5/8" vs 1" Hole Power Racks: Which Is Best for Your Gym?
If you’re shopping for a squat rack, one of the first decisions you’ll run into is hole size: 5/8-inch or 1-inch. At first glance, that tiny difference might not seem like much, but it has a big impact on strength, attachments, and the overall ecosystem of your rack.
Think of me as the helpful store associate walking you through the options — so by the end, you’ll know exactly which style fits your goals, your training space, and your budget.
What’s the Actual Difference?
5/8" Holes are the most common in mid-range and home gym power racks. They’re strong, stable, and cost-effective. On the other hand, 1" Holes are typically found on high-end or commercial-grade racks. They’re beefier, designed for heavier use, and often paired with more premium accessories.
At a glance, both look solid — and they are. The real difference comes down to pin strength and attachment compatibility.
Strength & Durability: Because Shear Force Matters
When we talk hole size, what we’re really considering is the shear strength of the pins that hold your attachments (like J-cups, safety arms, or dip bars).
What shear force means
Shear force is the sideways pressure that tries to slice a bolt across its cross-section. Picture your barbell resting on a pair of J-Cups. The barbell’s weight pushes straight down, but the J-Cups don’t fall because the pin running through the upright holes holds them in place—helped by the bracket that keeps everything aligned.
How to calculate shear force:
The basic formula to get shear is: τ=F/A where τ (tau) = shear stress (force per unit area), F = applied shear force, and A = cross-sectional area of the bolt (based on its diameter).
What is the shear force of a 5/8" steel pin?
To skip all the math and engineering talk, here’s the bottom line: a 5/8" pin can handle up to about 12,000 lbs. That’s right, nearly twelve thousand pounds on a single J-Cup before the pin would even think about failing.
With a 5/8" pin already rated to hold this much weight, it’s stronger than you’ll ever need in a lifetime of training. That’s why, in our opinion, 1-inch holes are simply a waste of money. This is the primary reason why we designed our first line of racks andrack attachments with 5/8" holes, giving you the perfect balance of rock-solid durability, full attachment compatibility, and unbeatable value.
Attachments & Ecosystem
Here’s where the debate usually comes in. Many lifters argue that the 1" hole system has a bigger ecosystem of attachments. And years ago, that was true. But today, the game has changed. The top players in the industry, including Iron Bull Strength, now design all of their rack attachments to be compatible in both 5/8" and 1" pin versions.
That means whether you own a 5/8" rack or a 1" rack, you can get dip bars, safety straps, landmines, jammer arms, and everything in between. You’re no longer locked out of premium options just because you chose the more cost-efficient 5/8" uprights.
Enter the Frankenstein Uprights by Iron Bull Strength
Here’s the good news: you don’t actually have to choose anymore.
At Iron Bull Strength, we created the Frankenstein uprights, a unique design that combines both 5/8" and 1" hole patterns in the same rack. That means you can use any attachment system you want, you’re not locked into one ecosystem, and you get the best of both worlds — cost-friendly 5/8" accessories and ultra-strong 1" options.
It’s a true game-changer for lifters who want flexibility, future-proofing, and zero compromise.
Choosing the Right Rack for You
If you’re building a home gym and want great value without going full commercial grade, a 5/8" rack is the smart choice. Pair it with a sturdy weight bench, a reliable dumbbell rack, and a set of weight plates, and you’ll have everything you need to crush your training goals. If you’re the kind of lifter who wants the absolute strongest setup, loves premium gear, and views your rack as a lifetime investment, then 1" holes follow the “buy once, cry once” philosophy. But if you don’t want to compromise at all, our Frankenstein uprights are the answer — a rack that adapts to you, not the other way around.
No matter which option you choose, remember that your rack is the centerpiece of your training space. It’s where you’ll squat, bench, press, pull, and grow stronger — session after session. That’s why choosing the right one really matters.
To Recap
5/8" Holes
Pros: Holds up to ~12,000 lbs per pin (more than enough for any lifter), most cost-effective, widely available, now supported with premium attachments from top brands.
Cons: Historically had fewer attachment options (but not the case anymore).
1" Holes
Pros: Extra beefy look, slightly higher pin strength, marketed as “commercial grade.”
Cons: More expensive, offers no real strength advantage over 5/8", and only has a slightly larger selection of premium attachments, but not much more.
Winner: Frankenstein Uprights — since they offer both 5/8" and 1" hole options, you don’t have to choose one over the other. You get maximum strength, full attachment compatibility, and unbeatable value in a single rack.
Runner-Up: 5/8" Holes — offering all the strength you could ever need, broad attachment compatibility, and outstanding overall value.
Build the Gym You’ve Always Wanted
At Iron Bull Strength, we don’t just sell gym equipment, we design and manufacture it in-house, from start to finish. Every piece we build is engineered for durability, performance, and long-term reliability.
Whether it’s for a commercial facility or a home gym, investing in gym equipment from Iron Bull Strength means choosing quality that will keep your training safe, effective, and progressing for years to come.
