Table of Contents
The Demand for Weights
So, you’ve got that itch to flex your muscles from the cozy confines of home sweet home, huh? Well, thanks to our dear friend COVID, that urge is now as big as the Hulk on leg day. But hold onto your kettlebells, folks, ’cause the plot thickens: due to supply chain shenanigans and a demand surge rivaling a Black Friday stampede, the price of weight plates went bananas, hitting over three US dollars per pound faster than you can say “gym membership fee”. Retailers were emptier than a gym at 5 AM, and the desperation was real. I’m talking demand spikes that would make a stockbroker’s heart skip a beat. According to The Hill, weight plate sales shot up a whopping 1,355% between April and May 2020, leaving the previous year in the dust like yesterday’s leg day soreness.
Why DIY Weight Plates
So, what’s the game plan, you ask? DIY weight plates, my friend. Why? Because even in the futuristic paradise of 2024, you can still pinch those pennies. Picture this: you craft your own plates, the savings stacking up faster than a Jenga tower on discount. Soon enough, you’ll be squatting bags of cash, all thanks to your ingenious DIY spirit. Say goodbye to expensive gym gear and hello to a workout routine that’s as thrifty as it is effective!
Materials you will Need
To start the DIY project off, we need to get the materials we need.
DIY Mold Plates
I snagged myself the SVITMolds DIY Mold Plates, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! These bad boys have been through the wringer, cranking out three sets like it’s nobody’s business, and guess what? Still as sturdy as the day I got ’em. No cracks, no damage—just endless gains and zero regrets!
Fiberglass Strand Additive
I went ahead and splurged on a 2.5-pound bag of fiberglass strands to beef up my concrete game. Why, you ask? Well, imagine you’re deadlifting sans mat and oops! You drop the weight like it’s hot. With this fiberglass reinforcement, you can bet your bottom dollar those plates won’t crack under the pressure. Talk about lifting with peace of mind!
Margin Trowel
Ah, the unsung hero of concrete finishing—the 5-inch by 2-inch margin trowel. This trusty tool is like the magic wand of DIY concrete work, waving away imperfections and leaving behind a smooth, straight edge that’s as clean as a whistle. Whether you’re in the midst of pouring or tidying up after the fact, this little gem ensures your concrete surface is nothing short of perfection.
D-Grip Transfer Shovel
When it came to mixing and pouring that concrete, I relied on my trusty D-Grip transfer shovel. But let me tell you, this baby’s not a one-trick pony. Oh no, it’s a Swiss Army knife of tools! Besides being the MVP of concrete work, it’s your go-to for landscaping projects, snow removal—heck, you name it! This shovel’s versatility knows no bounds, making it a must-have in any DIY arsenal.
Masonry Mortar Pan or Multipurpose Utility Tub
Alright, listen up, DIY champs! When it comes to mixing that concrete concoction, you’re gonna need the right tools for the job. I opted for the all-purpose utility tub, and boy, did it get the job done. But if you’re planning to crank out those weight sets like there’s no tomorrow, let me introduce you to the Marshalltown Masonry Mortar Pan—it’s the Hulk of mixing pans, built to last and handle whatever you throw at it. Sure, it’s a tad pricier, but trust me, it’s worth every penny. Now, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind swapping out your mixing tub every now and then, the Multipurpose utility tub paired with a transfer shovel will do the trick. It’s affordable, gets the job done, but just don’t expect it to hold up to the same level of abuse as its heavyweight counterpart. Choose wisely, my friends!
Oscillating Multi Tool
So, when it came time to finesse those PVC edges post-dry, I whipped out my trusty Ryobi cordless oscillating multi-tool, armed with an 88mm oscillating semi-circular blade. Did it slice through that PVC like a hot knife through butter? You betcha. But, fair warning, getting that perfect 90-degree cut might be a bit of a stretch. Still, this tool’s versatility is off the charts! Originally snagged it for some wall trim action, but turns out, it’s the Swiss Army knife of DIY—always ready to tackle whatever odd job comes its way. Trust me, you’ll wonder how you ever DIY-ed without it!
Rubber Mallet
To remove the concrete mold after roughly twenty-four hours of drying, you can use a rubber mallet to gently tap the plastic mold, thus removing the concrete plate. I bought a rubber mallet for under ten US dollars, and it’s worth it considering it will help the plastic molds last longer.
Two Inch PVC Pipe
To ensure our weight plate plays nice with its Olympic-size barbell buddies, we’re busting out the big guns—a two-inch diameter PVC pipe. Think of it as the VIP guest in our mold party, sliding right into the center and making sure everything fits just right. It’s the unsung hero of DIY fitness, ensuring your homemade plates are ready to pump iron like the pros!
Work Gloves
You definitely don’t want to touch the concrete with your bare hands. This can lead to skin cracking and permanent damage to your hands over time. I would suggest buying a pair of work gloves so your skin isn’t directly exposed to the mix.
Directions
Mix the Concrete
Grab your trusty mixing pan and toss in that hefty 80-pound bag of Quikrete Concrete mix. Now, here’s where the magic happens: pour in about a gallon of water to get things started, adding more as needed to reach that perfect consistency. And don’t forget the secret ingredient—throw in a handful of fiber strands to beef up that mix. Now, roll up your sleeves and grab that transfer shovel—it’s time to get mixin’! Stir it up until you’ve got a consistency that’s just right.
Prepare the Plastic Mold
Grab that 2-inch PVC pipe and your trusty cutting tool because it’s time to make a precision 90-degree cut. Remember, measure twice, cut once—just make sure that length is slightly longer than your plastic weight mold for a snug fit.
But wait, there’s more! Before we dive headfirst into the concrete jungle, let’s not forget to coat our plastic mold with a generous layer of vegetable oil. Why, you ask? Well, we’re not trying to start a concrete wrestling match here—this oil slick ensures our masterpiece pops out of the mold smoother than a greased lightning bolt. So, oil up and get ready to pour! Use duct tape to secure the PVC to the center of the mold.
Pour the concrete using the Transfer Shovel
Armed with your trusty transfer shovel, scoop out that concrete and dump it into the plastic mold, while keeping an eye on the packaging scale to hit the perfect weight. But wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to wield your margin trowel like a pro, flattening and smoothing the mix until it’s as even as a freshly ironed shirt. Keep pouring, keep smoothing, and before you know it, you’ll have a masterpiece fit for the barbell. Usually, you want to add two pounds to compensate for water weight, so the forty-five-pound mold should be about forty-seven pounds wet.
Let the Mold Set for Twenty-Four Hours
Once you’ve meticulously weighed and smoothed out your concrete creation, it’s time to let it work its magic! Set it aside and let it bask in its own greatness for about twenty-four hours. Now, here comes the fun part—give those sides of the plastic mold a gentle tap-tap-taparoo, then flip it over like a pro and watch in amazement as your concrete masterpiece gracefully releases itself.
Now, give it some breathing room and let it bask in its newfound freedom for another forty-eight hours. This extra time allows it to dry and harden even further, getting it primed and ready for action on your barbell. But hold your horses, my eager DIYer—patience is key here. To ensure maximum durability and performance, I’d recommend waiting around five days total for your concrete weight plate to fully set and harden. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait when you’re pumping iron like a champ!
Conclusion
In conclusion, embarking on a DIY journey to create concrete weight plates is not only rewarding but also surprisingly accessible with the right tools and guidance. From mixing the concrete to meticulously smoothing it into molds, every step requires attention to detail and a touch of creativity. With proper curing time, your homemade weight plates will be ready to elevate your home gym setup. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the concrete chaos, and unleash your inner DIY maestro. Before long, you’ll be proudly squatting, deadlifting, and bench pressing with your very own handcrafted creations. Get ready to lift, laugh, and conquer! If you have any suggestion on this project or a similar one, please drop a comment or Contact me!
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