i am this point with deadlifts where the weight is limited by my grip. i try to do 4x10 but by the 4th set, it is down to say 6 due me just not being able to hold on to the bar
i've searched around and there seems to be different holding techniques (like more on your fingers than palm), and it isn't really helping
any suggestions? or is it pretty much that my grip will improve over time as i do the deadlifts, and just be patient? are straps not really the solution?
Some gyms frown on the use of chalk. You can get liquid chalk at MEC or a supplement store (leaves way less of a mess if any). I use it when I'm at 90%+ of my max.
Grip strength is a very good thing to have and I suggest you don't use wrist straps to make up for you lack of strength there.
When I'm training deadlifts I use an overhand grip until I can't, then I switch to an alternating grip (and I alternate between each hand as there is an imbalance there). The other alternative is a hook-grip in which you trap your thumb in between the bar and your fingers. That is pretty hard core and hurts like hell until you get used to it.
Incorporating grip strengthening exercises into your program is as easy as piss.
On your last rep of your last set or two of deadlifting, hold onto the bar for as long as you can.
When doing curls, open your palm at the bottom, then close it again before going up
Farmer Walks (this one everyone should do for a bunch of reasons) - grab heavy dumbells and walk for as long as you can
Plate/DB pinches - grab two plates for each hand and go for a walk, or grab the end of a dumbbell with your fingers (like you're catching a ball) and go for a walk
Heavy dumbbell rows - do 5 sets of 5 for a while with the heaviest dumbbell you can deal with
Grip strength is really easy to get up to speed.
PS: How's your form on your 10th rep? I'm not a big fan of high repping deadlifts as you don't want to fuck around with fatigue. Ever try upping the weight and targeting 5-8 instead?