The classic event starts the bar about 18 inches off the floor (roughly double a normal deadlift’s ~9‑inch bar height). You can mimic it perfectly with blocks under your plates—no fancy attachments needed.
What you’re building (quick decode)
- Goal height: bar ~18” (46 cm) off the floor. A standard bar with full‑size plates starts ~9” (23 cm) off the floor, so you need ~9 inches of lift under the plates.
- Why blocks work: “Silver dollar” attachments put the load higher and change the feel (more bar bend/whip). Blocks exactly match the range of motion and are the simplest, safest DIY approach with a regular barbell. (If you ever want the “true” silver‑dollar feel later, look at purpose-made attachments to understand the concept.)
Option A — No tools “stack of plates + mats” (5–10 minutes)
If you’ve got spare plates:
- Make two pedestals the plates will rest on (one left, one right).
- Stack extra plates flat until each pedestal is ~9” tall, then top with a rubber mat (horse stall mat or similar) for grip and fine‑tuning.
- Math check: Target pedestal height = 18” − your plate radius. With standard 450 mm (17.72”) plates, radius ≈ 8.86”, so pedestal ≈ 9.14”. Use thin plywood/rubber shims to dial it in.
- Place your loaded bar so the bottom of the plates sit on the pedestals.
Tip: Ratchet‑strap each pedestal snugly so nothing slides; test with an empty bar first. Avoid brittle materials like cinder blocks—they can crack under dynamic load.
Option B — Simple, sturdy
wooden deadlift blocks
(my top pick)
These are compact, bombproof, and tuned for the classic 18‑inch pull.
Cut list (per block):
- 2×10 lumber (actual 1.5” × 9.25”): cut 10 pieces at 18” long
- 3/4” plywood top: 18” × 18”
- 3/4” rubber (stall mat) top: 18” × 18”
- 2.5–3” wood screws + wood glue (optional)
Build (per block):
- Layering: Each layer uses two 2×10s side‑by‑side (18” long), making an ~18.5” square.
- Make 5 layers, rotating each layer 90° (“criss‑cross”) and glue/screw them together.
- Height so far: 5 layers × 1.5” = 7.5”
- Screw on the 3/4” plywood top → 8.25” total.
- Contact surface: glue/screw the 3/4” rubber on top → ~9.0” total.
- Build a second identical block for the other side.
Why this height works:
Bar height = block height + plate radius. With standard plates: 9.0” + 8.86” ≈ 17.86” (close enough). Add a 1/8–1/4” shim if you want to nail 18.00” exactly.
Use: Set the blocks the same distance apart, so each plate lands fully on rubber. Load the bar evenly, lift, grin.
Option C — Got a power rack? Quick
rack pull at 18”
- Set safety pins so the bottom of your plates rest ~9” above the floor (bar then ≈ 18”).
- Pad pins with wood/UHMW to protect plates and reduce slip.
- This matches ROM, though it won’t “feel” as whippy as true silver‑dollar implements—still awesome for training.
How to measure & tune (do this once)
- Measure from floor to the center of the bar with the plates sitting on your blocks.
- Adjust with thin shims (plywood, rubber tiles, old yoga mat) until you’re at ~18”.
- Mark your block stack so setup is repeatable.
Safety checklist (non‑negotiable)
- Flat, non‑slip floor; blocks square and flush.
- No brittle materials (loose bricks/cinder blocks).
- Load symmetrically, start light, and test the setup with an empty bar → light sets → working weight.
- Keep hands/feet off the blocks when setting the bar down.
Bonus: How to use your 18” setup
- Warm‑up: 2–3 sets of 5–8 reps with light weight.
- Working sets (strength): 3–5×3–5 @ RPE 7–8 or ~75–85% of your floor 1RM.
- Top singles (peaking/strongman prep): 3–6 singles @ RPE 8–9, 2–3 min rest.
- Strap up if needed—this is about hip/lockout power.
Want to see the “real” attachments you’re emulating?
These pictures show the purpose-built stands many comps use. You don’t need them to train the ROM—but they’re handy for visualizing the event.
Why 18 inches?
Most strongman rule sets set the start at 18 inches, roughly double the normal deadlift’s bar height (~9”). That’s the classic “silver dollar” height—and why our block math works.
You’ve got this. Build the blocks, set that bar, and rip some power‑house pulls—shorter range, bigger weights, mega confidence. When you’re ready, I can help you tweak the block height for your plates or write a 4‑week 18” cycle to smash new PRs! 🥳🔥