Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Bolt Into A Ceiling Joist

Wooden ceiling joists are typically covered by drywall or plaster.


Ceiling joists are part of the framework of a home, and as such they are sturdy locations from which to hang heavy items. Ceiling mounted items, such as punching bags or projectors, must install in the joists because the hollow cavities of drywall and plaster cannot support them. The hardest part of installing a hanging bolt from a joist is locating the joist under the ceiling finish. Luckily, there are special tools that simplify the process.


Instructions








1. Set a ladder under the area of the ceiling where you want to install the bolt. Climb up to the ceiling carrying a stud finder.


2. Turn the stud finder on and place the back of it flat against the ceiling in the desired location. Move the stud finder from side to side, watching for the light to come on, which signifies the location of a ceiling joist. Draw a small pencil line on the ceiling to mark the spot.


3. Move the stud finder to the left or right, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches until the light goes off, which signifies the end of the joist. Make another mark in this location with the pencil.


4. Climb back down the ladder and install a 3/8-inch drill bit into a drill. Don safety glasses since you will be looking up as you drill.


5. Climb back up to the ceiling and place the tip of the drill bit on the ceiling between the two pencil marks.








6. Squeeze the drill's trigger to drill a 1-inch-deep hole into the joist. Exert upward pressure as you drill.


7. Set the drill aside and insert the threaded end of a 1/2-inch-diameter lag bolt into the hole. Turn the lag bolt clockwise using your hands until it is too tight to turn. Place a pair of pliers around the bolt and continue turning it until the threads are completely inside the ceiling.

Tags: stud finder, Climb back, drywall plaster, Move stud, Move stud finder, which signifies