What Rigging Points Are and Their Purpose

Rigging points are secure anchor locations that allow suspension of body weight or equipment. In BDSM contexts, rigging points enable several activities:

• Shibari suspension: Japanese rope bondage that suspends body weight using strategic knots attached to an anchor point. Can suspend 50-200+ pounds depending on technique and body distribution.
• Sex swings: Specialized equipment suspended from ceiling anchors, designed to support dynamic movement and combined weight of two partners.
• Overhead restraint systems: Pulleys or fixed mounts for restraints, rope, or chains.
• Overhead suspensions for impact play: Securing equipment or partners overhead for specific scenes.

All of these activities place significant dynamic loads (moving loads that create impact and stress beyond static weight) on anchor points. A rigging point designed for suspending a 150-pound person must be rated for considerably higher capacity to account for movement, impact, and safety margin.

Critical Safety Requirements and Load Ratings

Minimum Load Rating: 500 Pounds for Dynamic Loads

For any dynamic suspension activity (movement, swinging, impact), the rigging point and all hardware must be rated for a minimum of 500 pounds safe working load. This accounts for:

• The body weight being suspended (150-250 lbs typically)
• Dynamic load multiplication (movement creates 2-4x static weight stress)
• Safety factor (the rated capacity should be 3-4x actual expected load)
• Degradation over time (hardware ages and weakens)

The "safe working load" (SWL) or "working load limit" (WLL) is the manufacturer's specification for how much weight the hardware is designed to support safely. Do not confuse this with "breaking strength," which is when the hardware fails completely. A 500 lb SWL piece of hardware may have a 2000 lb breaking strength, but should never be used with more than 500 lbs of sustained load.

Verification and Testing

Every rigging point should be tested before use. Load testing involves hanging a weight equal to or exceeding the expected load (without a person) and observing for movement, creaking, or degradation. A 200-pound rigging test should use 400 pounds of weight, held for at least 30 seconds while monitoring for any movement or noise from the anchor.

Redundancy

Professional riggers use redundant anchor points. If one anchor fails, a backup is still present. For home installations, this means either using two separate attachment points (each capable of supporting the full load independently) or using a single point with exceptional overcapacity (rated for 1000+ lbs with expected load under 300 lbs).

Finding Ceiling Joists and Structural Support

Joists Are Essential

Ceiling drywall alone cannot support suspension loads. Drywall is designed for the weight of the drywall itself and minor objects like light fixtures. A 500-pound load must be anchored directly to the structural wooden joists (or steel beams in some buildings) that support the ceiling and roof.

Locating Joists

Ceiling joists run perpendicular to the direction of the ceiling finish. In most residential construction, joists are spaced 16 inches or 24 inches apart (center to center). To locate a joist:

• Use a stud finder designed for deep scanning (12+ inches). Many standard stud finders don't reach ceiling joists; you need a heavy-duty model ($30-60*).
• Consult your home's blueprints if available (ask the previous owner or contact the builder).
• Look for nail holes or other visual indicators in the attic (if you have attic access).
• In apartments or rented spaces, consult the landlord or building management for structural documentation.

Determining Joist Size

Most residential joists are 2x6, 2x8, or 2x10 dimensional lumber. Larger joists support more load. A 2x6 joist in good condition (no rot, proper density) can safely support a 500-pound anchor point. Do not install rigging points in compromised joists (visible rot, insect damage, or splitting).

Spacing and Load Distribution

When anchoring to a single joist, all load is concentrated on that one structural member. For suspension, this is acceptable if the joist is in good condition and the load is within specification. If spanning between two joists, the load distributes across both, increasing overall safety margin.

Types of Anchor Hardware

Eye Bolts

Eye bolts are the simplest rigging hardware: a bolt with a looped eye at the top for attachment. A 1/2-inch stainless steel eye bolt rated for 500+ lbs costs $15-25* and is relatively easy to install. Screw the eye bolt directly into a joist or block, ensuring at least 2-3 inches of thread penetration into solid wood.

Limitations: Eye bolts work well for static loads but can bend or deform under dynamic side loads. They're best used with guidance hardware (pulleys or rings) that keeps the load directly vertical.

Structural Hooks

Heavy-duty structural hooks are larger than eye bolts and feature reinforced design for dynamic loads. A strap hook or ceiling hook rated for 500-1000 lbs costs $30-50* and provides better security under side load. These are slightly harder to install because they're larger, but they're more reliable for suspension work.

Purpose-Built Rigging Plates

Rigging plates (sometimes called "rigging mounts" or "suspension plates") are specialized hardware designed specifically for BDSM suspension. These feature:

• Multiple attachment points (2-4 separate anchor locations on one plate)
• Reinforced steel construction
• Load ratings of 1000+ lbs
• Even weight distribution across multiple fastening points

Quality rigging plates cost $50-150* and are installed by bolting directly to joists using multiple fasteners, creating excellent redundancy and safety. These are the preferred option for serious suspension work.

Chains, Carabiners, and Attachment Hardware

Once the main anchor is installed, you'll need secondary hardware to attach rope, restraints, or suspension equipment:

• Carabiners: Load-rated carabiners (not climbing carabiners) rated for 500+ lbs cost $5-15* each. These should be locking carabiners to prevent accidental unloading.
• Chains: Grade 80 or Grade 100 chain (heavy-duty industrial chains) rated for 500+ lbs per link cost $1-2* per foot. Never use standard decorative chain.
• Rope: Professional suspension rope (not clothesline) should be dynamic (stretchy) and rated for high loads. Rope rated for 500+ lbs in 5/8-inch diameter costs $2-3* per foot.

All components in the suspension system must meet or exceed the load rating of the weakest link. If you're suspending 200 pounds, every component from the joist anchor to the restraint attachment must be rated for at least 400-500 lbs safely.

What NOT to Do: Extremely Dangerous Practices

NEVER Use Plasterboard Anchors for Dynamic Loads

This is the most critical point: plastic toggle bolts, molly bolts, and other wall anchors rated for drywall are absolutely unsuitable for suspension. These anchors are rated for 20-75 lbs (holding pictures or light shelves) and will fail catastrophically under body weight. Using plasterboard anchors for suspension can result in the anchor tearing out of the ceiling and the suspended person falling 8-12 feet. This is a serious injury risk.

NEVER Suspend From Light Fixtures or Electrical Boxes

Light fixture boxes are not rated for body weight. They may support a 5-pound light fixture but not human suspension. Also, suspension forces can damage wiring and create electrocution risks.

NEVER Suspend From Crown Molding or Trim

Trim is cosmetic and installed on the surface of drywall. It has no structural capacity for suspension loads and will tear away from the ceiling under load.

NEVER Install Rigging Points Without Locating Joists

Guessing where joists are and installing anchors "close to" where you think a joist is located is extremely dangerous. Always use proper joist detection methods and verify joist locations before installing any hardware.

NEVER Use Residential Fasteners in Commercial or Multi-Family Buildings

Commercial buildings have different structural standards. Joists may be further apart, ceiling systems may be different (suspended ceilings with no direct joist access), and building codes may have specific requirements. In apartments, consult building management or a structural engineer before any installation.

Safer Alternatives: Freestanding Rigging

If ceiling installation is not feasible (rented apartment, ceiling structure unsuitable, safety concerns), freestanding rigging solutions provide excellent alternatives without any structural risk.

The X-POSITION As a Rigging Frame

The X-POSITION cross is more than a restraint furniture piece--it's a freestanding rigging frame. Because it's designed with a sturdy welded steel structure and a wide, heavy base, it has multiple built-in attachment points for:

• Overhead rope attachment (the top corners have welded rings)
• Pulleys for dynamic rigging
• Chains or carabiners for suspension elements

The X-POSITION removes the need for ceiling installation entirely. Weight is distributed through the wide base to the floor, avoiding any structural anchoring. The frame's weight (150+ lbs) and base design make it stable for suspension of up to 300+ lbs of dynamic load, depending on the specific configuration.

Advantages: No ceiling modification needed, suitable for rentals, portable if repositioned, inspectable before use, and far simpler than ceiling rigging.

Portable Rigging Frames

Other freestanding rigging frames exist (some designed for wedding decorations, others for circus arts training). These are portable structures that provide overhead rigging without permanent installation. Cost: $300-1500* depending on size and load rating. These are excellent for serious suspensions without modification to the home.

Furniture Rigging Points

The IN-CELL cage has welded attachment rings and bars that can serve as rigging anchor points for lighter suspension work (not full body suspension, but restraint distribution). This allows integration of suspension elements with furniture-based bondage.