FAQsUpdated 9 days ago

What is the Smith Cage System, and what options are available?
The SCS-002 is the base Smith cage. You can add the SCS-102 Smith bar, which attaches to the cage’s racks and is sold separately. You can also add the SCS-202 cable column option, which installs on the SCS-002. The SCS-202 manual lists the SCS-002 cage as required, and the SCS-102 bar is sold separately.

Which manual should I follow?
If you’re assembling only the SCS-002, use the SCS-002 manual. If you’re assembling the SCS-002 with the SCS-202, use only the SCS-202 manual. Following the SCS-002 manual in that case can require you to remove parts you’ve already installed.

How much space do I need?
Keep the cage away from walls and clear of obstructions and furniture. Keep bystanders at least 5 feet away while it’s in use. We recommend placing a rubber mat underneath to protect wood flooring or carpet during assembly and use.

What tools do I need for assembly?
For the SCS-002, you’ll need a metric socket set with 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, and 19 mm sockets, matching wrenches, a metric tape measure, a rubber mallet, and an adjustable wrench. The SCS-202 manual also requires a 13 mm socket and wrench and 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm hex keys.

How do I assemble the SCS-002?
Assembly requires two people so the parts don’t fall and cause injury. The manual provides step-by-step instructions, which begin with the base beams and weight stack mount, then add the uprights, cross braces, top beams, and weight racks. Most bolts should only be finger-tightened until the manual tells you to wrench-tighten them. Use the parts list to confirm that all parts are present before you begin.

How do I install the SCS-102 Smith bar?
The SCS-102 bar installs in five steps, and you can attach it to either the front or rear racks. Position the weight bar on the racks’ hooks, then attach the two linear bearing shafts to the weight holders and secure the top and bottom shaft mounts to the cage. Adjust the spacing so the weight holders and the ends of the bar don’t rub or bind during use, and then tighten everything. The manual includes a 3 mm hex key for the setscrews.

What comes with the SCS-202 cable column option?
The SCS-202 includes the cable column mounts and slider assemblies, a pull-up bar, a lat attachment, pulleys, four cables (upper, lower, row, and guide), a top weight stack mount, two weight stacks with weight stack risers and plates, and guide rods. Accessories include two 4-ring D-handles, two D-handle/ab straps, an ankle strap, and a pull-up assist strap. The ab crunch bar and heavy stacks are optional.

How do I assemble the SCS-202?
Assembly takes 27 steps and requires two people. The steps cover the base beams, uprights, cross braces, top beams, cable column mounts, the lat attachment, pull-up bar, guide rods, shroud, weight stacks, and cable routing. Follow the cable chart and the step-by-step diagrams for each cable. Each step specifies the hardware it needs, and most say to wrench-tighten once the step is complete.

How do I seat and adjust the cables on the SCS-202?
Set the four cable bolts so each has about 1 inch between the top of the bolt and its bracket, then tighten the jam nuts. Adjust the slack in one cable, then do the same with the other three. Make sure the cables sit in the grooves of all the pulleys and clear all guides. Next, select a weight you can comfortably handle, perform a standard exercise, hold the first repetition, and bounce the weights lightly several times to seat the cables. Then readjust the cables to remove any new slack. If the cable still has excess slack, move the clevis on the lower cable to the lower hole in the cable anchor. Make sure at least one bolt thread shows below the nut after adjustment. If a cable seems too short after adjusting, remove the top weight pulley, unscrew the U-bracket one to two full turns, retighten the jam nut, and reattach the pulley.

Can I add heavier weight stacks?
Yes. Two 50 lb heavy stacks are available as an option, but only with the SCS-202. Before you assemble the heavy stacks, remove the weight stack risers, which the heavy stacks replace. The heavy stack setup uses 20 weight plates per stack, compared to 15 in the standard setup.

What safety precautions should I follow?
Read the entire manual before you assemble or use the cage. Keep children off the equipment at all times. Make sure bystanders stay at least 5 feet away while it’s in use. Keep the equipment away from walls and clear of obstructions and furniture. Use it only for its intended purpose, and don’t use attachments the manufacturer doesn’t recommend. Make sure the top weight pulley assemblies are fully threaded into the weight stack selector stems and the jam nuts are tight before use, since loose pulley assemblies can cause injury. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program, and stop immediately if you experience shortness of breath, pain, or dizziness.

Can I use the Smith Cage System outdoors or in a garage?
No. The system is for indoor use only. Garages and screened-in porches aren’t recommended because of high humidity or dust. Humidity can cause rust on parts such as the guide rods, which can affect how the equipment works. Don’t use or store it outdoors.

How do I maintain the Smith Cage System?
Regularly inspect the equipment for loose or damaged hardware, and replace damaged parts right away. Every three months, inspect all nuts and bolts and tighten them if needed, and inspect all decals. Clean and wax the glossy surfaces once a year. If you have the SCS-202, also follow its full maintenance schedule. Inspect the cables for splitting, cracking, fraying, or flat spots, and replace any cable at the first sign of damage. Cables stretch over time, so check the slack periodically and adjust as needed. Inspect the links, pull pins, spring clips, swivels, and weight stack pins weekly, and clean the upholstery weekly. Every three months, inspect the accessory bars and handles, anti-skid surfaces, and seat sleeves and plastic slides, and lubricate the seat sleeves and plastic slides. Replace the cables, belts, and connecting parts every two years.

How do I lubricate the guide rods and linear shafts?
Periodically wipe down the guide rods or linear shafts with a dry cloth, then apply a thin coat of a Teflon-based lubricant. The SCS-202 includes a guide rod lube bottle with your purchase.

What warranty comes with the Smith Cage System?
The manuals describe the following terms:

• Consumer use: limited lifetime coverage on the frame and welds, limited lifetime coverage on parts such as upholstery and hardware, and limited lifetime coverage on moving parts such as pulleys and cables.
• Light-commercial use: limited lifetime coverage on the frame and welds, and 10 years on parts and moving parts.

The warranty covers the original purchaser and isn’t transferable to a new owner. To file a claim, you’ll need your sales receipt, which shows the purchase date, model, and serial number. Register your warranty at inspirefitness.net. Warranty parts must be returned in their original container, and you’ll be responsible for shipping costs. Service should only be performed by an authorized Inspire Fitness retailer, since service by anyone else can void your warranty.

Where can I get service or replacement parts?
Service should only be performed by an authorized Inspire Fitness retailer. Use only genuine Inspire parts, since other parts can void your warranty. For replacement parts or help finding an authorized retailer, contact our support team with your serial number and the name of the part you need.

Still need help?
Reach out to us at [email protected] and our team will be happy to help.