Hanging a Batting Cage from the Rafters

Rafters are a common anchor point for indoor batting cages. Hanging the netting from the rafters is a simple job that requires basic hardware. The typical netting is light and does not stress the rafters or structure. Some netting manufactures provide hardware kits for rafter installation but the materials are available through standard hardware stores. Hanging the netting is possible by a single person but extra hands are useful for support and safety.

Things You'll Need

  • Drill
  • 1/8-inch bit
  • 1/8-inch eye bolts
  • Screwdriver
  • 1/4-inch steel wire
  • Wire sleeve
  • Pliers
  • Netting
  • Carabiners
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure each end of the net position and mark the ends on the rafter with a pencil. Mark the rafter every 4 feet between the two ends as well.

    • 2

      Drill a 1/8-inch hole into the bottom of the rafter at each marked position. Screw a 1/8-inch eye bolt into each of the predrilled holes. Use a wrench handle or screwdriver to help turn the eye bolts.

    • 3

      Wrap one end of the wire around one of the end position eye bolts. Create a loop with the wire and slide a wire sleeve over the loop. Crimp the sleeve with pliers to hold the position.

    • 4

      Run the free end of the wire through each successive eye bolt until you reach the opposite end. Wrap the wire around the end bolt to form a loop and pull the wire taught. Slide a sleeve over the loop and crimp the wire to hold the position.

    • 5

      Spread out the netting on the ground. Align the corners to prevent tangling as you hang the netting. Clip a carabiner on the top ridge of the netting at every 1 foot mark. Clip the end carabiners to the end eye bolts and clip the remaining carabiners to the wire.