Expert: Alan Kahn - 4/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: I just bought the Everlast 4264 speed bag platform. I used to help out in golden and silver gloves, but there our platforms were very heavy.
We are building a new house and what is the best way to mount the platform? Should I add extra 2 by 6 or what to reduce vibration. I will mount it in the 2nd floor.
Also I weigh 275[trying to loose down to 175#] and want to get a 125 pound heavy bag with bottom attachment also. Any ideas on how to re-enforce our ceiling to mount this heavy bag. Our contractor wants to do it right with strong structural integrity.
Sincerely,
Nelson Smith USAF Retired and overweight :-).

ANSWER: Hi Nelson,

Wow, being able to custom modify a room for adding some punching bag equipment.  That's awesome. I never had that opportunity.  

I have NOT hung that model bag platform personally, but that model appears to mount on studs that are on 16 in centers. ( at least that is what the add here says..)

http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/sports/boxing/spee

I would measure the distance between the hanging holes on the horizontal wooden cross frames and be sure there is going to be solid would behing the wall to hang it on.  Since you have the chance to customize this, I would use a few 4x4 behind, as opposed to 2x6. the 4x4 would give a bit more width, and resist splitting a bit more than the 2 inch wide 2x6. I have used 4x4's as studs in the past to hand stuff on and did not have a problem with them. The vibration will also be reduced by placing 20-30lbs of sand (sand bags) over the top.

For the heavy bag, I would think that is a better question for the contractor. Hanging a 125 pound bag that will continually hang, (as opposed to being taken down and relieve the weight on the ceiling) may require some heavy duty reinforcment that is beyond my construction experience. Here are some hanging options:

http://store.titleboxing.com/heavy-bags-heavy-bag-accessories.html

Again, IF you want it Ceiling Hung, than some heavier lumber should be consider for the rafters. If you go for wall hung, than I would also suggest heavier 4x4 or 2x6 would to handle the weight.  

Good luck with your choices and I hope this helps.  And thanks for your service to our country in the Air Force.  

Sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible








---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Alan. I had not thought of 4 by 4's. The 2 by 6's are already in place [but not sheet rocked yet]. I wonder if I could add 4 x 4 to the 2 x6? or any other idea??
Thanks

Answer
You ask about adding the 4x4 along side the 2x6. Well, yes you could but if the purpose is to make the attachment point wider (4 inches) you could also just add another 2x6 and keep the lumber matched. Either way ( 4x4 or 2x6) you will have a crack between the two where they join and can not put any lag bolts or screws in the crack. The single 4x4 would give you a solid 4 inch wide attachment point and joining two boards of any size kinda defeats that purpose, don't ya think?  

another option is to hang a few other 4x4s wall studs inside the main attachment points (16 inch centers so, say 5 inches in from each end) and drill holes in the horizontal attachment wood two put lag bolts or screws into these extra wall studs. This way, inbetween the "16 inch center studs" you would have two more, giving 4 horizontal attachment studs. The outside studs are on 16 inch centers and the insides could be at any distance, (just evenly spaced apart) and give you two more horizontal attachment studs on the higher and lower parts. You would have 4 lag bolts across the top and four across the bottom for eight attachment points. That should hold it very solid and the sheet rock will hide the two internal studs.

Just a thought. Hope it helps.

Alan Kahn