Hanging a Projector from a Plasterboard Ceiling

[rm48ic]

Well, I've bought myself a new H79 projector and the matching ceiling mount. I now need to hang it from the ceiling.
Problem is, the ceiling joists are really in the wrong place to get the position I need.
Has anyone successfully mounted a projector/mount straight onto the plasterboard ceiling (with the right fixings of course)? The manual for the mount says you can, but the projector weighs 7.5 kg (16.5 ib) so I'm rather nervous!

[damned]

What I did with mine was to screw a length of MDF offcut so that it straddles two joists, then mount the projector to the MDF.
It's not particularly elegant, but it does the job nicely.

[louishm]

is there no way you can access the ceiling from above, if this was possible you could fix some battoning between the joists for a good fixing

[rhino2k]

Originally Posted by louishm

is there no way you can access the ceiling from above, if this was possible you could fix some battoning between the joists for a good fixing

this is by far the tidiest way

those boards screwed to the ceiling are horrid!

it's not too bad to go upstairs and lift a few floorboards either, you will regret it if you dont

[rm48ic]

Thanks guys.

I think I will have get into the loft to try to fix this batton between the joists.

How do you suggest fixing it between the joists?

[SeanT]

No need to fix it really, just get someone to hold it in the right place whilst you screw into it! If it spreads the weight across the ceiling between the two joists, then it may as well be fixed to them anyway

[rm48ic]

Originally Posted by SeanT

No need to fix it really, just get someone to hold it in the right place whilst you screw into it! If it spreads the weight across the ceiling between the two joists, then it may as well be fixed to them anyway

Thanks for that mate but I must be thick - if you dont need to fix it to the joists what stops it from pulling down the plasterboard ceiling, which is only nailed to the joists? The projector weighs 7.5 kg so wouldn't that do the damage?

[louishm]

as seant mentioned its all to do with spreading the weight. rather than using some battons try a piece of square cut ply, this will spread the weight even better.

[LV426]

If you want it secure, then you screw throiugh the existing joists to the new batons (two screws at either end should do it.)

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[aarons]

if you have double skinned plasterboard use toggles I use these all the time in schools