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Help installing an RPTC fingerboard

Original Post
Pablo Camacho · · Margalef · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 20

Hey there!

I recently got my Rock Prodigy Training Center on the mail here in Margalef! (after paying more for shipping than for the fingerboard!). I am a noob when it comes to doing work around the house, so installing this thing is like a MAJOR project for me. The fact that the layout of the house is pretty weird (with no suitable doorframes where to hang this) doesn't help either.

Here's where I decided to mount it. This wall is half concrete (top 20cm) and half drywall (bottom 18cm). On the upper part of this wall there's a walkable platform entrance attached with screws.

Photo of where I want to place the fingerboard

I bought a piece of wood 200x40x2cm (so a bit over 3/4" of depth) and was planning on doing the following:

  • Cut two pieces of 32cm wide each and stack them over the main board so that each piece of the hangboard is installed there.
  • Secure the main board with three screws (#10 for concrete wall)
  • Secure each cut board with two screw (also #10 for concrete wall)

Here's a little sketch I made:

Sketch of how I want to install the board

One thing to note is that I'll need to hang the fingerboard on the lower part of the wall, since that part of the wall is already way too high (I'll need to get a 60cm stand to reach it), so the hangboard itself will be on the drywall, not on the concrete part of the wall. Is this ok or would that be a problem?

Thanks for your help with this! Like I said (and probably shown) I am clueless about this stuff, so all help is appreciated!

Thanks!
Pablo Camacho · · Margalef · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 20

One more thing: the hangboard pieces themselves would be secured with the 2.5" long screws that come with the fingerboard, all of them would hit the 4cm of wood (and a bit of the drywall, but I don't expect the drywall to support any weight, the wood would).

Thanks!

Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,492

That looks like a good plan, but the key issue is how will you attach the board to the concrete? You'll want masonry bits and expansion anchors of some sort. I'll let someone more qualified get more specific than that.

Pablo Camacho · · Margalef · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 20

Thanks Gunkiemike. That's sort of what I'm worried about, the board itself will only be really attached to the wood, as the drywall sounds very hollow and wouldn't hold any weight, so the wood would have to carry the weight.

Rui Ferreira · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jul 2003 · Points: 903

It looks from your description that the two RPTC pieces will be in a fixed position. I have found it better to have the ability to change the distance between the two RPTC with with either one fixed and the other adjustable or both adjustable. With an adjustable set-up you can find the best position for hanging without loading the fingers at bad angles (diagonal) or loading the shoulders incorrectly. I found it best to hang always straight down from the holds and during my sessions the width between the two RPTC varies from 3.5 inches to 11 inches (approx. 9 to 28 cm) depending on the holds being used. The website has information on how to do an adjustable installation using French cleats, but there are easier ways to do this as well without the fancy diagonal cuts of the French cleats.

You will also need to take into account how to set-up a pulley system, probably anchoring into the main board with two eye bolts/screws.

tks · · Boston, MA · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 20

Hi Guys,

Need some help on installing a hangboard. l'm looking to put together a rig that i can mount a hangboard to up in the attic.

The attic has exposed rafters running from the floor to the tip of the roof. The rafters are 18 inches or so apart, and run at a ~45 degree angle.

Any ideas?

Tom

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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