3
Understanding and testing the locking
mechanism function
The Bowflex
®
SelectTech
™
220 features a locking mechanism
designed to assure proper and complete selection of the
weight plates as well as to ensure weight plate retention dur-
ing the workout. It is important that you fully understand
the function of this mechanism and periodically test it to
ensure it is properly functioning.
Function
The locking mechanism provides two key functions:
1. The mechanism will only allow the adjustment knobs
to be rotated when the dumbbell handle is complete-
ly inserted and engaging the dumbbell base.
2. The mechanism is designed to lock the dumbbell
handle to the base if either adjustment knob is not
fully engaging the selected weight plates.
Purpose
The locking mechanism serves two important purposes:
1. The mechanism will prevent deselecting (dropping)
weight plates from the dumbbell when it is NOT in
the dumbbell base.
2. The mechanism will prevent partial selection of
the weight plates in which the plates are not fully
supported and the locking pin is not fully engaged.
Given the importance of this locking mechanism, it is
critical that you understand how it operates and how to
periodically test it to make sure it is functioning correctly.
Testing proper locking mechanism function
1. With the dumbbell handle
set in the dumbbell base,
turn both adjustment knobs
to the number 2.5. You will
know you have fully and cor-
rectly selected the number
when you feel the adjust-
ment knob settle into a
notch (known as a detent).
You will also hear a slight,
but audible, clicking noise
that corresponds with the detent locations for each
number.
2. You should be able to withdraw the handle from the
base leaving all the weight plates behind.
3. With the handle removed from the base, grab one
adjustment knob with your other hand and gently
attempt to turn the knob, the knob should not rotate.
A locking pin in the mechanism will have engaged
the rotational assembly when the unit was withdrawn
from the base. Perform this test with all adjustment
knobs.
Do not use a great deal of force in an attempt to turn
the locked adjustment knob. Excessive force may
damage the locking mechanism.
4. After confirming the proper function of the lock-
ing mechanism as described above, return and
fully insert the dumbbell handle back into the base
assembly.
5. With the handle back in the base, turn the adjustment
knob on one side to a position that is in between two
weight settings This represents an incomplete weight
selection where the adjustment knob has not fully
selected a weight and the knob is between the selec-
tion detents (clicks).
6. With the selection knob in
this improper position, gen-
tly attempt to lift up on the
handle to remove it from the
base. You should find that the
handle is locked to the base
and cannot be removed with
light pressure as it can nor-
mally.
7. Return the improperly selected
adjustment knob to a full and proper weight selection
and assure that the dumbbell handle can once again
be removed.
8. Repeat this test for all adjustment knobs.
9. Assure the entire dumbbell handle assembly is
properly tightened. Do this by setting the adjust-
ment knobs to five pounds and removing the handle
assembly from the base. Grab both adjustment knobs
and very slightly push and pull the knobs toward and
away from the handle grip. The knobs should not
exhibit free play and all of the selection discs should
feel tightly connected.
10. You have now tested the function of the locking
mechanism. We suggest you repeat this test periodi-
cally (once a month) to confirm the proper function
of the locking mechanism.
WARNING