Expert: Alan Kahn - 12/16/2007

Question
1.)Where would the ideal place be to hang a punchbag. 2.Could you please be specific as to which brackets or hooks will be needed.
3.)I need to know how to find a place to hang a punchbag in the ceiling. Has it got something to do with a joist?
4.)What is an easy way to tell whether a wall is plaster or bricks.

I would be very gratefull if you could answer these questions.

Answer
Hi Khizar,

I assume you are talking about hanging a "heavybag" from your ceiling, which has ceiling "joists", which are the support lumber behind the ceiling material that supports that ceiling.  

It is very difficult to answer you correctly because not every ceiling is the same.  Depending on building codes and material used, as well as what country you live in - all could have many variations that would make it impossible for me to know exactly what you need.
But I can offer you some suggested guides for the typical set up, one of which might work in your location.  

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You CAN hang a heavybag from a ceiling with wooden joists. It helps if the joist (wood) is exposed so you can see it, but maybe it is not.  For this, most people use a "screw hook" or bolt of some type that fastens to the wood.

Here is one type of wooden beam T-bar holder.

http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24691

and here is another style
http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24648

If the "joist" is a metal I-beam, you can use this:
http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24768

Depending on your ceiling arrangement, here is another type of beam holder
http://store.titleboxing.com/heavy-duty-wood-beam-hanger.html

and here is a unique way to use a "rafter holder" to hang a heavybag
http://store.titleboxing.com/rafheavbahang.html


The important part of this is being sure the wood you attach any of these to can support the weight of your bag, remembering also that it is going to swing and Pop up and down a little, which will slightly increase the load on the wood above.  
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A second option is to hang the heavy bag from a wall, using a wall hanger like this
http://store.titleboxing.com/hbhdw.html

Or using a swinging wall hanger like this:
http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24809

To use these you must be carefull that the wall can support the weight of your bag, so I wouldn't use a real heavy bag (over 40 pounds..) on one of these in a type HOME construction set up.
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The Third option for you to use a heavybag at home is not to hang one from the ceiling or walls, but use an independent bag stand such as these:

http://www.ringside.com/detail.aspx?ID=25858

http://store.titleboxing.com/heavy-bag-stands-gyms.html

or these freestanding bags
http://store.titleboxing.com/heavy-bags-freestanding-bags.html

For the typical Home setup, one of these stands or freestanding bags is often an easier choice and will also work well for you.

I hope this helps you get a heavybag into your chosen location. As for the difference between plaster and bricks, I would suggest you get a personal who is knowledgeable about those material show you the differences in person, for you really have to see and feel the differences. My explanation wouldn't do that justice. Any local construction person could do that for you.

Good luck and I hope this has helped you.  

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible