While writing a comment on a different community, I figured I would post my homemade plate-bearing pegs here. These were made for my Body Solid BFFT10R functional trainer’s weight stack, to allow loading 50 mm Olympic fractional plates.

This first one is a simple wooden peg made from a scrap 4x4 block, turned on a router – because I don’t own a lathe – and with a threaded rod (3/8-inch; 10 mm) through it. The rod is mild steel, but that caused some minor bending when loaded with a 15 lbs plate.

functional trainer weight stack, with a wooden pin inserted which can accept 50 mm fractional plates

So for my second and more permanent attempt, I attached two back-to-back pegs directly to the weight stack’s center point, using a Grade B7 threaded rod, in lieu of the original bolt that was there. This helps keep the weight stack balanced front-to-back, makes it run more smoothly, and there’s a reduced risk of the plate slipping off.

functional trainer weight stack, showing a permanently-secured, double-sided peg that accepts fractional plates

  • VikMEnglish
    2•1 month ago

    Lovely bit of DIY!

    Excellent work - very nice looking handle.

    • @[email protected]OPEnglish
      1•1 month ago

      Thanks! Since making this, I’ve been on a trend of making other wood things to complement my machines. Probably the wildest one so far is the preacher curl bench that’s mounted to the top of the leg press.

      • VikMEnglish
        2•1 month ago

        that sounds neat, please post us a pic when you get around to it?

        Also super jealous that you have a leg press machine at home!

        • @[email protected]OPEnglish
          2•1 month ago

          Yeah, I’ll post it soon. The leg press has its own story, as I have a very constrained homegym, confined to only 8 sq m. (86 sq ft). So one modification is that the leg press couldn’t have its barbell attached. Instead, I load plates underneath the carriage, which will one day necessitate buying expensive narrow plates. But it’s a reasonable tradeoff, money for floor space.

          In this way, the leg press can be pushed up against the wall. Much of my homegym is working to maximize my space.

          • VikMEnglish
            2•1 month ago

            Oh no way, I was looking at these convertible hack / leg press machines. So cool!

            I have a similar spatial constraint in my garage, have just been squatting more in lieu of a leg press

            • @[email protected]OPEnglish
              1•1 month ago

              I had prior issues that made cable squats difficult, and I had always wanted the leg press. Although at some point, I may upgrade from the functional trainer to a power rack with all the accessories, space allowing.

              • VikMEnglish
                2•1 month ago

                I have a half rack with a built in, plate loaded cable / pully system. The design and overall build quality leave a lot to be desired but I can’t fault it’s versatility. The accessories can quickly become a rabbit hole though 😅