DIY Adjustable RPTC Hangboard Mount with French Cleat

by [Your Name] • [Date]

Ever since I first conceived of the Rock Prodigy Training Center, I’d been dreaming up a simple, adjustable mounting system. After RPTC launched, Julian Marks suggested using a French‐cleat system—two angled boards that hook and slide—to make instant spacing changes between hangboard halves.

The French Cleat Concept

The French‐cleat concept: the upper board (with the RPTC half) hooks onto the fixed lower board, allowing side‐to‐side adjustment.

I was skeptical about its rigidity—any flex could ruin consistent loading—but after building a prototype, the mount was rock solid and unbelievably easy to adjust. Here’s a quick demo:

Tools & Materials

Required Tools

• Drill
• Circular saw (rigid blade)
• Level
• Clamps
• Tape measure
• Safety glasses & gloves

Optional Tools

• Table saw
• Electric sander

Materials

• 2×8 (or 2×6/2×10) lumber, ≥8 ft long
• 2×4, same length
• 1×4, same length
• Scrap 2×4 pieces
• ¾″ plywood, ~2 ft²
• 8 × 3″ wood screws (#8+)
• 6 × 2.5″ wood screws (#8+)
• 2 × 1.25″ wood screws

Building the Cleats

I ripped the 2×8 at a precise angle—5.5″ for the fixed cleat, 5.0″ for each floating cleat—using a circular‐saw fence jig. Make your rip at least 6″ longer than needed, then trim to final length.

Cut dimensions for your fixed and floating cleats.

Once cut, sand the mating surfaces smooth to eliminate wobble.

Guide Fence & Rip Cut Tips

Clamp a 2×4 (plus optional 1×4 shim) as a fence on your 2×8, then:

• Plunge the blade 2″, back out, then restart to seat the guide flat.
• Apply firm downward pressure into the fence.
• Proceed slowly for a straight, wobble-free cut.

Circular saw setup cutting at a 45° angle using a thicker blade.

Final Assembly

Trim the fixed cleat to ~34.5″ (for 0–9.5″ spacing). Mount it level to your wall or beam with at least six long screws. Slide on your two floating cleats, attach plywood rectangles (12.5″×10″) to each, then fasten each RPTC half to its plywood using the screw lengths shown below.

Use the proper screw lengths so you don’t penetrate the fixed cleat.

Scribe a ruler on your fixed cleat for repeatable spacing, log your settings, and you’re ready to train!