Few implements in the strength-training world carry as much mystique and respect as the Thomas Inch Dumbbell. In grip circles and strongman events alike, it stands as an iconic challenge—one that has remained relevant for over a century. But what makes this dumbbell so special? Let’s explore the history of Thomas Inch, the story behind the famous “unliftable” dumbbell, and why it remains a milestone for grip strength enthusiasts to this day.
Who Was Thomas Inch?
Thomas Inch was an English strongman born in 1881 who rose to fame in the early 20th century. In an era when physical excellence was gaining popularity—think old-school vaudeville feats, circus strongmen, and traveling sideshows—Thomas Inch distinguished himself through extraordinary displays of grip strength and unconventional lifts. As newspapers and sporting magazines of the day began covering his feats, he gained a reputation as one of Britain’s strongest men.
Inch was not only a performer but also an innovator. He held numerous strength exhibitions and even authored training guides, teaching others how to develop strength. But above all else, he became renowned for a very specific piece of equipment—the dumbbell that would one day bear his name.
The Origin of the Thomas Inch Dumbbell
In the early 1900s, Inch commissioned a custom-made dumbbell weighing around 172 pounds (78 kg). While the weight itself was impressive at the time, the real challenge lay in its design. The handle had an unusually thick diameter—approximately 2.47 inches (6.27 cm)—making it exceptionally difficult to grasp and lift. The bell ends were cast as a single piece with the handle, preventing it from rotating independently. As a result, anyone attempting to pick it up needed not just raw strength, but also tremendous grip power to counter the “roll” of the weight.
It was said that Thomas Inch was the only person alive who could clean and press this dumbbell during his heyday. Whether that’s entirely accurate or part of the legend, the point stands: very few people could budge it off the ground. Over time, this one-of-a-kind dumbbell became an object of fascination across the strongman world, as Inch challenged contenders to lift it in public exhibitions.
Why Is It So Difficult to Lift?
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Thickness of the Handle
The handle’s diameter prevents a typical “full grip” that you might achieve with a standard bar or dumbbell. It forces you to lift it with more of an open hand, making it very taxing on your grip strength. -
Non-Rotating Ends
Standard gym dumbbells often have rotating handles or ends that allow you to correct for torque. The Thomas Inch Dumbbell doesn’t; as you lift, it tends to twist in your hand, punishing any weakness in your grip. -
Weight Distribution
The bells are cast as a single piece, which means their weight distribution can feel unwieldy. Lifting it from the floor to lockout position (let alone pressing it overhead) is a daunting challenge.
Notable Feats and Lifters
Over the decades, many have attempted to lift the original Thomas Inch Dumbbell. Some modern strongmen have succeeded in lifting or even cleaning and pressing replicas, including famous names in the grip world. Their success stories have further fueled the legend, proving that, while still extremely challenging, the “unliftable” isn’t entirely impossible—just incredibly difficult.
- Mark Henry (WWE wrestler and strongman) was famously reported to have lifted the Inch Dumbbell and press it overhead.
- Laine Snook and David Horne—grip strength specialists—have also tackled Inch Dumbbell lifts.
- Various other strongmen have made it part of their repertoire to show mastery over this iconic piece of equipment.
Each of these success stories is a badge of honor, reinforcing the dumbbell’s status as a hallmark test of grip power.
Cultural and Training Significance
The Thomas Inch Dumbbell’s legacy extends beyond its notoriety as a near-impossible lift. It symbolizes the evolution of grip strength as a specialized discipline within strength sports. From dedicated grip competitions to specialized equipment like thick-handled bars, grip training has grown steadily, in no small part thanks to the Inch Dumbbell’s aura.
It can be quite demotivating to start training for the Inch Dumbbell when you start out with the 78KG variant. Even many strongman cannot get this of the ground, so it would make sense to build up your strength from a lesser weight. Currently, we offer Inch Dumbbells starting already from 42KG! You can also start training for it with other thick-handled implements, like axle bars or thick grips. Adding such training to your routine can yield noticeable improvements not only in grip strength but also in overall upper-body stability and power.
Summary
The Thomas Inch Dumbbell remains one of the most iconic and formidable pieces of strength equipment in the world. Its thick handle and fixed weight have tested—and humbled—generations of strongmen, grip aficionados, and weightlifters. In many ways, it’s the ultimate emblem of the “old-school” approach to strength: no gimmicks, no shortcuts—just raw, unadulterated power.
For those who dare to take on the challenge, training to lift (or even just budge) the Inch Dumbbell can be a thrilling journey into the heart of grip strength. And whether or not you ever conquer the famed 172-pound monster, the process of systematically building your grip will undoubtedly translate to greater overall performance in the gym—and a deep appreciation for the legacy of Thomas Inch.