Table of Contents
Bone Crusher
Bone Crusher is a fixed-resistance torsion-spring gripper line that was being compared with Heavy Grips in grip-community discussions by 2008 and 2009.[1][4] Retail listings commonly document models marked from 100 through 350 lb, while surviving specimens and contemporary discussions confirm that 400 and 500 models were also produced.[2][4][5]
Bone Crusher 500 still in its original package. Photo from Clint Ziegler's collection, via GripperVault.[5]
Documented lineup
| Model marking | Evidence |
|---|---|
| 100 lb | Retail listings |
| 150 lb | Retail listings |
| 200 lb | Retail listings |
| 250 lb | Retail listings |
| 300 lb | Retail listings |
| 350 lb | Retail listings |
| 400 | Surviving specimens and community records |
| 500 | Surviving specimens, community records, and packaged example |
The model numbers are advertised resistance labels rather than standardized measurements. As with other mass-produced grippers, spring dimensions, mount depth, spread, handle dimensions, and manufacturing variation can make two examples with the same marking close differently.
The 400 and 500 should not be omitted merely because current retailer pages usually stop at 350. A 2008 GripBoard discussion contains owner reports of both models, and later Cannon PowerWorks comments state that tested Bone Crusher 400 and 500 specimens each rated 200 lb RGC despite using different spring configurations.[4][6] Those measurements apply only to the tested examples.
Comparison with Heavy Grips
A detailed 2009 GripBoard comparison examined Bone Crusher and Heavy Grips side by side. The author reported several visible differences in the tested examples:[1]
- Bone Crusher handle knurling appeared consistent across its levels and was described as sharp.
- Its springs were mounted lower and more consistently than the compared Heavy Grips.
- The writer found the Bone Crushers harder before seasoning.
These are observations from a particular comparison set, not proof that every production batch shares the same measurements or closing difficulty. The value of the discussion is that it preserves photographs and contemporary owner observations from when the line was readily available.
Later discussions describe the Bone Crusher 400 and 500 as counterparts to Heavy Grips models, usually distinguished by black Bone Crusher handles and gold springs.[6][7] This reported manufacturing relationship is based on experienced community observations rather than a surviving manufacturer statement.
Retail evidence
Current Eastern European listings use the name Bone Crusher Heavy Grip and product code FI-4125 for the 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 lb range.[2][3] That wording should not be used to assume a corporate connection to the separate Heavy Grips brand.
The historical Bone Crusher gripper line should also not be confused with the later Gripzilla Bone Crusher, which is a model name used by another company.
Preservation
An authoritative manufacturer history and dated catalog have not yet been located. The strongest surviving record combines contemporary grip-community discussion, later retailer listings, and photographs of surviving examples. The unopened 500 in Clint Ziegler's collection is especially useful because its original packaging helps confirm the model's branding and presentation.[5]
References
- GripBoard, Heavygrips and Bonecrushers: The Subtle Differences, 2009. ↩
- Espander, Bone Crusher Heavy Grip FI-4125, retailer listing for 100 through 350 lb models. ↩
- Rozetka, Bone Crusher Heavy Grip FI-4125, retailer listing. ↩
- GripBoard, Bone Crusher 400, 2008 discussion documenting both 400 and 500 examples. ↩
- GripperVault, Bone Crusher 500, from Clint Ziegler's collection; record notes that the gripper is still in its package. ↩
- GripBoard, Standard Unobtainium vs HG500, Cannon PowerWorks comments on rated Bone Crusher 400 and 500 specimens. ↩
- GripBoard, HG 500, discussion of the 400 and 500 construction and appearance. ↩