Are you looking to up your climbing game by increasing your finger strength and grip?
If so, consider investing in a hangboard. These popular rock climbing tools can be found in every rock climbing gym and in nearly all the homes of experienced climbers.
But for some, these boards pose a serious problem: they typically need to be mounted to the wall.
For climbers who don’t have this ability, having hangboards can seem like a pipe dream. But don’t worry. Regardless of your situation, you can find ways to properly mount and hang your board without the use of a drill.
Below, I’ll tell you what you need to know about hanging a hangboard without drilling. Perfect for renters and those in dorms, this guide will show you what you need to know to get started today.
Can Every Hangboard Be Hung Without Drilling?
First, you may be wondering: can every hangboard be hung without a drill?
Generally speaking, the answer is yes.
With the right amount of ingenuity, you can design a way to hang just about any hangboard without the use of a drill.
This means that if you already have a hangboard, you don’t need to run out and buy another.
Finding the right mounting techniques, however, may depend on your current space and situation.
How to Minimize Damage to the House When Mounting a Hangboard
With that in mind, take time to understand how you can minimize the damage to your home while mounting your hangboard.
Traditional mounting requires one to screw holes into the wall and fasten the hangboard in place. While this offers great security, you may not have this option.
If you’re in need of a damage-free option, there aren’t a whole lot of techniques you can implement. However, some of the more solid options can be used virtually anywhere.
For starters, hanging your board without drilling requires the proper equipment. For many, this includes:
- Hangboard
- Wood
- Mountable Pullup Bars
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- Bike Hooks
I know what you’re thinking: I thought we weren’t drilling anything.
We aren’t—at least not in the walls.
Instead, you’ll just need these screws to properly mount your board to the wood and the hangboard pullup bar system. Screwing the mount together provides for added durability so that you can hang without the risk of falling.
To assemble the system, follow the steps below:
1. Buy a Pull Up Bar
First, buy a mountable pull up bar that can be hung in your doorway. Many retailers sell these bars, but if you can’t find one in your area or if you simply prefer to order one from home, you can find several great options online here.
Mount the bar in your doorway. You’ll want to find one out of the way of normal traffic.
2. Screw a Block of Wood to your Hanging Board
Next, you’ll need to mount your hanging board to a block of wood that’s just a bit wider than your doorway.
Make sure that you’ve got it securely mounted, as you don’t want the two to disconnect while you’re hanging.
3. Screw Bike Hooks into the Wood
Thirdly, you should attach bike hooks to the block of wood you’ve mounted your hanging board on. Make sure these hooks stay securely fastened even when pulling on them or adding pressure.
4. Hang the New System over the Pull Up Bars
Finally, you can put the entire system together by mounting the bike hooks over the pull up bar. Now, you should have a fully-functional hangboard without the need for screwing anything into your walls.
Pretty safe, right?
Are There Any Drawbacks to Using This Method?
Nothing in life can be perfect—not even this great hanging method. But don’t worry—you can be sure that it won’t damage your home. Instead, the problem proves much less serious.
Because the mounted board hangs down from hooks on the pullup bar, you lose a considerable amount of space. While this may not be much of a big deal for climbers of certain heights, taller people may have reduced space from which to hang.
Other than that, however, this mounting method offers few drawbacks. It can even be used on doors with suspect trimming—providing a sturdy and convenient way to get your hangboarding in.
Do You Need a Pullup Bar to Mount a Hangboard without Damage?
Generally speaking, yes.
Though you may not need a pullup bar in particular, you’re going to need some kind of bar that can be mounted over your door without the use of screws.
And in this regard, commercially-sold pull-up bars often provide the best value.
Additionally, not only are they the most common option, they’re also the easiest to use. Though you may wish to get creative and try other mounting methods, using a pullup bar often proves one’s best bet.
Are Some Hangboards Better Suited Than Others to be Mounted Damage Free?
Finally, you may be wondering if certain hangboards are better suited to being mounted this way.
While the answer is a definite yes, do note that nearly every hangboard will work. They just might not all be as effective.
So which hangboards are better suited?
Generally, you’ll want a hangboard that’s not too heavy—or too bulky. The excess weight can add more strain to the pullup bar and to your door.
Additionally, the bulkier the hangboard, the harder it will be to mount. Not only that, but those of a bigger size take up more space. And because your mount will be dangling already, you’ll want to save as much space as possible.
For this reason, small and lightweight hangboards—such as the Project by Metolius—work best for these types of mounts.
If you don’t have access to these types of mounts, however, don’t worry. You should still be able to mount your board for effective results.
By following the above tips, you can be on your way to mounting your board without any structural damage. Keep this information in mind as you look to hang your next board.
