When grip guys and strength aficionados get started in steel bending, they want to progress as quickly as possible up the various levels of steel as fast as possible. They often try many different training techniques in order to strengthen their wrists and lower arms for the many steel bending techniques that exist.

One of the time-honored traditions of steel benders is Levering Sledge Hammers, and I’m often asked by steel benders if Sledge Levering is a good option for building better bending strength.

In today’s video, I address this topic: Will Sledge Hammer Levering Help Me Bend Bigger Steel:

Does Hammer Levering Help Build Bending Strength?

This is honestly a pretty big change in my line of thinking. In fact, in both my Nail Bending eBook and Nail Bending DVD, I suggest Sledge Hammer Levering to bring up their bending.

However, I always try to learn and develop, both as a lifter and a coach. Since working with dozens of benders over the last few years, I’m convinced that Sledge Hammer Levering isn’t as necessary as I once thought.

Also, in talking with many big benders over the years, the consensus, by far is that BENDING is what you should focus on in order to get good at bending.

I still stand by the fact that Sledge Levering will help you in conditioning your wrists for bending. In fact, I suggest a minimum 4-week ramp-up period where the various wrist movement patterns are trained with gradually increasing intensity, prior to doing any bending.

I recommend Sledge Levering for beginners because it allows you to work so many beneficial ranges of motion and movement patterns that are needed with steel bending, including both non-braced and braced bending methods.

However, once you start actually bending full time, or at least making steel bending one of your primary goals in your training, I think it’s most important to focus on purposeful bending, working your way up the ladder, and continually working on perfecting your technique and force production on actual nails and bars. At that point, Sledge Work can take a back seat, and be used mainly as a recovery method between bending sessions, and for keeping things like Tennis Elbow and Golfers Elbow as far away as possible.

I hope today’s post has been helpful toward directing you down as straight and as short a path as possible to your ultimate bending goals.

If you’re interested in more Steel Bending information, please check out the resources that countless other steel slayers have tapped into. The links are below.

Nail Bending eBook: Since 2005, this digital manual has helped more people start out on the right track with their bending than any other resource on the planet. It includes pictorials of how to properly execute all the major and minor bending techniques, dozens of different exercises for building lower arm strength and preventing injuries, as well as a full 9-week lower arm conditioning program for beginner benders.

Nail Bending DVD: Released in 2011, this video picks up where the ebook left off, walking you through the process of becoming a great bender. It shows you the proper way to wrap your steel for powerful bending, and you can see bars bent right on your computer screen or TV. Grab you steel, get your wraps, and let’s do a couple bends together as you play this DVD right in your own living room or home gym.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Training to Bend the Red Nail?
Get the Go-to Resource for Nail Bending: The Nail Bending Ebook

The Strength of Steel and Bending Stock

Over the years, lots of people have asked me questions about the strength of steel and bending stock. Because steel bending can be so obsessive, and the need to constantly bend more stuff can overtake an individual so intensely, it can be easy to understand why so many people are hungry for this knowledge.

Common Questions about Bending Stock Strength

Here are some of the types of questions I get most often:

“How Strong is my Steel?”
People will be bending a certain nail, bolt or piece of stock and want to know if it is a good bend or not. This is understandable, because people like to know where they stand.

“What nail/bolt/stock should I go to next if I am bending THIS and want to bend THAT?”
Most people want to ultimately be able to bend a certain bar, whether it is the Red Nail or some other high level bend like the Bastard from Fat Bastard Barbell or the Battle Bar from Benders Battlefield. Along the road to this goal it’s nice to know which bends to attempt along the way.

“How far am I from the Red Nail if I am bending this or that…”
Sometimes people are seeing progress by cutting what they can bend down to shorter lengths, or they have been moving up to harder graded bolts or slightly thicker stock, but they still want to know how far away they are from their goal.

And there are many, many more questions I receive about the strength of bending stock.

Comparing Strengths of Various Pieces of Bending Stock

There is a system that is used to rate the strength level of bars. This has proven to be quite useful in getting an idea of where different bars lie in relationship to one another, and it even works well for a variety of different stock, including Round Steel, Graded Bolts, Drill Rod, and even square and hex steel.

This system was innovated by Eric Milfeld and later Mike Krahling. These are just the guys that I am most aware of in the United States who are doing it. There may indeed be many more who are doing this.

This process involves special attachments that are put onto the bending stock being rated, followed by using the steel to pull against weight until it bends to the desired angle. Once the stock bends to that angle, it is assigned its strength level.

This process is often labeled “calibration,” although there has also been debate about whether that is the proper term. Perhaps a better term to describe it would be simply “rating the stock.”

Regardless of what you call this process, it has proven to be a fairly reliable method for a solid comparison tool, as well as something to base your progressions and purchases upon.

In the video below, Mike Krahling demonstrates the process of rating the strength of a steel bar.

Now, what you see here is just one bar being rated, but over the years, many bars have been rated and also logged for comparison at the AZ Grip website. You can see the strength comparison chart here: Steel Bending Progressions.

Now, there are limits to this process, and that needs to be understood from the beginning.

For instance, steel varies and it can vary quite a bit. Just because you bought a Red Nail back in 2004 does not mean that a Red Nail that you buy right now will rate out at the exact same number. New stock might have been selected to be used at some point. (Of course, the Red Nail is still a Beast to bend, so no disrespect to IronMind.)

Variance of Steel Strength

As I point out in this post, Strength Variations of Steel, it is possible to see strength variance within the same piece of steel. Remember that steel is created in long lengths and then cut down in order to bend in shorter lengths. There can be quite a bit of variation within one of those virgin bars pulled out at the factory. So in that regard, you have to understand that just because you buy a 7-inch by 5/16-inch length of Cold Rolled Steel, it does not guarantee that you are ready to certify on the Red Nail, even though the Red Nail, too, is 7 X 5/16 CRS.

Variance in Steel Strength & Differences by Length

Also, you have to remember that you must take the readings of bars of different lengths very carefully. For instance, if you look at that chart, it lists the Red Nail, 7 X 5/16 in length and diameter, at 420-lbs in order to bend. Also, that chart lists a Linear “S” Grade 5 Bolt 6 X 1/4 in length and diameter at 425. An assumption that has often been made is that if one can bend that Linear “S” Grade 5 Bolt, then they surely must be able to bend the Red Nail, which is rated at 5-lbs lighter.

Unfortunately, this assumption is completely wrong, because the Grade 5 bolt is only 6 inches long, meaning there is less leverage available to produce a bend using the testing device. In reality, if the Grade 5 in question were 7-inches long, it would feel like bending a coat-hanger.

Comparing Different Bars

So, as you utilize the chart, make sure that you remember that comparisons should be made between different pieces of stock of the same length only. Also remember that the way the calibrating set-up bends the bar is not completely the same as the way the bar bends when you bend it, so just because a piece of stock rates higher than another piece of stock using the device, does not necessarily mean it will feel harder to bend when you try it.

Solid Resource

Even with this handful of limitations, the “Steel Progression Chart” is a very good resource for you in your bending training. It has been an extremely helpful tool for both new benders looking for ways to progress in their bending, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for stepping stones to their ultimate bending goal.

In fact, I reference this chart quite often with my coaching clients who are looking for progressions in their steel bending programs. And now, it is a tool you can place in your toolbox to reference whenever you need it.

All the best in your bending,

Jedd

Hello DIESELS!

I have been thinking about doing this for quite some time (since about March) and I am finally going to do it.

August is Classic Strongman Feats Month at Diesel Crew for the Diesel Grip Strength Challenge.

We will be having the first ever On-line Grip Strength Tournament. Here’s a video talking about the Tournament.

The way this will work is you all will submit videos as is regularly done and a bracket will be formed at random from the submissions.

The bracket will look just like any Tournament Bracket, like the NSCA for example.

Each week, the submissions will go into a hat and be pulled at random to fill the bracket and whoever out-duels the other person either wins, loses or there is a draw.

This will be a 5-week tournament, and each week will be a different feat of strength.

This week, for Week 1 in the Classic Strongman Feats Tournament is Reverse Style Bending.

You can have your choice of bending stock from the following selections:

• 40D Nail
• 60D Twisted Spike
• 60D Non-Twisted Spike
• Grade 5 Bolt
• Grade 8 Bolt
• 6″ X 5/16″ Hot Rolled Steel Bar
• 6″ X 5/16″ Cold Rolled Steel Bar

All of these items can be readily obtained through places like Ace Hardware, Home Depot, etc. Also, I have a bunch of Grade 5’s and Grade 8’s that I will send people for $1.50 apiece plus shipping.

To allow as many people to enter this Tournament as possible, almost all types of wraps will be allowed, meaning any soft material, such as towels, rags, denim, cordura, IronMind Pads (IMP’s), suede, etc,, as long as they are no longer than 12″ in length and 4.5″ in width. (**If you are not sure if your wraps count, please send me an email).

If you are wondering What Is a Grade 5 or a Grade 8 Bolt, then check out this video on my YouTube Channel = > What are Graded Bolts.

Rules of the Bend

• Must use Reverse Style / Terminator Technique
• No part of the lower arms below the elbow can touch the body during the bend
• The Bend must be completed within 30 seconds
• After the 30 seconds is complete, the bar must be bent to at least 40 degrees
• The bar has to be straight before bending. Once you attempt a bar, you can not attempt it again.

Feel free to attempt multiple bends throughout the week. Just make sure to send me your best bending video by 8PM on Friday, August 5, 2011.

How to Measure Your Bend

My buddy, Mike Rinderle has put together this video for you on how to measure your bent bars.

How to Wrap and Bend Reverse Style

Here is a video that I did showing how the Bars should be wrapped and how Reverse style is done.

Video Identification Requirements

• Title: DieselCrew.com Grip Strength Challenge – Classic Strongman Feat Week 1
• Description: http://www.dieselcrew.com Grip Strength Strongman Feats
• Tags: grade 5 bolt bend, reverse bending, strongman feats

Alrighty DIESELS – get your best bends done and get me the videos.

Jedd

P.S. Need instructions on how to bend? Check out my Bending Resources below…

Nail Bending eBook = > How to Bend Nails

Nail Bending DVD = > Nail Bending Explained

The “Beast In The East” Steel Bending Comp
Promoted by Mike Krahling
Submitted by Mike Rinderle

The Beast in the East Steel Bending Competition will be held this Saturday, May 14th, at 10AM. Some of the best steel benders in the United States will be converging on Exton, PA to compete for hundreds of dollars in cash and prizes.
(more…)

Even though I released the Nail Bending DVD over two months ago, the fantastic feedback continues to roll in. I really appreciate the kind words that you have been sending in, and I’d like to share more of it with you.

Get your copy of Nail Bending: How to Melt Steel with Your Bare Hands < = Click That Link

I’m a happy guy Jedd. At 2 different times today I was able to crush the yellow nail. Once at home and then Down at the gym after all the guys yanked on it, and couldn’t move it. So that’s 2 today full crush.

Your Dvd has helped me tons and I get new stuff from it every time I look at it. What a treasure. Thanks again for putting out a awesome product! I’m eyeballing that blue nail, LOL…
Tom Guthrie

I received this awesome DVD at the at the start of the year. Only two weeks in and I already have a growing pile of destroyed nails and a grin from ear to ear. Very informative, clear explanations of techniques from beginning to end with absolutely no confusion. The section on injury prevention and rehab
is worth the asking price alone. If you want to progress quickly and safely with this unique skill this is a great way to start. Thank You!!
Alastair Hart
Enthusiastic Newcomer from the UK

After reading the Bending eBook, I went out and bent a 7″ piece of CRS and a 6″ Piece of CRS! Imagine my disappointment when Ace Hardware didn’t have 60D nails!

I watched the DVD last night. The Technique, and Wrapping sections were priceless. The stretching, recovery, assistance drills, were like the icing on the cake! It’s like you let out ALL THE SECRETS!

I wondered how to wrap the head of the nail. It makes total sense now! More great stuff from Diesel Crew!!!

Marc M. McLellan
Special Investigative Support Technician, Federal Bureau of Prisons

Submit your feedback by leaving a comment below or post it on my wall.

The clock is ticking down and the Nail Bending DVD will be available in just a matter of days.

I’ve sent the master into the printing company. These guys are great and save me so much time I can’t even put it into words. They get the disks to you guys within a matter of days and I have never had a complaint from anyone about their service.

I’ve got all of the artwork ready for the disk. I think this is without a doubt the best artwork I have had made for any DVD I have put out. I work with Rory, from Stronger Designs and he is a blast. He never complains about how nit-picky I am and seems to virtually read my mind when I describe a new design to him. When you don’t have the patience or skills to mess with Photoshop, Rory is the guy to go to in order to get something designed, in my opinion.

Next, I am working on getting a software system in place to take orders. I guess in the internet world, this is called a “Shopping Cart.” Who knows? I’m much more comfortable busting my ass in the gym trying to pick stuff up than working with new software, so I have a dude that is going to work with me on this one too. I believe this step will help me serve all of you better by more easily processing payments.

I know lots of you are chomping at the bit to get your hands on this DVD so you can learn how to bend nails and other stock the right way. Nail bending is, after all, one of the coolest feats of strength there is!

Action Item for YOU! If you want to be notified of when this Game Breaking DVD comes out, sign up for my Bending Newsletter. People on this list will get a special price the first day the DVD goes on sale.

IMPORTANT: This will also serve as one of my primary newsletters going forward, so make sure to sign up so you don’t miss out on anything down the line, because I’ve got tons of stuff in the works…

So, go here to be notified of coming developments = > Nail Bending with Napalm.

All the best in your training,

Jedd

Hi guys, it’s Jedd here.

Over the last few weeks I have literally been more productive and creative than I have in years and as a result I have several new things coming down the pike.

The first project that I am going to be releasing is a new DVD called, “Nail Bending: How to Melt Steel with Your Bare Hands.”

If you are interested in signing up for one of my new email newsletters, please go to this link = > Bending DVD Info.

I will be releasing the DVD at a special price for those on my Mailing List, so make sure to sign up to get the DVD at the best possible price.

I am transitioning to a completely new email communications system, and very soon will only be using the new one, so if you are receiving emails from me through Constant Contact, make sure you sign up above so that we can remain in touch.

Go here to sign up for updates = > Bending DVD Info

As you can see, the Bending DVD is going to be the best product available for learning how to bend nails, steel, and bolts and continually improve while also avoiding injuries. In addition, the hand health practices I show in this DVD are applicable to all other forms of Grip Training and many other aspects of strength and conditioning as well.

So don’t delay, SIGN UP TODAY. Bending DVD Info

Thanks and all the best in your training.

Jedd

When it comes to bending, there are some questions that seem to get asked over and over…

• What is the typical bender like?
• How does somebody get involved in Nail Bending?
• Why would someone want to bend nails in the first place?

Recently, Carl Donati Jr put together a guest post that answers many of these questions. If Bending Nails is something you’ve heard about, thought about doing, or wanted to pursue, have a look at what he says about his beginnings with Nail Bending, how he’s progressed, and what he has done to be at the level he is right now: A recently certified Red Nail Bender…

The Journey Into Nail Bending

Carl Donati Jr, Bending the Red Nail

I am writing this article to both generate interest in and provide a “push” to those that may be on the fringe of taking on steel bending. I hope to contribute something that may help in some small way. This information is aimed primarily at the beginner or intermediate. As I am writing this, I will be making my official certification attempt at bending the IronMind Red Nail in less than a week. I have come a long way in my bending skill, but still have a lot to learn and a long road ahead.

I have trained with weights consistently since I was eleven years old. I have come full-circle from a decade (+) long affair with bodybuilding to my current path as a competitive powerlifter. When I began competing as a powerlifter in my early thirties, I quickly found out my wrist strength was not up-to-par, as I obtained a moderate wrist strain when doing heavy doubles on bench one day. At this point, I began looking at ways to build up my wrist strength in a way that this type of injury would not happen again and derail my training as it had.

I did the typical stuff you’d expect in a commercial gym (wrist curls with a dumbbell and barbell, reverse wrist curls, fat bar holds … etc.), but didn’t really find what I was looking for until I came across information on the Captains of Crush Hand Grippers and later the IronMind catalog. I started to train with the grippers, doing OK over the first year. I think I was able to close the # 2 at this time. (My progress stalled but incremental gains here have me working toward the #2.5). I began to explore the IronMind catalog and incorporated several things into my training, including the Hub Pinch, the Rolling Thunder, and the Wrist Lever. About two years ago, I purchased the Bag-of-Nails. The rest is history, as I became hooked that first night!

As I think back to the day the Bag-of-Nails arrived, I remember excitedly looking through all of the contents and visualizing what I was going to do that night with the stock (nails). I looked at the white and green nails and thought, “Ok, these are definitely possible.” I looked at the yellow and blue and thought that it would take a lot of training to get to that level. When I held up and examined the Red Nail, I really did not think it was possible to bend this behemoth!

I bent double underhand with my pinkies touching using single IronMind Pads (IMP’s) for the entire first year. My first month consisted of folding the wraps into a square and putting the nails into the pads, then folding them over. It was only after doing some research that I began to roll the wrap around the nail and secured it with a rubber band. In retrospect, what I have learned and would do differently those first few months would be to seek out someone who is experienced and observe and train with them. If this is not possible, I would join the Gripboard and read/view videos, then submit my own bends for critique.

Double Underhand Bending Technique

Getting back to the double underhand (DU) style… I focused on technique and took small steps for that first half-year. It wasn’t until the last quarter of my first year I finally bent the yellow DU (Double Underhand). My progress from the yellow to the blue was very quick, unlike that first eight months. At this time, I was unaware of the Fat Bastard Barbell Company (FBBC) and their steel stock. If I would have incorporated their steel into my training, my initial progress would have been a lot smoother. The FBBC has a wide selection of steel and bolts to help facilitate your road to the Red (if that is what your goal is) in jumping between the IronMind stock and chasing other certifications such as Bender’s Battlefield, FBBC, or the Gripboard. Local hardware stores are another great location to purchase bolts and nails. For a great list of online steel/bolt suppliers and ranking of bending stock difficulty, read the appropriate sections in the Diesel Crew Bending e-Book.

After my first year, I became aware of the Diesel Crew blog and read some of the bending articles. The tips were helping me immensely and I decided to buy the Bending e-Book. After reading the e-book, I began to experiment with the Double Overhand (DO) style. The contents in Jedd Johnson’s book, along with advice I was receiving on the Gripboard enabled me to make excellent progress in the DO style of bending.

Double Overhand Bending Technique

I continued to bend DU and DO, with good progress in both techniques. It was soon thereafter I bent my first graded bolt and then a harder grade 8 bolt. At this point, I focused more on the DO style and began working my wrists with the 8-pound sledgehammer and Rolling Thunder. I also worked on my shoulder flexibility with stretches and bar hangs.

Sledge Hammer Levering

I feel that the most important accessory in my own training that helped me keep my wrists healthy and improved my all-around wrist and hand strength were the sledge levers. In doing these, I typically do 3 sets of front and rear levers for 6 – 8 reps. The levers are done in between bends. I am not very proficient in the Rolling Thunder but do this 2 times per week for ten second holds and singles.

Looking back through my training logs, one interesting point to make is that many of my PR bends were done in between sets of heavy squats and deadlifts. I did not do a strictly dedicated bending workout until I started bending the 5/16” diameter stuff. I have compared my intensity on heavy S/DL days with specific bends to that of the same stock on non-lifting days and the former wins by far. Personally, I am in a better mindset on my heavy days to explode into the steel, though have been bridging the gap in recent months.

This takes me to the pre-bend psych-up. I have worked on focused deep breathing exercises and visualization techniques. Prior to the bend, I consciously track each breath in and out until I am in a relaxed, but focused state. At this point, I briefly rehearse what I will be doing with the outcome being the destruction of the steel.

Reverse Style Bending

As mentioned above, I started to bend double underhand and then switched to double overhand. Several months back, I began to experiment with the reverse grip. To me, this style of bending (hands low with thumbs touching) feels better and more natural then DU. And reverse bending is a lot of fun! At the current time, I am getting better at reverse grip, where I am now bending grade 5’s to almost 40 degrees. I hope to continue my progress with this style and will continue to work to improve it as much as I can. As my bending progresses, I will continue to work all three styles of bending: double overhand, double underhand, and reverse style.

IronMind Pads

Lastly, I would like to touch briefly on the types of wraps I used and continue to bend with. As mentioned previously, I bent exclusively with the IronMind pads (IMP’s) for the entire first year. Although these pads were tough on the hands – I had many blisters and cuts those first few months – I think by doing this, my hands became conditioned to the point now where the calluses protect against almost any problem. When I jumped up to the 5/16” bolts and CRS (Cold-Rolled Steel), I bent using the IMP’s with a small piece of leather wrapped around it for a total diameter of about 1.2.” Upon taking the bolt/bar down to 2″, I would cut a small piece off from the leather and work with until I was proficient… and so on until I was bending using just the IronMind wraps.

I hope I was able to provide you with some tips that help with your bending or enable you to reach another level of stock. To me, bending has permeated many other parts of my life (powerlifting, work, motivation, etc.) in a positive way. It has taught me how to focus intensely on one specific thing and transfer my energy in an explosive manner. A great aspect of steel bending is the many short-term goals you end up setting and achieving, and the mental effect of that success on your psyche. Many days, I find myself rushing home to start bending or skipping my off days because I just can’t wait.

If you are thinking about getting started, don’t waste any more time and just do it! Going all the way back to one of my original reasons to start bending – to help prevent wrist strains for the bench press – I haven’t had a problem with my benching since I started to bend steel.

Carl Donati, JR – Certified Red Nail Bender

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Carl, thanks so much for submitting your guest post and congratulations on your recent certification on the Red Nail. Also thanks for the props on the Nail Bending eBook. I am glad it has been helpful to you in your Journey in Steel Bending.

P.S. If you’d like to get started with Nail Bending safely, there is no better resource that the Nail Bending eBook

Ultimate Forearm Training for Baseball | How to Bend Nails | How to Tear Cards | Feats of Grip Strength Explained | How to Build Your Own Equipment | How to Lift Atlas Stones | The Sh*t You’ve Never Seen | Sled Dragging for Athletes | The Road to the Record DVD

Double Overhand Bending

I’ve done a great deal of steel bending in my time. I’ve bent nails, bolts, steel stock, horse shoes, widow makers and more. I’ve bent alongside some of the best steel benders in the world in grip contests.

How to Improve at Bending

When it comes to building strength for bending, there is no doubt that the best option is BENDING. Buying the piles of nails, ordering the stock , wrapping the bolts, and bending the hell out them all on a regular basis. This is the number one way to get better because it is the only specific type of training for it.

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THIS KILLER POST AFTER THE JUMP (more…)

If you are bending steel with the reverse technique, you may be having trouble moving on to the next bending level. Chances are the thing holding you back in the reverse technique is your kink strength. If you get a good kink on the nail, bolt, or stock, it will be that much easier to finish the bend off. However, if your kink is weak, you will have to work harder in the transition to double overhand.

To clear a few things up, if you are new to steel bending, here are some pictures to show you what exactly I am talking about.

Reverse Bending (also known as Terminator Style)

LOTS OF TIPS ON REVERSE BENDING IN THIS POST ==> (more…)

If you are thinking about starting nail bending, my ebook is a great place to start. You can check it out here ===> How to Bend Nails.

Not sure it’s a quality product? Check out these videos. I have never met this fellow in my life, but he is Jordan Vezina, and he has done many quality videos like this on YouTube. His site is Average To Elite. Please check him out. He is a an RKC and ISSA certified fitness instructor in Palo Alto CA.

He is one of many kettlebell practitioners that have enjoyed the Nail Bending eBook. Although kettlebell lifting and nail Bending may seem totally different, there are actually many similarities:

You must prepare the implement. You chalk the kettlebell handle in order to get the best grip, and you chalk the nail and wraps to get the best friction on the nail.

You must pay attention to technique. If you do not use proper technique with kettlebells, you will not produce maximal strength. If you do not practice good technique with nail bending, you will not bend the nail.

YOU MUST CREATE TENSION. Tension throughout the body contributes to better form and command with the kettlebell. Creating tension throughout the body when bending nails gets the kink started and allows you to finish the nail off.

The similarities go on and on. If you are a kettlebell practitioner, I encourage you to try out the Nail Bending eBook and learn how to bend nails safe and strong today.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-