Best Lifts to Use Lifting Straps On
Lifting straps are one of the most effective tools you can keep in your gym bag — but only if you use them on the right lifts. Strap up at the right time, and you’ll move more weight, build more muscle, and keep your grip from cutting sets short.
Here’s a breakdown of the best lifts to use lifting straps on, plus why they make such a big difference.
Why Use Lifting Straps?
Your muscles are often stronger than your grip. For heavy pulling movements, your hands can fail before your lats, traps, or hamstrings do. That means leaving gains on the table.
Our Battle Bunker Weightlifting Straps solve that problem:
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18" heavy-duty cotton for a fast, secure wrap
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1.5" wide with reinforced stitching for durability
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3mm neoprene padding for wrist comfort
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Non-slip texture so the bar never slips
👉 Use them smart, and you’ll break past plateaus with confidence.
The Best Lifts for Lifting Straps
1. Deadlifts
This is the king of all strap lifts. Whether you’re pulling for strength or hypertrophy, straps keep the bar locked so your grip doesn’t give out. Especially useful for:
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Heavy sets of 5 or fewer reps
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High-rep volume deadlifts
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Rack pulls and deficit pulls
2. Barbell Rows
Rows are one of the best back-builders — but forearms often fail first. Straps keep the focus on your lats, traps, and rear delts.
3. Dumbbell Rows
Straps shine here. When you’re rowing a heavy dumbbell, grip usually limits the load. Strap in and hit your back properly without worrying about your hand giving out.
4. Shrugs
Training traps takes volume and weight. Straps let you load heavy on barbell or dumbbell shrugs without frying your grip in the first set.
5. Rack Pulls
Rack pulls overload the top of the deadlift. Since the weight is usually heavier than your full deadlift, straps are almost mandatory here.
6. Heavy Hip Hinges
Any variation of RDLs or stiff-leg deadlifts with significant load can benefit from straps. They keep the tension where you want it: hamstrings and glutes.
When Not to Use Straps
Straps aren’t for every exercise. Skip them on:
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Warm-up sets (train grip raw)
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Bench press or overhead press (use wrist wraps instead)
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Grip-specific lifts like farmer’s carries
👉 Think of straps as a performance tool, not a permanent crutch.
Pro Tips for Using Straps
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Save them for top sets — warm up raw, strap up for heavy pulls.
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Pair with chalk for the ultimate grip combo.
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Wrap tight — loose straps don’t help.
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Use both hands evenly so the bar stays balanced.
FAQs
Q: Should I use straps every time I deadlift?
A: No. Train your grip on warm-ups and lighter sets. Use straps when grip fails before your muscles do.
Q: Do straps weaken grip strength?
A: Only if you rely on them exclusively. Mix in raw grip training and you’ll stay balanced.
Q: Are straps only for advanced lifters?
A: Not at all. Beginners can use straps once grip starts holding back progress.
Final Word
The best lifts to use lifting straps on are your big pulls — deadlifts, rows, shrugs, rack pulls, and heavy hip hinges. Strap up when grip failure is the limiter, and you’ll unleash new levels of strength and growth.
👉 Get your pair of Battle Bunker Weightlifting Straps today. Built tough, padded for comfort, and designed for lifters who refuse to let grip stand in their way.
