Hanging a Punching Bag

So, you want to hang a punching bag and get some stress out, train, or think it would look cool? I got you. The following instructions are the process I used to hang a bag inside my shop space. One factor that is important to consider before proceeding is that a punching bag is not a light object. You will want to choose a location that can support the weight of the bag and the stress placed on the attachment point when the weight and force being applied to the bag increase so that it doesn’t fall and injure anyone. I bridged across three ceiling joists just to be on the safe side as you will see. Let’s get started!

Before Getting Started

If you are spanning across joists like I am you want to determine how they are spaced ahead of time. Mine were placed on 16 inch centers and I chose to spread it across three because I over do everything. 

Materials/Tools Used

-      Punching bag with attaching hardware (if provided)

-      Punching bag Hanger (I bought mine from Amazon and there are many styles)

-      Drill

-      ¼ in drill bit

-      ½ in socket with drill adapter

-      Tape measure

-      Screws/ mounting hardware

-      2x10 lumber (other options will work, just what I had easily available)

-      Circular Saw

-      Pencil/marker (used to mark wood)

Since I choose to span three joists on 16in centers, I measured and cut my 2x10 board to 40 inches in length. This allows room for the screws to be set and not so close to the cut edges that the wood will split.

Once the lumber has been cut mark the locations of the joists to make it easier to locate when affixing the board to the ceiling. 

Determine the placement of the Punching bag hanger and mark the mounting holes on the 2x10.

Pre-drill the mounting holes for the hanger with a slightly smaller drill bit to prevent the wood from splitting when the hardware is installed. For this application I used a ¼ inch drill bit but the actual hardware may vary in size, so check that before drilling.

Preset the screws partially into the 2x10 to make it easier for attaching the board to the ceiling joists. 

Attach the 2x10 by putting it into place and screwing the hardware directly into the joists using your drill. I used 3 inch construction screws that were rated strong enough to handle the load I would be applying. Make sure the screws you are using are long enough to sufficiently penetrate the materials where installing and are strong enough to handle the load.

Once the board is in place you can then attach the punching bag hanger by locating the predrilled holes and attaching the hardware. In this case I used ½ inch lag bolts that were supplied with the hanger and attached them by using a ½ inch socket and socket adapter in the drill. 

Now that you have secured the board to the ceiling joists and the hanger is installed you are ready to hang the bag. Most punching bags are fairly heavy and you may need assistance to get it hung. Utilizing the attached straps and D-rings on the bag, lift the bag up, hook/clip the D-rings to the attachment point, and carefully allow the hanger to support the weight of the bag. 

After making sure the bag is secure and safe, commence beating the crap out it and enjoy!