How to keep your equipment going longer

Buying new equipment is always fun and you want to use it until it breaks. But to have your machines serving you for many years to come, maintenance is a must. Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your equipment but also its performance and safety.

In this post we’ll cover the maintenance routines, lubricants and cleaning methods to keep your equipment running at its best.

Gym Equipment Maintenance Guide Step-By-Step

General Safety: When you first get your equipment read all the warning labels and instructions. These guidelines are important for safe use and to avoid injuries and unexpected downtime that can disrupt your workout.

Regular Cleaning: After each use clean your equipment to prevent sweat and bodily fluids from causing corrosion or bad odors. Use mild soap and water or antibacterial spray to wipe down upholstery and metal parts. Make sure everything is dry to prevent rust. This simple routine keeps you clean and protects your equipment from long term damage.

Weekly/Monthly Lubrication: To prevent squeaks and friction that can lead to cable failure, apply WD-40 Dry Lube or 100% silicone spray to cables, guide rods and machine joints. Use a clean cloth to wipe all moving parts evenly. For weight stacks make sure guide rods are well lubricated. This maintenance reduces wear and tear and minimizes part replacements.

Cleaning Knurled Bars: The knurled grips on barbells and dumbbells collect sweat, dirt and debris. To clean them use a brush with mild detergent to scrub away buildup. Then wipe the bars with a cloth soaked in 3:1 oil mixture to maintain the steel and cleanliness. Do this weekly or monthly to have a safe and comfortable grip during your workouts.

General Inspections: Weekly inspections are important to make sure your machines are working properly. Check all bolts and fasteners for looseness and tighten as needed. Check belts, cables, handles and grips for wear and damage. Also check weight stacks are properly aligned and moving smoothly along the guide rods. Addressing these issues early can prevent bigger problems later.

Cardio Equipment Care: Cardio machines like treadmills need special attention. Monthly vacuum around and inside the treadmill track to keep the mechanism free from debris and ensure smooth operation. Also inspect power cords, belts and deck surfaces every quarter. Always unplug the treadmill before doing any maintenance to avoid electrical shock.

Replacing Worn Parts: Despite regular maintenance parts like belts and cables will wear out. Do annual inspections to check for deterioration. When replacement is needed refer to your machine’s manual to order the correct parts using the model and serial numbers. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacement keeps your equipment in top condition.

How to Maintain Machine Components

Painted Frames Check for chips or scratches on the powder coated areas of your equipment’s frame. Minor scratches can be cleaned with a cloth and alcohol and then re-painted. For more severe damage where metal is exposed use fine sandpaper to smooth the area before cleaning and re-painting. This prevents corrosion and maintains the look of your equipment. Always wear safety glasses when sanding and painting.

Chromed Parts: Unpainted chromed parts use silicon based lubricants. Clean all movable and contact surfaces thoroughly to prevent buildup and smooth operation.

Guide Rods and Shafts: Wipe down guide rods and linear shafts regularly to keep them dirt and grime free. Apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to prevent peeling and for smooth movement.

Nuts and Bolts: Check nuts and bolts weekly or monthly to make sure they are tightened but not over tightened. If any fasteners show wear replace with standard hardware available at most hardware stores, no need to order special parts.

Cables and Belts: Check cables and belts for secure attachment, cracks or fraying. Adjust tension as needed to eliminate slack or reduce tightness. Replace any damaged cables or belts to maintain safety and functionality of the equipment.

Bushings and Bearings: Located at pivot points, bushings and bearings need annual lubrication. Check for wear and replace if necessary to prevent damage to other parts.

Attachment: Check the attachment on your equipment for tears or damage. Replace any compromised attachment to maintain comfort and appearance of the machines.

Essential Tools and Supplies

To maintain your equipment properly you will need:

• Lubricants: 100% silicone spray or WD-40 Dry Lube
• Cleaning Solutions: Mild detergent or antibacterial spray
• Cloths: Clean towels or rags
• Tools: Sandpaper, combo wrench set, ratchet set, Allen wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, rubber mallet
• Safety Gear: Rubber gloves and safety glasses

Additional Tips

Keep yourself informed of the warranties of different parts of your equipment as some parts may have different warranty period. Refer to your equipment’s manual to know the warranty of pads, rollers, grips, hardware, frames and welds. Also keep the owner’s manual handy when ordering parts or doing maintenance.

Bottom Line

Maintenance is the key to longevity of your equipment. Follow this guide and your machines will be functional and efficient so you can work out more without the hassle of repairs or part replacement. Take the time to maintain today and your equipment will last for years to come.