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Projector Mounting Issue

post #1 of 6
3/14/08 at 11:01am
Thread Starter 
Hello all!

I have a little bit of a problem, but I am sure all you smart people here can help me...yes I know flattery will get me everywhere

Anyway, I am working on my home theater room in a finished basement and I am at the point of finally putting up my projector.....my problem:

I have a textured ceiling (not that this would matter I am sure) but I am having a hard time finding the joist(s). I am certain its not going to be the 14.5 ft exactly that I would like from the projection screen, so I am going to have to mount a piece of weed up beween two joists and then mount the projector through the wood and drywall (I will make the wood look pretty by painting and putting texture on it as well.

Sooooo, from my poking around the interwebs, I have found out that A. stud findings on ceilings are not that great anyway (not that its an option with the texture of my ceiling preventing a flat surface) B. The joists should in theaory be 16" apart C. I could flash a light and see the direction of some of the beams on the outide (which I can spot a few here and there, but they look like main beams or something as I dont see any signs of others)

So, my question is, is there an easier way of finding the joists without 1. Cutting a hole into the ceiling 2. poking nail holes all over the place

thank you in advance

KameoNR
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post #2 of 6
3/14/08 at 11:15am

Re: Projector Mounting Issue

Ed

I have had this problem myself. Drill a very small hole at the center of your perfect mounting position. Poke a wire hanger through the hole and proceed to the attic (assuming this is an installation below an attic) and find the hanger. You can now measure off your studs or put in a cross member to support the mount, which I did.

If you do not have access above the mount I am not sure what the best way would be
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post #3 of 6
3/14/08 at 12:24pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Projector Mounting Issue

Thanks, unfortunately we are dealing with a basement ceiling here....Although...I do like your coat hanger idea....I could stick the coat hanger (or wire of some kind) through the hole and poke left or right to find out which direction the joist is going.....that may help with determing the spacing.
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post #4 of 6
3/14/08 at 1:49pm

Re: Projector Mounting Issue


A good way of finding a joist in your situation is drilling into the ceiling with a tiny drill bit. Typically a dab of paint will cover the hole back up.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
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post #5 of 6
3/14/08 at 3:19pm

Re: Projector Mounting Issue

Depending on your projector, it may not be necessary to mount it to a joist. Most of the currently popular digital projectors are under 15 pounds...easily supported by toggle bolt. You could either "bolt" your projector mast base directly to the ceiling or "bolt" your "weed" (couldn't resist) to the ceiling and then mount as planned.

The ceiling joists should connect load bearing walls, if that helps. Most likely your joists run perpendicular to the roof peak of your house and parallel to your attic joists. Of course, if you have something with lots of hips, that might not hold true.

-Brent
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post #6 of 6
3/15/08 at 10:57am

Re: Projector Mounting Issue

Toggles are good, yes, and Toggler "Snaptoggles" are very nice to use. (Go to Home Depot online and look for SKU: 155012 ) The hole is smaller than comparable toggle bolts, and you don't need bolts forever long.

Leo
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