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I'm looking to attach rock rings to my garage ceiling. I've found similar posts, but in each one, they have a seemingly critical difference from my setup:

  • I don't have access to above the joist because my living room is above my garage (here).
  • I have I-beams, not 2x8s (here, and seemingly here).
  • I have drywall covering my I-beams (here) but would prefer to leave it.

I do like bcworkz's answer but I'm not sure if this is something I can do with I-beams. I would think that lag bolting along an I-beam would be bad due to its thin profile. Perhaps this concept could be adapted with opposing angled bolts to better catch the beam?

Are there other options/variants for attaching to I-beams behind drywall?

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Chris Mendez
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If you don't mind the look, I'd suggest a 2x6 run perpendicular to your joists. Ideally, you'd get 3 joists (so a 2x6 slightly longer than 4', assuming you've got 16" spacing) with at least 2 good 3.5" #10 screws each. (Since these are pretty big screws, you'll want to drill pilot and clearance holes.) To attach the rock rings, use 6/7mm -ish cord through holes you've drilled in the 2x6. (If you don't want to dent the drywall, just chisel a small channel across the top of the holes.)

Aloysius Defenestrate
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  • I don't mind the look at all, and that's similar to what I was thinking. Where exactly am I aiming for with the screws? Right threw the middle of the I-beam? I assume attaching it to the top and bottom bits of the beam (not sure what that's called) is less sturdy? – Chris Mendez Apr 13 '15 at 01:13
  • Aim for the middle of the flange (bottom/top bit). If you hit the web (upright section in the middle of the i-beam), it won't hurt. If you're too far off the middle, you run the risk of losing screw strength because of splitting. – Aloysius Defenestrate Apr 13 '15 at 01:44
  • I'd use a few more screws than that, or lags if I was doing it for someone else. – Mazura Apr 13 '15 at 02:59
  • Lags are totally doable, but I was curious how to accurately hit the middle of the I-beam with a lag, or am I still just aiming for the flange with the lag? – Chris Mendez Apr 13 '15 at 22:56
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    Whether lags or screws, just aim for the middle of the flange. Generally speaking, there's no holding power in the web, so don't feel like you need to bury a fastener in it. – Aloysius Defenestrate Apr 13 '15 at 23:55