Dumbbell weight extender

thingiverse

These innovative weight extension brackets are securely attached to dumbbells, allowing users to add additional weight using Olympic barbell "change" plates. The brackets utilize powerful magnets to firmly hold the extra plates in place. I needed a solution for dumbbells that fell between my 20-pound and 35-pound sets. I had small barbell "change" plates (1 1/4, 2 1/2, and 5 pounds) and designed these weight extension brackets to attach them to my 20-pound dumbbells. I printed four of these brackets using PLA and they are holding up remarkably well. Post-Printing Construction After printing the brackets, I inserted two Neodymium magnets into each bracket and secured them with epoxy. I then used epoxy to attach the extender to the dumbbells. The iron dumbbell provided an added advantage by clamping itself in place while drying, eliminating the need for external clamps. I had included two screw holes in the design, thinking I would drill and tap them into the dumbbell, but surprisingly, the epoxy worked perfectly fine on its own. Operation I have successfully used these weight extension brackets with 2 x 1 1/4, 2 1/2, and 5-pound plates, effectively extending my dumbbells from 20 pounds to 22 1/2, 25, and 30 pounds. The magnets safely hold the plates in place, but I must caution that if you drop them, the plate may fall off or the bracket could shear off. Use these weight extension brackets with caution. I would not use them with plates near my face. Parts List I purchased the magnets from Amazon at the link below: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C5QR4HS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The magnets are described as TAQTON Neodymium Magnets N52 Disc 1.26”D x 0.06”H. Apart from the magnets, you will need two-part epoxy resin and a set of dumbbells. Design This was a quick design made in Fusion 360. I took measurements from my dumbbell, plus the size of my chosen magnets and the Olympic barbell plate hole size. Then, I simply created a straightforward bracket. Custom Section Disclaimer Although I have used these weight extension brackets without any accidents, you should use them at your own risk. If you bang the dumbbells together or move them jerkily, you could unseat the plates, which may fall onto you and cause injury. Use these weight extension brackets with caution.