Expert: Alan Kahn - 8/16/2007

Question
I've been reading many articles on here and other websites for heavy bag mounting and never really found anything good.

I have an I beam running through my basement so I bought an I beam attachment, only problem is it's too large for my I beam by maybe an inch or so, so the parts the bolt slides through fully touch before it's on correctly.  http://store.everlastboxing.com/everlast-steel-ibeam-hanger.html

Is there a smaller option I can try to get? I believe my I beam is maybe 4 inches across on the bottom, wrapping a chain around it is not an option unfortunately.

Another option I have is to hang it on the floor joists in the basement or between them.  I'm wanting this thing to be as secure as possible with hanging it, without having to purchase one of those $2-300 stands.  My floor joists are 16 inches apart, 2x10's.  I've seen mounts that connect to them with two wood screws, but I'm not sure how strong that will be.  I'm working on hanging a 70 lb heavy bag, I have two springs for the bags, the one that is short that goes up to 300lbs and the larger one from everlast that's for bags over 70lbs.  My thought was to get a 2x6 and run it between the two joists running 16 inches across and mounting the
Wooden Beam T-Swivel or Ceiling Attachment, be it 2 or 4 screws to that.  Then with lag screws, or another method affixing 2 other 2x6's to each of the sides to make a little table, so it's something like |'''''|  but the top of course would be solid and sitting on top of the two end pieces for support.  Then putting that between the 2x10's of the floor joists and affixing that with 2-4 lag bolts or something else that's recommended.  

I'm probably going to want to upgrade to a 100-150lb bag over time, so I'm hoping to build something that's able to support that, or find an I beam attachment that would work well.

The wood mounts I was looking at are:
http://www.dunhamssports.com/product/index.jsp?productId=9112&cp=761.710957.1190...
http://www.dunhamssports.com/product/index.jsp?productId=301736&cp=761.710957.11...
http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24691

any idea which would be best to use?  I'll mainly be punching this bag, I "might" kick it later on, but don't plan to right now.

I'm 5'10, 240lbs and looking to work out and just punch stuff again.

Answer
HI Dan,

I can't ever be too specific about a home heavybag setup for I don't know your wall or ceiling construction. Your written plan seems solid, putting 2x6 between 2x10's on 16 inch centers. I would certainly us the longest screws available, and would also add some type of flat iron or L shaped bracing if your going to have the parallel 4x6's come to the bottom of the rafters.

Concerning the heavy bag hanger, I don't know which to recommend except the wider, flat iron with a place for 4 screws would put more screws in for support.  If possible, I would really suggest using long bolts to hold the heavy bag holder attachment. I don't trust wood screws to hold a 70 pound bag or more in with a guy 240 pounds hitting it. You most likely pack a heavy punch and the bag will swing and pop on the chain. I believe long bolts with nuts and washers will be a better support structure. Especially if you use the models that only have TWO screw holes. Those holes don't look too thick and have pretty narrow, short screws shown.

I can't guarantee that is going to support a 100+ bag, and I would suggest getting a local building expert or experienced carpenter to look it over. Even then, start out easy and check your connections carefully before each workout.  Good luck with your set up and I hope it works out for you.  

sincerely,


Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible