Machine Problem

[blueray4]

I have a Smith home gym, and I'm having a problem with the weight tower. Olympic weights are put on either side of the tower on two rungs. It slides up and down on two poles, with rolling balls inside, and is pulled up by a cable.

When the weights are pulled up, it works fine, but when they go down , it is very , very shaky. It doesn't go down in one motion, it jerks.

The weight is evenly distributed and shouldn't be the problem.

The weight resistance is still there, but its disrupted. Would keeping it like this affect my routine, or should I get this fixed?

 

[Creepusmaximus]

Throw it out, I never use smith machines, unnatural movement if you ask me.

I would have that fixed, it shouldn't be shaky and that can't be helping you.

 

[carlsuen]

you're asking the wrong question here.. NO body uses the smith here.. cept for calf training..

 

[perp69]

Smith is good for pullups and that is about it. To solve the problem go to the squat rack and forget what that Smith looks like.

Perp

 

[bignate73]

i'd bet your counter balances are sticking somewhere. if it has a pulley type counterbalance check the wheel. or....just light it on fire. get a bar and a cage and viola...instant good.

 

[TheOak84]

maybe fix the barrings?

for the money u paid for the smith, u could have bought a cage for a fraction of the price. and youd be super strong-o right now

 

[blueray4]

it was on sale at Dick's ,I had to

 

[Cynical Simian]

it was on sale at Dick's ,I had to

I saw an ad in the paper for an awesome sale at Victoria's Secret, but that didn't mean I "had" to buy something for which I'd have no use.

The reason the responses you've received have bordered on flaming is that a Smith Machine is a very poor (and expensive) choice. There's a Smith Machine Debate Thread around here somewhere that one of the Plats might be willing to search for and post for you if you're not convinced. In all seriousness, look into selling the Smith; you'd probably get enough for it to buy a basic power rack and free weights setup with plenty of money to spare.

 

[blueray4]

I saw an ad in the paper for an awesome sale at Victoria's Secret, but that didn't mean I "had" to buy something for which I'd have no use.

The reason the responses you've received have bordered on flaming is that a Smith Machine is a very poor (and expensive) choice. There's a Smith Machine Debate Thread around here somewhere that one of the Plats might be willing to search for and post for you if you're not convinced. In all seriousness, look into selling the Smith; you'd probably get enough for it to buy a basic power rack and free weights setup with plenty of money to spare.

i don't see why they are much different than any other cage. plus it's made of sturdy steel, no flimsy parts on it at all, should last a while. i love it

btw, i fixed my problem with a little oil

 

[anotherbutters]

btw, i fixed my problem with a little oil

Turning a smith machine into a squat rack with a little oil is mighty impressive