Expert: Alan Kahn - 8/4/2007

Question
Hi Alan.  I live at home with my parents, I would like to put a double end bag in the garage, but my dad says It is really dificult to fit a ceiling bracket for the bag without doing untold damage to the ceiling.  Can you give me any advice on fitting a ceiling bracket?

Answer
Hello Neil,

Well, I might agree with your dad about concern for the ceiling IF this was about a heavybag, but a double end bag is virtually weightless and will put minimal force on the attachments.  As for finding a ceiling "attachment point" it should not be too difficult to find a stud or rafter.

Perhaps he does not have much carpentry or repair experience
to trust his ability to find a stud the first time, and fears poking holes all through the ceiling tiles or sheet rock. Actually, I'm not much of a carpenter myself, so I normally ask my more experienced repair guy neighbors for help in home repair work. But perhaps this link might help on finding ceiling studs or joists.  
http://www.hometips.com/articles/find_studs_joists.html

As for hanging a bracket, this one would be pretty easy.
http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24648

or something like this eye lag (bottom of page for screw version)

http://www.boltdepot.com/style.aspx?cc=37&wt.srch=1&wt.mc_id=ot&OVRAW=open%20eye...

Just drill a small guide hole into the stud (or drive a nail and extract it). then screw that in. It should hold fine for a double end bag.

If needed, you could also run a longer 2x4 runner across two ceiling studs, attach the runner to the studs, then attach the Double End Bag Bracket to the 2x4 runner. That would put the punching force on the wood runner bracket and not the ceiling material.

the other option is not disturb the ceiling and use a wall hanger.

Double End bag wall hanger
http://store.titleboxing.com/doubendbagwa.html

or this would work.
http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24649

Either way, there should be a way to get you a double end bag set up in the garage.  I hope these suggestions help.

take care, train safely and offer to help dad hang it. It can be a fun activity together.  

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible