I bought this pull up bar that is designed to go into studs that are 16" apart Ultimate Body Press
My basement walls are only framed out so I can see all of the studs. I started to mount it and realized the studs are 18" OC. I'm trying to think of the best way to get this mounted and strong.
My leading idea right now is to buy 2 more 2×6 studs and attach them to the inside of the existing ones. There is nothing running through the studs so it should be as simple as lining them up and screwing them together. I would do a few screws horizontally and then 2 on the top and bottom at a 45 degree angle to attach to the base and top horizontal studs. I believe the term is toeing?
Are there any downsides to this approach now or in the future. At some point we will finish the basement and cover this all up with drywall.
Best Answer
Your approach is sound. I wouldn't bother toeing screws in from top/bottom. I would drill through both the stud and the filler board and attach with nuts/bolts/washers (as opposed to threading a screw into the stud). Two bolts above the bar and two below.
Alternatively you can attach horizontal 2x4's across your studs with recessed lag bolts and then mount the pull-up bar to those. Since the 2x4's will be attached to the studs the same way the pull-up bar would have been attached you won't lose much connective strength.