Chalk: Do you use it for all lifts?

[Gorilladiesel]

I generally only use it for my back when I squat, and my hands when I deadlift. Some days when I'm a sweaty fat fucker I've gotta chalk up for presses, else my grip will slide out a finger width or more. Sorta related: couldn't undo the nut holding the J-hook onto the rack at my gym the other day. Had to liberally chalk my hand before that thing would come off.

[IlPrincipeBrutto]

I use chalk for power snatches (no knurling close to the sleeves).
Also, for dips and chins (I train with an aluminium bar / handles, and they can be slippery at times).

IPB

[brkriete]

I have historically only used it for deadlifts, typically the last warmup set and then reapply before every work set.

I just started chalking up before presses and bench presses, it makes my grip feel a little more secure and helps me focus on the lift. Usually chalking up before the first work set will get me through all three. If I was working out somewhere hot and humid I'd probably be using it more.

[stef]

In Texas I use it for any kind of pull. Just a dusting. In Colorado I don't use it at all.

Usefulness depends on local conditions: you and the environment. Personal moistness, humidity, psych considerations (chalking up becomes a talisman/routine essential for many).

If you use a lot/other do, brush it out of the knurling on a regular basis.

[dhalli]

I was using it a lot with my last bar... a cheap made-in-china thing with poor knurling and peeling chrome. Now I've got an Ohio Power Bar. Haven't needed chalk at all... that thing has some serious knurling. My pulls also suck, so maybe that has something to do with it.

[DannyP]

Squat: back of shirt and hands before heaviest squat (either final warm-up single or first work set), reapply to hands each work set and shirt if needed (maybe once during workout).

DL: hands before each work set.

OHP: hands before first work set; usually lasts.

Front squat: front of shoulders before first work set, hands before each work set.

I sweat a lot, and therefore go through a lot of chalk .

[MarinePMI]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole "chalking the back" thing for squats. Does your shirt not provide enough grip in conjunction with the knurling on the bar? I tend to have the opposite problem on squats, in that my back is rubbed raw by the knurling, leaving two raspberries on each trapezius, between the scapulae.

Don't you feel a like a powdered doughnut , chalking your back & shoulders?

[Charlie Davies]

Low-bar squats on a polyester or nylon shirt can be slippery.

[Str8shutr]

DL - Always for all sets
B - usually last two warmups and all work sets
OHP - all sets
SQs - never, not even in competition

[MichaelHupfer]

I chalk for every lift, every set. It's just my routine.