Hanging acoustic panels from the ceiling

[JPM]

I have a sound proof room with 2 layers of 5/8" sheetrock and a vinyl barrier inbetween on the ceiling.

I'm wondering what the least invasive way to hang them is? They're about 12lbs each and will have picture wire on each end. I'd like to hang them by hooks if possible so I can take them down when need be.

Is there anything that will take a heavy load that won't require huge holes like toggle bolts? If I do toggle bolts will that nullify the soundproofing allowing more places for sound to escape?

For the wall panels I used these things called "wall biters" that have a tooth that digs into the sheet rock (but not through) and then a hook for hanging. They work on walls because they use gravity so they wouldn't probably work on ceilings but is there something similar for ceilings?

Suggestions?

thanks

JPM

[Glenn Kuras]

Originally Posted by JPM

I have a sound proof room with 2 layers of 5/8" sheetrock and a vinyl barrier inbetween on the ceiling.

I'm wondering what the least invasive way to hang them is? They're about 12lbs each and will have picture wire on each end. I'd like to hang them by hooks if possible so I can take them down when need be.

Is there anything that will take a heavy load that won't require huge holes like toggle bolts? If I do toggle bolts will that nullify the soundproofing allowing more places for sound to escape?

For the wall panels I used these things called "wall biters" that have a tooth that digs into the sheet rock (but not through) and then a hook for hanging. They work on walls because they use gravity so they wouldn't probably work on ceilings but is there something similar for ceilings?

Suggestions?

thanks

JPM

JPM,
You could look at some kits that they use for hanging plants from the ceiling.

Glenn

[JPM]

Originally Posted by myfipie

JPM,
You could look at some kits that they use for hanging plants from the ceiling.

Glenn

Hi Glenn,

Yeah, I'm probably just going to have to make some holes as I think even plant hooks use toggle bolts.

thanks,

JPM

[zimv20]

i used some large-ish fisheye screw things, i think they were 3/8". i was screwing into a layer of drywall over a layer of plaster, so i reckon 2 layers of drywall would hold just as well.

using 4 points, the load at each was pretty light.

fwiw, i also used a pair for each wall/ceiling trap, so even 2 of these could handle the load of a mini-trap (18 lbs., iirc). though the holes aren't really tiny, they are a lot smaller than drilling for a toggle bolt.

[JPM]

zimv - is there another name for those? i don't think i even know what they look like and can't seem to find any on searches.

[zimv20]

give me some time, but i'll post a picture of them.

[zimv20]

i realized i already had this pic online. it's not close-up, but you can see the hardware. the part that's in the ceiling is just a screw.

[JPM]

Originally Posted by zimv20

i realized i already had this pic online. it's not close-up, but you can see the hardware. the part that's in the ceiling is just a screw.

thanks. that's good to know. makes me a little nervous having just hooks into drywall but if yours is 18 lbs and hasn't fallen yet...

maybe those large threaded drywall anchors would work too. thanks!

[zimv20]

Originally Posted by JPM

thanks. that's good to know. makes me a little nervous having just hooks into drywall but if yours is 18 lbs and hasn't fallen yet...

just to clarify, the one in the forefront is a microtrap, i think those are like 12 lbs. that's suspended by 4 hooks. the ones in the background are microtraps (18 lbs?), and they've got 2 in the ceiling and 2 other suspend points in the wall, but the ceiling ones are really taking all the weight. frankly, i'm a little surprised one hasn't come down yet :-)

further, my ceiling is composed of (from exposed to buried): drywall (3/8" i believe), plaster (3/4" probably) and lathe (about 1/4"). the lathe might be the layer grabbing the screw best, so i'd do some tests in your ceiling first before committing.

[Glenn Kuras]

Originally Posted by zimv20

i realized i already had this pic online. it's not close-up, but you can see the hardware. the part that's in the ceiling is just a screw.

Are those straight threads or are there those clip things on them?

glenn

[zimv20]

i'm attaching a photo of the hardware i used.

the hook is called a Lag Thread Screw Hook, and i used size 1/4" x 3 3/4". it says it's rated for 60 lbs., probably assuming it's driven into solid wood.

we clamped the wire with the clamps, cleverly marketed as "CLAMPS". these particular ones are made by Lehigh (whoever they are) and the part no. is 7318. all this stuff, and the wire (i forget the gauge, but it was the smallest one there), we got at the Home Depot.

the ceiling panel got two loops, threaded along each of the two spines on the rear of the RealTrap units. i.e. the loops ran horizontal to the 2' side, not along the 4' side. the ceiling/wall panels were thread along the 4' sides.

glenn -- i'm not sure i understand your question, but maybe the above answered it.

and, fwiw, i also have some of glenn's traps, but all those are on stands, i didn't hang any of those.