Doorway pull up bar: how to choose one and set it up safely
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- Leverage-style multi-grip doorway bar. Best for: Renters who want pull-ups without drilling. See options on Amazon
- Telescopic door frame pull up bar. Best for: Door frames with flat, solid jambs and a width inside the maker's range. See options on Amazon
- Doorway bar with assist band. Best for: Beginners working toward their first pull-up. See options on Amazon
Leverage bars vs telescopic bars
| Style | How it holds | Example specs |
|---|---|---|
| Leverage | Rests on the top molding, presses on side moldings | Stamina: 24 to 32 inch frames, 250 lb limit |
| Telescopic | Locks between the side jambs | PULLUP & DIP: 69 to 90 cm frames, up to 200 kg |
| Wall mounted | Bolts to studs or concrete | Permanent; see our wall guide |
Leverage bars are the common no-screw style sold for doorways, and many add multiple grips for wide, narrow and neutral pull-ups. If you want a permanent bar instead, see our wall mounted pull up bar guide.
Measure your door frame first
Fit is the first test. Stamina says its Boulder Fit Door Gym fits standard door frames 24 to 32 inches wide. PULLUP & DIP says its telescopic bar fits frames 69 to 90 cm wide. Measure the inside width of your frame and compare it with the maker's range before you order.
For leverage bars, look closely at the trim. Stamina warns that a weak door frame or moldings can cause the unit to fail and dislodge from the doorway, so make sure the frame and moldings are secure and solid before installing. Thin, loose or cracked trim is a reason to choose a wall mounted bar instead.
Weight limits and who should use it
- Read the user limit. Stamina says its Boulder Fit Door Gym should not be used by people weighing over 250 pounds. PULLUP & DIP lists up to 200 kg for its telescopic bar.
- One person at a time. Stamina says only one person should use it at a time.
- Home use only. Stamina's manual says the product is for home use only, not institutional or commercial settings.
- Keep children away. Stamina says children should not use or play around the unit, and children and pets should be kept away while it is in use.
Safe setup, step by step
- Install the safety wedge. Stamina's leverage-style bar uses a safety wedge slid, pointed side down, behind the top door frame molding.
- Seat the bar fully on the top of the frame with the side pads resting against the moldings.
- Tug test. Stamina says to tug down on the handlebars before use to make sure the unit is securely installed.
- Inspect regularly. Check for worn or loose parts, tighten or replace them, and keep the bar out of use until repaired.
- Remove after each session. Stamina says the bar is not designed for permanent installation and should be removed and stored until next use.
How to use it safely
Stamina's manual says not to swing or play on the bar and not to hang upside down. It also says to avoid loose or dangling clothing, to train within your limits, and to stop and consult your physician if you feel faint, dizzy or have pain.
Pull-ups count toward strength goals. The CDC says adults need muscle-strengthening activity on 2 or more days a week that works all major muscle groups, including the back, shoulders and arms that pull-ups train. If you cannot do a full pull-up yet, some doorway bars come with an assist band; PULLUP & DIP includes a light pull-up band with its doorway bar.
Extra features worth checking
- Grip options. PULLUP & DIP lists wide, narrow, chin-up and parallel grips on its doorway bar.
- Height adjustment. Its doorway bar has a 3-step adjustable mounting bracket.
- Floor use. PULLUP & DIP says its doorway bar can also be used on the floor for push-ups or sitting dips.
- Padding. Look for protective pads at every contact point with the frame.
- Storage size. Stamina lists its door gym at 37 by 19 by 11 1/2 inches and 11.5 lbs.
What to look for when you buy
Leverage-style multi-grip doorway bar
Best for: Renters who want pull-ups without drilling
Hooks over a standard door frame with no screws and offers several grip positions; Stamina's version fits 24 to 32 inch frames.
Watch out: Needs solid trim and a safety wedge. Check the maker's user weight limit, such as 250 lbs on Stamina's model.
See options on AmazonTelescopic door frame pull up bar
Best for: Door frames with flat, solid jambs and a width inside the maker's range
PULLUP & DIP lists its telescopic bar for frames 69 to 90 cm wide and up to 200 kg.
Watch out: Frame width must fall within the stated range. Recheck the lock before every session.
See options on AmazonDoorway bar with assist band
Best for: Beginners working toward their first pull-up
PULLUP & DIP includes a light pull-up band with its doorway bar to support pull-ups.
Watch out: Bands add support, not safety. The bar still needs a secure frame and a tug test.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Are doorway pull up bars safe?
- They can be when the frame and moldings are solid, the bar fits your frame, you stay under the weight limit and you tug test it first.
- Will a doorway pull up bar fit my door?
- Measure the frame. Stamina lists 24 to 32 inches for its door gym; PULLUP & DIP lists 69 to 90 cm for its telescopic bar.
- Can I leave the bar in the doorway?
- Stamina says its leverage bar is not designed for permanent installation and should be removed after use.
- How much weight can a doorway pull up bar hold?
- It depends on the model. Stamina lists a 250 pound user limit; PULLUP & DIP lists up to 200 kg for its telescopic bar.
- Can I swing or do kipping on it?
- Stamina's manual says not to swing or play on the bar, or hang upside down.
Sources
- Boulder Fit Door Gym Owner's Manual, Model 50-0085 (resources.staminaproducts.com), Stamina Products
- Doorway Pull-Up Bar For The Door Frame (pullup-dip.com), PULLUP & DIP
- Telescopic Door Pull-up Bar (pullup-dip.com), PULLUP & DIP
- Adult Activity: An Overview (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention