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Old version by GripperBot on 2026-09-17 07:19:55 compared to new version by Gripperpedia Admin on 2026-09-17 07:25:26

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1# Gripper Closing Techniques 1# Gripper Closing Techniques
2 2
3A **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. 3A **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.
4 4
5Set 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. 5Set 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.
6 6
7## Main closing styles 7## Main closing styles
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9| Technique | Starting condition | Other hand used? | Common context | 9| Technique | Starting condition | Other hand used? | Common context |
10|---|---|---:|---| 10|---|---|---:|---|
11| [No Set](/Gripper_Closing_Techniques/No_Set) | Gripper starts at its natural spread in the closing hand | No | Training and informal feats | 11| [No Set](/Gripper_Closing_Techniques/No_Set) | Gripper starts at its natural spread in the closing hand | No | Training and informal feats |
12| [Table No Set](/Gripper_Closing_Techniques/Table_No_Set) | Gripper starts on a surface and is lifted and closed with one hand | No | RB Certification and strict TNS feats | 12| [Table No Set](/Gripper_Closing_Techniques/Table_No_Set) | Gripper starts on a surface and is lifted and closed with one hand | No | RB Certification and strict TNS feats |
13| [Credit Card Set](/Gripper_Closing_Techniques/Credit_Card_Set) | A card-width gap must pass between the handles | Yes, before card demonstration | Captains of Crush certification | 13| [Credit Card Set](/Gripper_Closing_Techniques/Credit_Card_Set) | A card-width gap must pass between the handles | Yes, before card demonstration | Captains of Crush certification |
14| [Block Set](/Gripper_Closing_Techniques/Block_Set) | A block of a stated width must pass between the handles | Yes, before block demonstration | Contests, certifications and training | 14| [Block Set](/Gripper_Closing_Techniques/Block_Set) | A block of a stated width must pass between the handles | Yes, before block demonstration | Contests, certifications and training |
15| [Parallel Set](/Gripper_Closing_Techniques/Parallel_Set) | Handles begin approximately parallel, subject to the rule set | Yes | Mash Monster-style attempts and training | 15| [Parallel Set](/Gripper_Closing_Techniques/Parallel_Set) | Handles begin approximately parallel, subject to the rule set | Yes | Mash Monster-style attempts and training |
16| [Deep Set](/Gripper_Closing_Techniques/Deep_Set) | Handles are positioned closer than parallel | Yes | Training, demonstrations and unrestricted closes | 16| [Deep Set](/Gripper_Closing_Techniques/Deep_Set) | Handles are positioned closer than parallel | Yes | Training, demonstrations and unrestricted closes |
17 17
18## Why the set changes difficulty 18## Why the set changes difficulty
19 19
20Setting 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. 20Setting 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.
21 21
22For 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. 22For 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.
23 23
24## Set width and terminology 24## Set width and terminology
25 25
26A 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. 26A 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.
27 27
28The 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. 28The 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.
29 29
30## Technique instruction 30## Technique instruction
31 31
32Jedd Johnson's video [How to Set a Gripper](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBTr6WyIL7Y) 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. 32Jedd 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.
33
34[youtube:OBTr6WyIL7Y]
33 35
34## Safety and documentation 36## Safety and documentation
35 37
36Heavy 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. 38Heavy 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.
37 39
38## Sources and further reading 40## Sources and further reading
39 41
40- [IronMind: Captains of Crush rules for closing and certification](https://ironmind.com/) 42- [IronMind: Captains of Crush rules for closing and certification](https://ironmind.com/)
41- [RB Certification rules](https://www.oldschoolstrengthclub.de/Zertifikation/RBGripper/Regelwerk) 43- [RB Certification rules](https://www.oldschoolstrengthclub.de/Zertifikation/RBGripper/Regelwerk)
42- [Jedd Johnson: How to Set a Gripper](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBTr6WyIL7Y) 44- [Jedd Johnson: How to Set a Gripper](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBTr6WyIL7Y)
43- [Gripper Certifications](/Gripper_Certifications) 45- [Gripper Certifications](/Gripper_Certifications)
44- [Training References](/Training_References) 46- [Training References](/Training_References)

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