Gave Some 10" Spikes A Go....need Advice

[dansweeney]

So, I decided to have at some 10" spikes. I got a good kink in the Lowes one, not good on the "3-G's" brand one. My question for all you braced benders is: Once you have a good kink, if you switch to a "post one hand on the thigh and press down with the other" for the sweep, do you get more leverage holding the arm thats pressing down "closer" to your body(Elbow in) or farther away? Im sure like people posted before its all core strength, which I am currently lacking, but I just want to use the most efficient method!

Thanks, Dan

Pics are in my gallery.

[wscorpion]

So, I decided to have at some 10" spikes. I got a good kink in the Lowes one, not good on the "3-G's" brand one. My question for all you braced benders is: Once you have a good kink, if you switch to a "post one hand on the thigh and press down with the other" for the sweep, do you get more leverage holding the arm thats pressing down "closer" to your body(Elbow in) or farther away? Im sure like people posted before its all core strength, which I am currently lacking, but I just want to use the most efficient method!

Thanks, Dan

Pics are in my gallery.

For me personally (although I'm not bending braced that long) the biggest strength is between my thighs, I've used the other technique as well, but I'm still not that strong in that technique...

[supersqueeze]

Actually, the gut strength aspect of bending these mid-length bars is not often discussed. As you pointed out though, it is often the limiting factor.

[Tim71]

The between the thighs is where my best bends are accomplished too but I have done quite a bit of the style you're refering too also. Typically I think the closer you can hold your hand in the better.

Couple things that may break it loose for you. First, especially when you start, don't feel bad to use a rolled up towel on your thigh. Second, sometimes just switching when hand the head of the spike is in will shake it up. I've even switched and posted with the opposite hand and basically did everything backwards. Anybody who has both of Big Steve's DVDs will notice that in Vol 2 he bends opposite of vol 1.

You've got an excellent start. Use something to bend it a little more then see where you can finish it off from. That will give you some practice and it will eventually go for you. Probably sooner than you think.

Tim

[gazza]

When you are pushing down lock the wrist and try and pull the fist/hand under the shoulder/pec area that way you can push down and brace the wrist/hand against the shoulder/pec area so that its harder to deflect the wrist you also have the arm and shouldert pushing in unisun plus the added upper body weight of those as well.

Also on the supporting hand the one against the thigh try not to have to much wrist hanging over the thigh as it will deflect from the pressure you are pushing down with vary you hand placement against your thigh till you feel that you can reply apply full pressure down on it without the hand wanting to open up or move.

[Brad Manion]

Dan,

As I am still stuck on the 12" x 3/8" GripRite spikes (bright common nails, not galvanized) and have yet to do a braced bend of a 10" spike myself, take what I say with a grain of salt.

I prefer to post my left hand on my left thigh and then keep my right hand close to my body as I bear down on the spike for the sweep. I just tried a mimic of the motion, and Gazza's description is perfect.

By the way, exactly what brands were you using from Lowe's? Were they galvanized. It seems that a lot of people bend the galvanized stuff much easier, and I might give that a go on the 10" spikes before going back to the GripRite Bright Common stuff I've been trying.

Good luck.

Brad

[dansweeney]

Guys, thanks for all the tips! Im still a little sore in the torso from the cranking I did trying to finish the easier spike, but I will use your collective advice on my next attempt. Brad, they are galvanized and there wasnt really any brand name on the bin where I got them. I can tell you that they are WAY easier than the "3-G's" Brand shiny 10 inchers I got! Ill just use the lowes ones for volume till I can put a decent kink in the shiny ones....

Dan

[kerbjr]

Another tip that has worked for me is pushing down for longer periods of time ie not giving up when the nail fails to kink right off the bat, but keeping the pressure on, someitimes it will eventually go..

[Tim71]

Another tip that has worked for me is pushing down for longer periods of time ie not giving up when the nail fails to kink right off the bat, but keeping the pressure on, someitimes it will eventually go..

Oh yeah I agree 100% on this one. I forgot about that. I've definately had quite a few things give way if you just keep the pressure on it for a few seconds.

I forgot about that one. Great point.

Tim