Drop sets are a commonly used technique to allow you to extend a working set beyond volitional failure (the last rep you want to do) or technical failure (the last rep you can complete with good technique) to further tax a targeted muscle group.
Mechanical drop sets are different from regular drop sets. Instead of decreasing the weight to extend your set, you switch to an easier modification of the movement, usually with the same weight. This allows you to increase metabolic stress and time under tension to further stimulate hypertrophy... along with a side order of suffering.
If you plan to use these as an intensity technique during the main part of the workout, shoot for 3-4 mechanical drop sets. If you're looking for a finisher after you've already nailed that body part, one set is more than enough. Here are some great mechanical drop set options to try out.
Grab a set of dumbbells that you could do 12-15 reps with. You'll want to be conservative here. It's best done with hex dumbbells.
Grab a relatively light dumbbell or kettlebell. Somewhere from 30-50 pounds will be more than enough for the mere mortals among us. The quad gods can go heavier.
Set up at a preacher curl station with an EZ-curl bar. Load it up with a weight that you could curl 12-15 times.
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