gBar: A Do-It-Yourself Hang-Bar - Part 1

This will be four-part series that gives an overview of how to make the gBar portable training bar. It is an incredibly versatile hang bar that utilizes both sides of the board, has adjustable 360 degree angle around the horizontal axis, and hangs from a single point. It can be made for as little as $15, depending upon materials you have on hand, tools available, and your skill level. It combines some of the features we've used on our Gstrings, Pocket Rocks and Contiuum Boards and offers the following grip positions: 

• jug
• half hand flat edge or flat sloper
• 2" finger sloper
• 3/4" edge (adjustable depth via shims)
• 1/2" edge (adjustable depth via shims)
• 1" - comfort edged 1/2/3 finger pocket
• 1.7" - comfort edged 1/2/3 finger pocket 
• 5/8" rounded crimp sloper
• 3/4" rounded crimp sloper
• 1/2" and 3/4" flat edges can be modified for depth using shims to make the edges as small as desired.

The rounded crimps & slopers can be made easier or harder by changing the angle of the bar. This changes the surface contact area of the fingers on the grip. In the same way, edges, pockets and the flat sloper can also be made easier or harder.

The bar is 3.5" x 18" and weighs ~1.5 lb. depending upon what type of wood you use and the density of it. The bar can easily be modified to suit your needs and desires. This is what works for me and a starting point for your creativity!

There are a number of portable training bars/boards on the market already. If you don't have the skills to make one, then check these out...or our Gstring or Pocket Rock climbing grips:

http://pucseries.com/en/shop/il-domani/

http://www.tensionclimbing.com/hangboards/flash-board

https://awesomewoodys.com/collections/all/products/cliffboard

http://www.problemsolver.rocks/hanzo-hangboard

http://www.fingerschinder.com/en/

http://crusherholds.co.uk/portable-fingerboards-hangboards/crusher-mission-portable-hangboard-fingerboard

An important caveat: If you have shoulder or elbow problems or have had tendonitis, consider using individual grips that can rotate around the vertical axis. This allows more flexibility in elbow/shoulder position than a bar/board type of device where both hands are always in the same plane. If you are training with repeaters, use additional weight, or do long intensive training sessions, it can lead to repetitive stress type of injuries. If you think this is, or could be an issue for you, check out our grips at sic.grips.com - they are infinitely adjustable in all planes and allow the most comfort in training.

This first blog post will give an overview; dimensions, and materials. The second blog post will give basic construction advice; the third post will describe different ways of slinging it; and the final post will give pointers on how to use it.

the basic ingredients ready to be assembled

Materials:

• 18" x 3.5" x 3/4" plank (poplar, birch plywood or other hardwood)
• 2" half round dowel (2" x 1" x 18") - poplar, birch other other hardwood
• 3/4" half round dowel (3/4" x 3/8" x 18") - poplar, birch other other hardwood
• 5/8" half round dowel  (5/8" x 5/16") - poplar, birch other other hardwood

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• 3 - #6 - 1.5" wood screws
• 3 - #6 - 1" wood screws
• 6 - 3d 1.25" finish nails

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• 7'-8' - 5mm or 6mm accessory cord

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• wood glue

Tools:

Minimally you will need a hand saw, drill and hammer. If you can not obtain or have someone halve the dowels for you lengthwise, you will need a table or band saw to slice the dowels in half length-wise.

PS - in case it was not obvious, the name for the bar came from the "g" cross section of the bar. Several people who've tried it did not immediately make the connection.