Dumbbell bars leather cover

pfrsantos · **on:** August 25, 2020, 05:24:57 PM

I have a couple of dumbbells. The grip is a little too thin for me and the ribbed metal is aggressive to the skin. So, let's solve this!

I measured the grip portion of the bar and cut a couple of rectangular pieces of thick leather. When first cutting the leather, give it an extra 2mm or 3mm.

Fold the leather around the grip and correct the dimensions, if needed. Use a ruller and mark a line about 3mm away from the edge for the holes to be punched.

Get a multi-pronged chisel and a mallot. Since this is a straight line, the more prongs, the better. After the initial holes are punched, use the last 2 or 3 as a guide for the next group. This will help the line be straight and at an even spacing.

I use a cork board underneath, so I can punch the leather through and not damage the prongs.

pfrsantos · **Reply #1 on:** August 25, 2020, 05:31:34 PM

The last holes are not at the same distance to the edge, so I just used the bottom of the holes as a guide to cut the top and have the top and bottom perfectly aligned.

Chako · **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2020, 05:34:14 PM

Looking good.

pfrsantos · **Reply #3 on:** August 25, 2020, 05:44:40 PM

Ok, last part: just stitch the edges together.

Get some waxed thread, a couple of blunt needles, scissors and a lighter. As per the thread length to use, since this was going to be a crossed stitch, I measured about 8x the length of the leather side. Hey, thread is dirt cheap and it's better to throw out a foot or two then being close to the end and finding out you need a couple of inches. When I finnished, I had about 4 or 5 inches left in either side, so it was a good guess.

Pass the thread through the needles, one at each end, and insert it in the first hole in either side, from the bottom up. Get approximately half of the thread in either side. Try to always go left-right or right-left. It gives a better look to the end result.

When you reach the last hole, pass the lines once more in a straight line to the other side. Then cut the excess, leave about 5mm of thread. Melt the excess into a "button". It prevents fraying and keeps the thread from getting undone.

pfrsantos · **Reply #4 on:** August 25, 2020, 05:48:51 PM

Quote from: Chako on August 25, 2020, 05:34:14 PM

Looking good.

Thanks! I got a problem now, though... no more excuses not to use the dumbbells.

Chako · **Reply #5 on:** August 25, 2020, 06:48:15 PM

Old Boy · **Reply #6 on:** August 25, 2020, 08:59:52 PM

I love it! Classy! Plus no more wearing stinky work out gloves.
Is the smooth side out or the rough side out? I ask because makes for a better grip if the leather surface is roughed up.

pfrsantos · **Reply #7 on:** August 26, 2020, 01:00:17 PM

Quote from: OldBoy2016 on August 25, 2020, 08:59:52 PM

I love it! Classy! Plus no more wearing stinky work out gloves.
Is the smooth side out or the rough side out? I ask because makes for a better grip if the leather surface is roughed up.

I got the smooth side out, for a few reasons:

1. It looks better.

2. The rough side makes for a better grip, so I put it against the metal, so it doesn't slide out of place.

3. It looks better.

4. With time, it'll create a great worn look and it will "mold" to my grip.

5. It looks better.

6. The stitching sits better with the smooth side.

7. The smooth side will last longer, it woun't fray or start to get "bald spots".

Pretty much that. Oh, and it awlso looks better...