woman using climbing fingerboard

Introduction

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Introduction

Having risen in popularity since their first appearance in the ’90s, training on a fingerboard is now a staple tool for most serious climbers.

If you’re thinking of purchasing one, you may be wondering how to set up a fingerboard. Unlike a pull-up bar, it isn’t ready to hang on a door frame out of the box. There is no one way to mount the board, and the best option will depend on your own situation and level of creativity. However, to help get you started here are our top tips for setting up a fingerboard.

Preparation

If you are in rented accommodation, your mounting options are more limited unless you have your landlords all clear to drill holes into your wall. There are ways around this and we’ll run through a couple of drill-free options below.

If you own your accommodation then before you get the drill out, take some time to consider where you are going to put the board. You need to ensure that the board isn’t flush to a wall to allow you to hang underneath, and it also needs to be placed somewhere where you can use it easily (it’s a good idea to minimise any potential excuses to not train).

It is crucial to ensure that it is completely vertical wherever the board is installed. Even a few degrees of overhang can increase the difficulty of the holds.

The four main mounting methods are:

  • Mounting above door frame with permanent fitting

  • Mounting within door frame without any screws or drilling

  • Mounting on a beam (typically in a cellar or attic)

  • Mounting set away from a wall (indoors or outdoors)

Mounting above a door frame

Woman hanging from a climbing fingerboard

Mounting within a door frame

Woman hanging from a climbing fingerboard

Mounting on a beam

Woman hanging from a climbing fingerboard

Mounting to a wall

Woman hanging from a climbing fingerboard

Hopefully, these tips help get you started with mounting your fingerboard. Remember to not be afraid to get creative. Whatever method you choose, just ensure that the board is plumb vertical and securely attached to your chosen mounting surface.

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