UClips Review: Universal Gym Clip

UClips are U-shaped gym clips that let me hook any dumbbell to barbells, dip belts, and pulley systems. 

This way I can repurpose my dumbbells and use them as weight.

I can load dumbbells on barbells, use them on dip belts for weighted calisthenics, and add weight to pulley systems faster.

This helps to save time, space, and money to make the most out of the weight I already have.

Let’s check them out!

Uclips

So here’s what the UClips look like.

It’s made out of metal and lined on the inside with hard plastic.

Before I show you what it can do, I’ll show you all its parts so you understand what’s what.

Looking at it from the side, the UClips have a 2″ hole in the center on each side.

This is for an Olympic barbell sleeve to go through.

Right above each center hole there’s a D-ring to clip carabiners to it when doing cable work.

The inside of each UClip is lined with UHWM plastic.

This is where a dumbbell handle sits and the plastic protects your equipment from metal on metal contact.

UPDATE

UClips have now been upgraded for durability.

Instead of one bolt holding the D-ring, there are now two.

And they’ve also added two bolts to the body of the product that reinforce the UHMW plastic on the inside.

Specs

• Stainless steel: Built out of metal for longevity

• Two carabiners included: Used with cable pulley systems, dip belts, and other attachments

• Center hole:  Compatible with Olympic barbells

• UHMW plastic: Inside lined with hard plastic to protect dumbbells

• Weight capacity: Tested up to 300 lbs

• Portable: 2 lbs, 4″ x 4″ x 2″

How To Use UClips

Using Uclips is straight forward.

The inside of the clip cradles a dumbbell handle.

Then decide what you want to add weight to: barbell, cable pulley system, dip belt, or other equipment.

Barbells

I can use dumbbells by themselves as weight plates on an empty barbell.

Or even add dumbbells together with weight plates.

This is a great way to repurpose weight if you don’t want to purchase more plates.

Just push the dumbbell all the way in until it touches weight plate and you’re ready to roll.

Cable Pulley Systems

So for cable pulley systems this is where I use the D-rings.

Doesn’t matter which D-ring I use (there’s two at the top of each UClip).

I connect a carabiner to one of the D-rings and then set the dumbbell inside the UClip.

And this can be done with any type of equipment that has a handle like kettlebells.

So again, I can repurpose weight that I have lying around the garage gym in multiple ways.

I have a basic cable pulley system that came with a loading pin for weight plates.

With the D-rings on the Uclip I can add a dumbbell to the same carabiner holding the loading pin.

Here’s what that looks like with an adjustable dumbbell.

I can use it to add more weight to my cable exercises.

Speaking of adjustable dumbbells, UClips even work with thicker handles like the ones on the Trulap adjustable dumbbells.

Or as an easier way to do drop sets without having to take off weight from the loading pin.

Weighted Calisthenics

If you love calisthenics like I do, then you can use the Uclips with a dip belt to add more resistance.

I can attach a UClip to a dumbbell or kettlebell when doing pull ups, dips, or gymnastics rings exercises.

Cable Machines

UClips can be used on cable machines like functional trainers also.

If you’re strong enough to lift the whole weight stack, you can add more weight using dumbbells.

Just toss a chain or strap attached to the UClip to the top of the weight stack.

Lighter dumbbells can also be used to go up in small increments if the weight plates go up in 10 lbs jumps.

Landmine Attachments

I sometimes use the UClips combined with a landmine attachment.

This lets me do a DIY version of a belt squat.

I can use the same landmine set up for barbell rows also.

Sandbags

I have plenty of sandbags with handles.

If it has a handle, it can be used with the UClips.

Just make sure you don’t get cheap sandbags or the handle might rip.

Leg Extension / Leg Curl Machines

I can also use the UClips on leg developers as long as the diameter of the loading bar is like a barbell’s.

Here I loaded up my Snode dumbbells in front of a bumper plate to set up for leg extensions on the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro.

I left enough room at the front of the loading bar so there’s no chance for the UClips to slide out.

And this is what it looks like at when I get to the top of the leg extension.

Weight Plates

I own a pair of Weight It Out iron weight plates and they have handles.

These plates are very thin so they are perfect for the UClip.

I slide the Uclips through that handle space and it fits like a glove.

This is much faster and efficient than having to remove my dip belt chain from the center hole of the plate when doing dips or pull ups.

Uclips also work well with my XMaster chrome weight plates since their handle is about the same width as Weight It Out’s.

So I can use also these for weighted calisthenics.

Sold Individually

Each UClip is sold individually for $39.99 which is a great price since it’s so versatile.

But if you plan to use your dumbbells as weight plates on a barbell, you will need two UClips.

Keep reading below if you want to use my exclusive discount to save a few bucks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Repurpose weight: Use dumbbells as weight with other equipment

• Versatile: Can be used with barbells, home cable pulley systems, cable machines, chains, resistance bands, and calisthenics

• Metal build: Built out of metal for longevity

• Plastic lining: Inside lined with UHMW plastic to protect dumbbells and other equipment from scratches

• Weight capacity: With a 300 lbs weight capacity, these can be used by most people

Cons

• D-Rings: D-rings tend to rotate so I have to adjust them to the center position which is not a huge deal, more than anything annoying

UClips Coupon Code

Here’s how to save 5% on your UClips purchase.

Click here and use coupon code SHREDDED at checkout for a discount.

UClips Review

If you’re short on cash, weights, or simply want to repurpose dumbbells you already own, UClips are a great option.

Just add a UClip to your dumbbell handles and you can attach them to a barbell, dip belt, and other accessories.

It’s a great way to make the most of the weight you already have without having to shell out a ton of money.

Check Out The UClips Here

UClips

4.7

Repurpose weight

4.7/5

Versatile

4.7/5

Built

4.7/5

Weight capacity

4.7/5

Hard plastic lining

4.7/5

Check Out The UClip

Shredded Dad

Garage gym athlete, gym hacks, DIY gym projects, and garage gym equipment reviews

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