Losing your grip during deadlifts? Here’s the solution
You’ve warmed up. The weight is on the bar. You sit down, take a breath, and lift – and then the grip gives out. Again.
It’s not your legs failing. It’s not your back. It’s your hands.
If you recognize this scenario, you’re not alone. Grip failure during deadlifts is one of the most common problems among lifters at all levels – and it has a solution.
Why do you lose your grip during deadlifts?
There are three main reasons:
1. Your forearms are weaker than your legs and back This happens to almost everyone who trains strength seriously. Legs and back are large muscle groups that get strong quickly. Forearms and grip strength don’t always keep up at the same pace.
2. You lift too heavy without proper support When the weight exceeds what your grip can handle without help, it’s time to use the right equipment.
3. Your grip technique is wrong Many lifters use a symmetrical overhand grip all the way up – it’s the weakest grip form for deadlifts.
The three solutions – from easiest to most effective
Solution 1: Change grip technique
The easiest first step is to switch to a mixed grip – one hand with overhand grip, one hand with underhand grip. It almost doubles your grip strength instantly.
Disadvantage: Mixed grip can over time create imbalances in the back and increase the risk of biceps injuries on the underhand arm. Use it as a temporary fix – not as a permanent solution.
Solution 2: Train your grip specifically
Add these exercises to your training:
- Farmers walks – walk with heavy weights in your hands as far as you can
- Dead hangs – hang from a pull-up bar as long as you can
- Plate pinches – hold a weight plate between your thumb and fingers
It works – but it takes months to build grip strength, and it doesn’t solve the problem today.
Solution 3: StrapIt Lifting Straps – the most effective solution
Lifting straps are the direct solution to grip failure. They transfer the load from the fingers and forearms to the wrist and entire forearm – so you can focus 100% on the lift.
StrapIt Lifting Straps from MakeIt are designed precisely for this purpose. They are made of strong, durable material that doesn’t slip, cut, or wear on the skin – even during the heaviest lifts.
With StrapIt on your hands, grip is no longer a limiting factor. You lift more. You train harder. Your target muscles work until they are truly exhausted.
How to use lifting straps correctly for deadlifts
Many people use lifting straps incorrectly and don’t get the full benefit. Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: Thread the strap through the loop and tighten it around your wrist – not too tight, not too loose. You should be able to move your wrist.
Step 2: Lay the loose end of the strap over the bar from the inside out.
Step 3: Roll the strap around the bar by rolling your hands inward – the more wraps, the more secure it sits.
Step 4: Grip the bar normally on top of the straps and lift.
It takes 10-15 seconds to put on and gives you a grip that won’t fail regardless of the weight.
When to use straps and when not to?
Use straps for:
- Heavy working sets over 80% of your max
- Exercises where the grip consistently fails before the target muscle
- Deadlifts, rows, rack pulls, shrugs, and pulldowns
Avoid straps for:
- Warm-up sets – build grip strength naturally on the lighter sets
- Exercises where you need to be able to drop the bar quickly
- If you are a complete beginner – first learn to lift without straps
The combination that works best
The lifters who progress fastest combine all three solutions:
- Proper technique – mixed grip when necessary
- Grip training – farmers walks and dead hangs 1-2 times a week
- StrapIt – for the heavy working sets where your grip would otherwise fail
This way, you build grip strength over time while still being able to lift heavy and progress today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do lifting straps weaken my grip strength? Only if you use them for everything. Use them on heavy sets and go without on lighter sets – that way you still build grip strength.
What size lifting straps should I choose? StrapIt comes in one size that fits most wrists. They are long enough to wrap properly around the bar.
Can I use lifting straps for exercises other than deadlifts? Yes – StrapIt works for all exercises where grip is the limiting factor. Rows, pulldowns, shrugs, rack pulls, and farmers walks are all perfect examples.
How quickly will I notice a difference? From the very first lift. The grip holds, and you can focus on the exercise instead of struggling with the bar.
Conclusion
Grip failure during deadlifts is a solvable problem. The fastest and most effective solution is StrapIt Lifting Straps from MakeIt – designed for the serious lifter who wants to train harder without grip holding them back.
