The ideal place to hang a heavy bag would be a gym or an exercise area where there's ample room to train. If the area you've chosen has attic access, you might be able to install the support for a bag hook without cutting into the plaster ceiling. Exposed framing like the type you'd find in a garage or utility building would take care of this concern. If the framing includes fabricated wood trusses, these might hold the bag without a need for additional support. Either way, the average wood-frame ceiling can be retrofit with backing to hang a 200-pound heavy bag.
Step 1
Cut a length of 2-inch-by-12-inch Douglas fir to fit between the ceiling joist above the workout area. Drill a 1/2-inch hole in the center of the piece and attach the eyebolt. Tighten the nut on the eyebolt with the adjustable wrench.
Step 2
Insert the piece between the joists and flush the face with the bottom edge of the joist. Make sure the eyebolt is down. Drive four nails, evenly spaced, through the joist on either side and into each end of the piece.
Step 3
Measure the distance from the top of the 2-inch-by-12-inch piece to the underside of the roof sheathing and along the side of a rafter. Cut a pair of 2-inch-by-4-inch lengths of Douglass fir to this dimension. Stand the first piece in place and nail it to the ceiling joist at the bottom and the roof rafter at the top with No. 16 nails. Repeat for the second piece.
Step 4
Fit the hook for a chain or strap to the eyebolt. Have assistants hold the bag at the desired height and hang it from the hook.
Tips and Warnings
- Start the No. 16 nails in the upper ends of the 2-inch-by-4-inch pieces before standing them in place and nailing to a rafter.
- Have an assistant hold the ladder while you are working in the ceiling area. Wear eye protection when using power tools.
Things You'll Need
- 2-inch-by-12-inch Douglas fir
- 2-inch-by-4-inch Douglas fir
- No. 16 framing nails
- 3-inch eye bolt, 1/2-inch diameter
- Adjustable wrench
- 1/2-inch drill
- Electric drill
- Framing hammer
- Circular saw
- A-frame ladder
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