Overview
The Rogue Grandfather Clock Grip System is a specialized grip strength implement designed to take your pull-up and hang training to the next level. Named for its resemblance to the internal pendulum of a grandfather clock, these vertical cylindrical grips remove the mechanical advantage of wrapping your hand around a horizontal bar. By forcing a vertical "pinch" or "crush" grip, they target the forearms and finger extensors with extreme intensity. They are a favorite among rock climbers, OCR athletes, and strength enthusiasts looking to develop "vice-like" hand strength.
Key Features and Specifications
Dimensions: Each grip measures 6” in length and 3” in diameter.
Construction: Heavy-duty steel tubing with fully welded end caps.
Finish: Finished in Rogue’s Signature Texture Black powder coat for a superior, chalk-friendly grip.
Attachment System: Includes (2) heavy-duty 1" x 12" nylon webbing straps and (2) high-strength carabiners.
Mounting: Designed to loop over any pull-up bar, crossmember, or eyelet.
Portability: Compact and lightweight enough to be carried in a gym bag for use at any facility.
Manufacturing: Machined and finished in Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Performance Benefits
Neutral Hand Positioning: The vertical orientation of the grips allows for a neutral hand position (palms facing each other), which can reduce medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) strain compared to pronated pull-ups.
Open-Hand Strength: The 3” diameter is intentionally thick, preventing most athletes from overlapping their fingers. This builds "open-hand" strength, which is critical for climbing and grabbing large, irregular objects.
Core and Shoulder Stability: Because the grips are suspended on straps, they are inherently unstable. This forces the athlete to engage their core and rotator cuff stabilizers to prevent swaying during pulling movements.
Dynamic Loading: These grips can be clipped to kettlebells or Rogue Loading Pins to transform standard exercises like Farmer’s Walks or Shrugs into advanced grip-killers.
Maintenance and Care
Chalk Management: To maintain the effectiveness of the textured finish, use a nylon bristle brush to clear out packed-in chalk and sweat after use.
Strap Safety: Regularly inspect the nylon webbing for any signs of fraying or wear at the contact points with the carabiner or the pull-up bar.
Carabiner Hinge: If used in dusty or chalk-heavy environments, ensure the carabiner gate snaps shut fully. A drop of dry lubricant on the hinge will keep the mechanism smooth.
Storage: While the powder coat is highly durable, it is recommended to store the grips in a dry environment to prevent surface oxidation at the top eyelet where the carabiner makes metal-on-metal contact.
Warranty Information
Rogue Fitness provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the steel Grandfather Clock cylinders against structural failure or defects in materials and workmanship. The nylon webbing straps and carabiners are considered "wear items" and are typically covered under a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects. The warranty does not cover aesthetic damage to the powder coat finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these harder than the Cannonball Grips? A: They provide a different challenge. While Cannonballs require a spherical "cupping" grip, the Grandfather Clock Grips require a vertical "pinch" or "crush" grip. Most users find the vertical cylinders slightly more difficult for pull-ups because there is no "shelf" for the hand to rest on.
Q: Can I use these on a 2x3 or 3x3 rig? A: Yes. The nylon straps are 12" long, which provides plenty of clearance to loop around standard pull-up bars, 2x3" Infinity crossmembers, or 3x3" Monster/Monster Lite beams.
Q: Can an athlete with small hands use these? A: Yes, but it will be an advanced challenge. The 3” diameter is quite large, so users with smaller hands will rely heavily on friction and finger pressure rather than hand closure.
Q: Do these come as a single or a pair? A: The Grandfather Clock Grip System is sold and shipped as a pair, including the straps and carabiners.