Short answer on spring collars vs clamp collars: spring clips are the cheapest way to keep plates from walking off the sleeve, and they work fine for most strength sessions. Clamp collars (also called lockjaw or quick release collars) go on and off faster with one hand, grip more evenly around the sleeve, and are kinder to your hands when you change weights many times in a workout. If you lift alone in a garage and mostly squat, bench and deadlift, either style does the job. If you do Olympic lifts, drop the bar, or swap plates constantly, a clamp collar is usually worth the small extra cost.
Spring collars vs clamp collars at a glance
| Feature | Spring collars | Clamp collars |
|---|---|---|
| How they work | Squeeze the handles to open a steel coil, slide it on, let go so it tightens | Open a lever or tab, slide on, snap the tab shut to clamp the sleeve |
| Our example | Tru Grit Spring Barbell Collars, pair (COLL1001) | Tru Grit Clamp Barbell Collars, pair (COLL1000) |
| Material (per our listing) | Steel | Nylon with rubber foot pads |
| Price on our site at time of writing | $33.00 per pair | $40.00 per pair |
| Bar fit (per our listing) | 2 in Olympic sleeves | 2 in Olympic sleeves |
| Speed of plate changes | Slower, takes a firm two-handed squeeze | Faster, usually one hand |
| Best for | Budget setups, slow strength work, spare pairs | Frequent plate changes, Olympic lifts, dropping the bar |
How spring barbell collars work
A spring collar is a coil of steel wire with two handles. You squeeze the handles together, the coil opens slightly, you slide it against the plates and release. The coil springs back and pinches the sleeve. Our Tru Grit spring pair is listed as quality steel, and the listing describes the use the same way: clamp the handles, put it on the bar, release.
Spring clips are inexpensive, compact and simple. The downsides: you need a firm squeeze to open them, which can pinch fingers, and they can be awkward to push tight against the last plate. Check that a well used pair still bites the sleeve firmly.
How clamp barbell collars work
Clamp collars wrap around the sleeve and lock with a lever or tab. Our Tru Grit clamp pair is listed as nylon, with quick release tabs for fast weight changes and ridged rubber foot pads that grip the sleeve. The listing gives an item weight of 0.75 pounds; it does not say whether that is per collar or per pair, so call us to confirm if the exact number matters to you.
For context, the Rogue HG 2.0 collar page describes a similar design: a nylon resin body, rubber padding, a locking tab, fit for 2 in Olympic bars, and 0.85 lb per pair. Light nylon clamps are a common design.
The appeal is speed: flip the tab, slide, flip it closed, and you can feel when it is locked. That helps when you add weight every set, and it is easier on your hands.
Do you need barbell collars?
For most home lifters, yes. Plates can creep toward the end of the sleeve when the bar tilts during a squat, bench press or pull from the floor. If plates shift on one side, the bar becomes uneven and a plate can slide off. Collars are a cheap way to keep the load where you put it.
Competitive powerlifting treats collars as mandatory. The 2026 IPF Technical Rulebook states that collars shall always be used and must weigh 2.5 kg each, and it lists the weight of the bar plus collars as 25 kg.
A safety note: collars keep plates from sliding. They do not catch a failed rep. Use spotter arms, safety straps or a spotter for heavy squats and bench presses, and see your doctor before starting a new training program if you have any health concerns.
Olympic barbell clips: check your bar first
Sleeve diameter
Both of our Tru Grit collar pairs are listed for 2 in sleeves, which is the Olympic standard. That fits the Tru Grit bars we carry, including the 45 lb black zinc barbell, the 35 lb black zinc barbell, the 20 kg men’s black zinc comp bar and the 15 kg women’s black zinc comp bar. If you own an older 1 in standard bar, a 2 in collar will be too loose; call us to confirm fit before ordering.
Loadable sleeve length
Collars take up sleeve room. Our listings give 16.25 in of loadable sleeve on the 45 lb bar, 12.25 in on the 35 lb bar and the 15 kg women’s comp bar, and 9.84 in on the 15 kg men’s shorty bar. Our listings do not give collar widths, so call us if you are loading a shorty bar close to its limit.
For more on bar weights and sleeve sizes, see our guides to how much an Olympic barbell weighs and men’s vs women’s, Cerakote vs zinc barbells.
Plate type
Collar bumper plates the same way you collar iron. Our Tru Grit Phantom Elite rubber bumper plates are listed at a 450 mm diameter with recessed stainless steel collar inserts, sold in pairs from 10 lb to 55 lb or as 260 lb and 370 lb sets. Still deciding? See our bumper plates vs iron plates comparison.
Best barbell collars for a home gym: how to choose
- Pick spring collars for the lowest cost and mostly slow strength lifts. They also make a good spare pair.
- Pick clamp collars if you change plates often, train Olympic lifts, drop the bar, or find spring clips hard on your hands.
- Consider both. Our math: one pair of each costs $73.00 at current listed prices.
- Store them with your plates. A rack like the Tru Grit horizontal weight plate storage rack keeps plates and collars together.
Shipping tip: we ship free freight on orders of $999 or more and charge a flat $200 below that. Collars alone fall under that, so add them to a bar, plate or rack order. Browse the Tru Grit Fitness brand page or our home gym buying guide for a full setup. Questions? Call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Our return and refund policy is on the site.
Frequently asked questions
Are clamp collars better than spring collars?
Not for everyone, but they are easier to use: a tab locks them, usually with one hand. Spring clips cost less and hold plates well for most strength training.
Do you need barbell collars for deadlifts?
It is a good habit. Plates can shift as the bar leaves and returns to the floor, especially bumpers. Collars keep both sides even.
Do Olympic barbell clips fit every barbell?
No. Our Tru Grit spring and clamp collars are listed for 2 in Olympic sleeves. They will not hold securely on a 1 in standard bar. Specialty bars vary, so check the sleeve diameter or call us.
How much do competition collars weigh?
Under the IPF Technical Rulebook, competition collars must weigh 2.5 kg each. Home collars are far lighter: our clamp pair lists 0.75 pounds and Rogue lists its HG 2.0 clamps at 0.85 lb per pair, so they add very little to your load.
Do collars replace spotter arms?
No. Collars only stop plates from sliding. Use safety arms, straps or a spotter for any lift you might fail, especially squats and bench presses.
