How to Hang Bikes in Garage
Space in a garage is one of the most limited resources that need to be maximized. However, many people do not have an idea about using this resource to their advantage. There is no need to worry anymore, as this article talks more about how to hang bikes in the garage.
Riding a bike must be a fun-filled experience, but the storage can be challenging. It is no doubt that storing it can be tricky, especially where the space is so limited. If you want to know how to be space-efficient, I recommend you to this article entitled how to hang bikes in garage.
Read through the article for more information.
Best way to hang bikes in garage
There are two ways of hanging the bikes in a garage. They are:
- By use of ceiling hooks.
- Use of a rope and a pulley system.
We shall look at each method individually so you can choose the best method for your bike.
By use of ceiling hooks
- Look for the ceiling joist
Stand on a ladder or a stable table. Try to locate the joist on the ceiling. You can identify it by knocking. When you hear a hollow sound, that is not the joist!
A solid sound indicates the presence of a joist. Another alternative to finding it is by use of a stud finder.
The third option for finding a joist is nailing a small nail into the ceiling. If it encounters some resistance, the joist is within range. However, if it does not, then you have not found any.
Observe caution when standing on raised surfaces because you might fall off.
- Drill a small guiding hole to fit the first hook
The pilot hole should be smaller than the threads of the screw hooks. It should be at the point where you want the center of the wheels to be.
A cordless electric drill with a drill bit can make the pilot hole. Be careful and observe safety when drilling the ceiling.
Wear glasses to cover your eyes and to avoid debris from falling into them.
- Determine the distance between the center of the two wheels
The first pilot hole will be the guide to the next one. Use a tape measure to get the distance from the center of one wheel to the other. Be precise as possible.
Always confirm that you have the right measurement.
- Drill the second hole in the same ceiling joist
Now that you know the distance between the centers of the two wheels, it is easier to drill the second pilot hole. It should be on the same ceiling joist as the first hole.
The distance between the two pilot holes should be similar to that of the center of the wheels.
An adult bike has a length of around 48 inches or 120cm.
- Screw the hooks into the pilot holes
You need some heavy-duty, J-shaped, and vinyl-coated hooks that can support the weight of the bike. Screw them into the pilot holes by use of the wrench. Securely twist them into the ceiling joist.
When buying hooks, it is advisable to get the ones coated with plastic. They are important in preventing the hook from scratching the bike.
By use of a rope and pulley system
- Find the joist in the ceiling
Stand on a ladder or a stable table. Try to locate the joist on the ceiling. You can identify it by knocking. When you hear a hollow sound, that is not the joist!
A solid sound indicates the presence of a joist. Another alternative to finding it is by use of a stud finder.
The third option for finding a joist is by nailing a small nail into the ceiling. If it encounters some resistance, the joist is within range. However, if it does not, then you have not found any.
Observe caution when standing on raised surfaces, you might fall off.
- Screw the pulley into the ceiling
Drill a 3.2mm hole into the middle of the joist. It should be at the point where you want to put one end of the pulley system.
Attach to the ceiling the first pulley bracket. It should run parallel to the ceiling joist. Utilize all the screws and other materials that come in the packaging with the pulley system. They all have a purpose.
- Measure the distance between the handlebars and the bike’s seat
After screwing the first pulley to the ceiling, measure the length from the front of the handlebars to the back of the bike’s seat using a tape measure.
Take the measurements more than once to confirm the accuracy of your work.
- Place the second pulley bracket on the ceiling joist
Ensure the distance from the center of the first bracket to that of the second one is similar to that of the handlebar to the back of the seat.
Drill a 3.2mm hole pilot hole on the ceiling joist once you get the second bracket into the position. The screws will also go through this hole.
The two brackets should be parallel to the ceiling joist and form a straight line.
- Thread the rope in the holes of the second bracket
Thread the rope through the holes in the second bracket before screwing it to the ceiling. Each rope in the pulley system is different from the other, so ensure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Mount the second pulley to the ceiling
Screw the second bracket to the ceiling joist with the use of an impact driver. Do it in the same way as the first one.
Pull the bracket down gently to ensure that it can withstand the pressure from the hanging bike.
- Insert the rope through the pulleys
After fastening the brackets to the ceiling, thread the rope through the brackets and the hook. They will hoist the bike when storing.
- Raise the bike by the pulley system
Place one hook under the bike’s seat and the other one under the handlebars. Pull the rope to raise the bike to the brackets. Once it is up, release the rope slowly and tie it to a hook on the wall.
The bracket has an anti-slip mechanism that will prevent the bike from falling off.
Conclusion
Riding a bike can be fun, but storing it can also be a daunting task, especially when the storage space is small.
The article, how to hang bikes in the garage, explicitly mentions two ways of storing them. Both are easy to implement. All you have to do is to follow the instructions as laid down in this article.
Best of luck as you try it out!
