How to Mount a Hangboard on a Basement Beam

Prepare for a mountain climb using a fingerboard.

Installing a hangboard is essential for mastering grip and hanging skills for beginning or experienced climbers. Hangboards are isolated tools made from wood or polyester resin. The holds are made with finger holes of various sizes. The point of using a hangboard is simply that -- to hang. Inserting your fingers into the holes will build a vast array of muscles in your fingers, hands and arms. Installing your own fingerboard in the basement provides a private, out-of-the-way location you can practice your grip and increase confidence and strength.

Things You'll Need

• 8 3/4-by-28-inch wood or polyester resin hangboard
• Level
• Pencil
• Drill
• 3/4-inch wood screws

Instructions

1. Find a sturdy basement overhead beam at least 1-by-10 inches in dimension.

2. Place an 8 3/4-by-28-inch wood or polyester resin hangboard flat against the center of the beam. Adjust the hangboard so it is straight. Balance a level atop the hangboard to ensure 100 percent horizontal positioning.

3. Trace the outline of all prefabricated holes in the board that are intended for screws. The circles help you realign the hangboard should you have to put it down before installation.

4. Drill a 3/4-inch wood screw into each prefabricated hole to secure the hangboard to the beam.

References

• Back Country Beacon: None at Home -- The Art of Hangboarding

Resources

• REI: Metolius Simulator 3D Training Board