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How Do You Adjust a Combo Rack?

Published in Fitness Equipment Adjustment 2 mins read

Adjusting a combo rack primarily involves setting the correct height for the rack uprights, which is crucial for both squatting and bench pressing.

Adjusting the Rack Height

The main adjustment on a combo rack is changing the height of the uprights where the barbell rests. This is typically done using a pin or lever system. Setting the correct height ensures you can comfortably unrack and re-rack the barbell.

Steps for Pin-Style Adjustment

Based on common designs and the provided reference, adjusting the height using pins involves the following steps:

  1. Determine Desired Height: Identify the hole height on the uprights suitable for your squat or bench press setup.
  2. Locate Pins: Combo racks often use a system with two pins for security – one at the desired height and one just below.
  3. Release the Bottom Pin: As described in the reference, you need to "pulled the bottom pin. Out." This frees the upright to move.
  4. Grab the Top Pin: "grab the top pin" refers to holding the pin or the mechanism at the desired height level you want to move the upright to.
  5. Adjust the Upright: Slide the upright up or down to align the desired hole with the top pin's position.
  6. Re-insert the Pin(s): This is a critical step. "Again make sure you're putting the pin on the top and not in the bottom. So it doesn't get stuck." This means ensuring the main pin goes into the top hole you've selected first. Once the top pin is secure, re-insert any secondary or bottom pin according to your rack's design for added stability.

Properly inserting the pin from the top prevents the upright from shifting downward unexpectedly and ensures a secure lock at the chosen height.

Other Potential Adjustments

While the upright height is the most frequent adjustment, combo racks often have other elements that can be adjusted:

  • Bench Height: Many combo racks include an attached bench whose height may also be adjustable, though often less frequently than the rack uprights.
  • Spotter Arms: Setting the height of safety spotter arms is essential for safety, especially during squats or bench presses without a spotter. These usually adjust independently of the main uprights, often using a similar pin or pop-pin mechanism.

Always consult your specific combo rack's manual for detailed instructions on adjusting all its components safely and correctly.