Table of Contents
Gripper Closing Techniques
A gripper closing technique describes how a torsion-spring gripper is positioned before the closing hand begins the final squeeze. The starting position matters: reducing the distance between the handles shortens the sweep, while a wider start requires the athlete to control more of the gripper's range.
Set names are useful shorthand, but they are not universal rules. A “block set,” for example, is incomplete unless the block width is stated, and different contests may define “parallel” differently. For an official attempt, the current rules of the contest or certification take precedence.
Main closing styles
| Technique | Starting condition | Other hand used? | Common context |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Set | Gripper starts at its natural spread in the closing hand | No | Training and informal feats |
| Table No Set | Gripper starts on a surface and is lifted and closed with one hand | No | RB Certification and strict TNS feats |
| Credit Card Set | A card-width gap must pass between the handles | Yes, before card demonstration | Captains of Crush certification |
| Block Set | A block of a stated width must pass between the handles | Yes, before block demonstration | Contests, certifications and training |
| Parallel Set | Handles begin approximately parallel, subject to the rule set | Yes | Mash Monster-style attempts and training |
| Deep Set | Handles are positioned closer than parallel | Yes | Training, demonstrations and unrestricted closes |
Why the set changes difficulty
Setting does more than remove part of the sweep. It places the palm-side handle, aligns the finger-side handle, and can improve leverage near the close. Hand size, gripper spread, handle diameter, knurling and spring geometry all affect how much benefit an athlete receives from a particular set.
For that reason, a close should be recorded with both the gripper and the technique—for example, “RB 300C table no set,” “CoC No. 3 credit-card set,” or “150 RGC gripper from a 20 mm block.” A video or collection record that says only “closed” leaves an important part of the feat undefined.
Set width and terminology
A measured set is normally defined by the gap between the handle ends immediately before the final close. Common gauges include the IronMind credit card and purpose-made blocks. “Parallel” is a visual or rule-based position rather than a universal millimeter measurement, and “deep” simply indicates a start closer than the accepted parallel or block position.
The phrases no set and table no set are also not interchangeable. In both, the non-closing hand does not position the gripper. In table no set, the gripper must additionally begin on a surface and be picked up under the stated rules.
Technique instruction
Jedd Johnson's video below demonstrates the mechanics of placing a torsion-spring gripper in the hand. It is a technique resource, not a substitute for the rules of a particular certification.
Safety and documentation
Heavy grippers place high loads on the fingers, wrist and connective tissue. Use progressive resistance, stop when pain changes the movement, and avoid uncontrolled forced negatives. When documenting a close, show the gripper marking, starting gap or gauge, full attempt and handle contact clearly.