Expert: Alan Kahn - 7/14/2008

Question
I bought your book The Speed Bag Bible, but haven't had a chance to try any of the techniques in it, as my platform hasn't been used since I had it mounted on a garage wall in my last house.  The platform has been gathering dust, and I wanted to get it going again.  The problem I have is that I want to mount my speed bag in my basement, but I don't want to have to drill into the concrete walls that go from the floor to the ceiling.  The ceiling is at least 7 ft high to the 2x6 cross beams.  They are spaced the usual 16 inches apart.  I am 6' 2".  I have looked for ideas on how to mount a speed bag to the ceiling while still makeing it slightly adjustable. Is there such a way.  I assumed you could, but have found nothing online demonstrating how it is done or actual mounts you could buy to do it.

Answer
HI Andrew,

YOur platform is down, - that sucks!  


I personally have very limited experience with ceiling mounted units, but the key would be counter sinking the attachment screws into the rebound board when you attach it overhead.  If the ceiling is high enough, I would hang it "too high" for it's easier to use a platform under your feet to raise yourself up or down for bag sizes. For your description, you could add some cross braces to shorten the 16 inch distance between the beams, or you could attach braces under it IF it won't lower the board too low.

Think about the longest bag you'll use. If adding cross beams underneath will make it too low (measure from floor to your chin) then I would plan on adding cross beam support "between" you 16 inch cross beams, than attach to it. again, hanging it too high would be better.

here are a few samples of ceiling mounts.

http://www.speedbagforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=875

unreal!
http://speedbagforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=252&d=1202326475

overhead adjustable
http://picasaweb.google.com/billymackk/360DegreeSpeedBag/photo#51102989332892235...

several in a row
http://www.dantonmew.com/images/eleanorcarol.jpg

Good luck with and remember, you can adjust height easier with a platform for YOU rather than adjust the board.

sincerely

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible