Many people who are passionate about working out want an easy way to do so at home.
One piece of equipment that is very popular is a door frame pull up bar. However, there is a common notion that pull up bars are bad for doorframes. If you’re considering purchasing one, you’ll probably want to know this before buying!
Doorway pull up bars are very common in the home fitness market and have a number of advantages like ease of installation, portability and functionality.
However, they can damage your door frame, especially if you don’t do enough research beforehand to make sure you doorframe is suitable, or use them incorrectly.
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Can A Pull Up Bar Damage Or Break Your Door Frame?
Yes, a doorway pull up bar can make a dent and cause damage to the door frame and even cause scuffing as well as paint chipping around the frame.
The main reason for this is improper installation, wrong choice of product, and not checking if the design matches the door’s dimensions.
It is also important to always use good quality padding to minimize the chances of damage.
Why Are Pull Up Bars Bad For Door Frames?
As mentioned earlier, the main issue stems from the wrong fitting of the pull up bar. As there are no standard dimensions for all door frames, they usually differ in length and width.
Typically, manufacturers don’t usually design or offer a pull up bar that perfectly fits all door frames, they go for a more universal approach. This often results in a damaged door frame when you do pull ups at home using this type of bar.
However, there are some strategies you can understand and follow to prevent this happening like getting the right size for your door frame, ensuring it has enough padding and making sure your door frame is suitable.
How Much Weight Can A Door Frame Pull Up Bar Hold?
The amount of weight a doorway pull up bar can support usually depends on its design and material quality. Most pull up bars should have the capacity to bear 200 lbs to 300 lbs. Each product should state how much weight it is suitable for.
Door frame pull up bars are not recommended for people who are heavier than 220 lbs. Sometimes, they work just fine in the beginning but start to wear down and damage the door frame over time.
To ensure your safety, it would be a good idea to install a wall-mounted pull up bar instead.
The quality of the pull up bar also plays a very important role. Do not settle for a pull up bar made from cheap materials. We always recommended buying such equipment from reputable manufacturers only.
Instances When A Pull Up Bar May Break Your Door Frame
So, what are the likely scenarios that can lead to a pull up bar damaging your door frame?
Here are a few factors that can increase the risk:
1. Poorly Built Door Frame
Installing the pull up bar on a weak or low quality door frame can increase the risk of damage and accidents. With a poorly built frame, you might end up falling down with the broken door frame landing on top of you.
It is also important to have a properly installed door frame. A door frame nailed into the wall is stronger than one that’s glued into place.
Installing the pull up bar on a damaged door frame can also make it riskier. So, you should check the frame for signs of wear and tear before the setup process. Make sure to examine whether door frame is mounted properly and that there are no separation gaps.
2. Poor Frame Material
It would also be wise to check the material of the door frame. Door frames made from traditional wood are usually the toughest and most durable. High quality wood can bear a lot of bodyweight without breaking easily.
These days many door frames are made from vinyl that looks like wood. This material is made using PVC which cannot support much weight. So, it is necessary to assess the material of your door frame carefully.
3. Misusing The Pull Up Bar
Make sure to always use the pull up bar in a controlled way. Avoid being reckless with it or swinging on it wildly. If you get too rough, you might damage the door frame or worse, injure yourself.
4. Installing It Without Protective Pads
If you want to keep the door frame protected, you should get a pull up bar with padding. This prevents damage and allows for better grip.
You should avoid using foam padding as it’s not made from good quality. Rubber padding is a more sturdy and flexible option. This is our favorite doorframe pull up bar.
Final Words
So, now you know that a pull up bar can be used without breaking your door frame. With the right know-how, assessment, and installation method, you can use this equipment in a safe way.
Ensuring your safety is key. Remember to check the material of your door frame and how it’s nailed to the wall to avoid the risk of injury or accident. You should also check you own weight and see if the frame and bar can support it. Finally, always use the pull up bar in a controlled manner.
