Bowflex Dumbbells, SelectTech, 552 and 1090, Why Are My Weight Plates Dropping off My Handle?

Do you own a pair of SelectTech 552 or SelectTech 1090 dumbbells by Bowflex, and are you having issues with weight plates dropping off your handles?

We have some troubleshooting steps you can follow to help you identify why the plates are dropping off your SelectTech dumbbell handle.

This troubleshooting will help you with common issues of the SelectTech dumbbell handles and areas that you should inspect.

Common Issues with SelectTech Dumbbell Handles:

• Handle is not Picking Up Selected Weight Plates
• Weights are Dropping Off the Handle
• Plates are Coming Loose
• Plates are Coming Out

Areas to Inspect with SelectTech Dumbbell Handles:

Inspecting the Handles

• Turn the adjustment knobs or selection dials on your handle to the lowest weight setting.
  • SelectTech 552 dumbbells have the lowest weight setting of 5 lbs.
    
  • SelectTech 1090 dumbbells have the lowest weight setting of 10 lbs.
    
• If the knobs or dials do not turn, click here to read about why the adjustment knobs do not turn.
• Remove the handle from the base. The handle should not have any weights. The plates should remain in the base.
• Give the handle a good look over. Check the selector discs for damage like cracks. Check for any non-parallel discs. See the photos below for examples of damage. If you do not see any visible damage, press laterally with your thumb and finger on each side of the discs. Again, looking for any cracks. If damage is found replace the handle.
  

   

Inspecting the Weight Plates

• Turn the adjustment knobs or selection dials on your handle to the lowest weight setting.
  • SelectTech 552 dumbbells have the lowest weight setting of 5 lbs.
    
  • SelectTech 1090 dumbbells have the lowest weight setting of 10 lbs.
    
• If the knobs or dials do not turn, click here to read about why the adjustment knobs do not turn. 
  
• Remove the handle from the base. The handle should not have any weights. The plates should remain in the base. Set the handle aside.
  
• Carefully remove one weight plate at a time from the base. Give each plate a thorough inspection. Check the weight selection tab for damage. Damage could be a crack in the metal tab or a broken tab. See the photo below for examples.
  
  
  • If damage exists, replace the damaged weight plate.
  • Repeat inspection for all weight plates. Replace any damaged weight plates.

Note: As of June 2025, Bowflex has discontinued production of the SelectTech 1090, DB1090 dumbbells and the SelectTech 552 dumbbells. Parts are no longer available.