DIY Fractional Plates

[amsgator]

I'm looking into getting some fractional plates. I don't need them yet but I want to have them on hand. It seems like a set of commercially made plates runs between $50 and $60 a set (5 lbs total), which is quite steep.

I found a blog that mentioned using washers as makeshift fractional plates. They have a 2-1/8" inner diameter that should fit the barbell nicely. They cost $1.90 each (+ shipping). Fastenal lists washers of the same specs as 0.6329 pounds.

I wanted to see what everyone thought of this as an option or if there are other/better options out there.

[sbhikes]

I use the washers. They work great.

[amsgator]

I use the washers. They work great.

Awesome. Do you happen to know if those are the same ones you got? Fastenal sells some too but they seem to be quite a bit more expensive than McMaster-Carr

[sbhikes]

I don't know if they're the same or not. I got mine from Fastenal. I imagine that washers are a fairly fungible product.

[amsgator]

I found the ones on Fastenal's site (which is where I got the weight) but they're twice as much. I emailed McMaster-Carr to see what shipping would be. Thanks for the help!

[DRice311]

There is a guy on this site (Dan Miller, I think?) who makes them, and very affordably. There is a thread in E&P somewhere if you search for it.

Edit: on my phone, but I found the thread. PM this guy, everyone who has ordered has recommended and vouched for their quality.

http://startingstrength.com/resource...ad.php?t=36852

[kessg]

Yes, i have a set from Dan Miller and they are great. $30 (i believe) for a full set incl. shipping.

[Nick Klemetson]

I third Dan's microplates.

[Meshuggah]

Fractional (Micro Plates) are a waste of time and money.

[Immortal_k]

Fractional (Micro Plates) are a waste of time and money.

I've found them to be useful, but I wouldn't spend $30 for a pair. To each their own.

Just makeshift anything, weigh it and tie it to the bar. It doesn't have to be round and metallic.