Do you want a punching bag but don’t have the money or space for one? If so, you’re in luck! You can hang a heavy bag from the drywall ceiling.
Maybe you are thinking about using an older office building, one that has been retrofitted for non-industrial use. Maybe you just inherited an old building. Or maybe you are thinking about putting your bag in the garage. Whatever your situation is, long-term hanging of the heavy bag isn’t always possible, so this blog will show you how to hang a heavy bag from a drywall ceiling.
First, you need the following things to hang a punching bag from the ceiling:
A place to mount the ceiling fixture. This could be an exposed joist or a ceiling mount. If you use a joist to mount the ceiling fixture, make sure it is well-supported.
A punching bag that is strong enough for your needs.
A drill with the correct size of bit (for ceiling mount). If you are using an exposed joist to hang your punching bag, make sure it’s well-supported.
Remember – The strength of a system is determined by the weakest point of that system.
Things to Consider Before Hanging a Punching Bag
Punching Bag Weight
The punching bag weight should be no more than your ceiling fixture strength. The greater the weight of your punching bag, the more likely it is that the may collapse (just kidding, nowadays, ceiling are made of concrete).
Strength of the ceiling joist hold/ceiling mount
Make sure you purchase a hanging punching bag mount that is strong enough to hold your punching bag weight.
The desired height of the hanging punching bag
This article assumes you want to hang your punching bag from the ceiling so you can use it while standing. If you want to hang a heavy bag from the drywall ceiling, make sure you choose a ceiling mount that will hang the punching bag at the desired height.
Step by Step guide to hanging a punching bag from the ceiling
Step 1: Make sure you have a sturdy ceiling joist or ceiling mount if you are hanging the punching bag from drywall.
Step 2: Mount your ceiling fixture to your ceiling joist or ceiling mount according to manufacturer instructions.
Step 3: Make sure the bracket will mount to your punching bag. If you are using a wall-mount heavy punching bag, make sure it includes the correct mounting hardware.
Step 4: Peel back about 2 inches of paper backing from one end of adhesive-backed hook and loop tape. Press the hook side of the tape onto the bare end of the adhesive-backed hook and loop tape.
Step 5: Place coated side of ceiling fixture against adhesive on the other end of adhesive-backed hook and loop tape. Press firmly until the fixture is secure against the ceiling mount or joist hanger assembly.
Step 6: Lift up the pouch at the bottom right corner of the heavy bag so that it rests between two sides of the velcro backing strip, with rough sides facing each other. Repeat the process with a pouch at the bottom left corner of the bag.
Step 7: Attach the bag to the ceiling fixture by looping the bag’s hanging loops over the hook at top of the ceiling fixture assembly. Make sure it can hold your punching bag weight before hanging it from the drywall ceiling.
Step 8: Use cable ties to secure layers of heavy bag material around the mounting point of the hook and loop tape on brackets to prevent slipping or shifting during use.
And that’s it, you have secured your punching bag and it is ready to be used for your boxing training/practicing.
FAQs
Is it safe to hang a punching bag from the Ceiling?
Yes! But, you must choose fixtures that are able to handle whatever weight your punching bag is rated for. Remember – it is no stronger than the weakest point in the system, so if any other part of the system is weaker than the ceiling fixture, it will collapse.
How high should a punching bag hang?
It depends on your height and how tall your ceiling is. Here are some other factors to consider: Are you using this for shadow boxing or for heavy bags? If you’re looking to work on footwork, focus mitts, gloves, and speed bags then you should hang the punching bag low (3 feet off of the ground). This will help with reflexes because you won’t have to bend over as far to hit the bag. On the other hand, if you want to practice uppercuts, hooks, body punches, or kicks then hanging at 5’6″ or 61″ is recommended so that you have room to move around the bag.
Remember, the higher you hang a heavy bag from the drywall ceiling, the more momentum it will have as it swings.
How much weight can a Ceiling Joist Hold?
That depends on what type of material your joists are made out of and how many joists you have supporting your floor. Wood joists support about 250lbs/linear foot before they begin to sag. Steel joists support about 500lbs/linear foot before sagging begins. You can use a structural engineer or a local lumberyard for recommendations based on your location and how your home is structured. If you’re still unsure, purchase a professional quality punching bag stand instead!
