Just Pulling Myself Up

Bought the project training board by Metolius the other day from a local climbing shop for SGD$85.70. Thought it was expensive and overly priced for something that costs USD$55 on the manufacturer's website. They indeed took full advantage of their monopoly on Metolius products sold locally here.

It took some research to install it. There's the plywood backing, type of screws and  the wall plugs to consider. And a bit of math to figure out the load that the plywood would support and the forces that will on act it. Instructions that came with the product didn't help one bit as it was written more for the American homes where walls made out of plywood are the norm.

Here's a cost breakdown for those who're interested:

1) Metolius Project Training Board - SGD$85.70

2) 3/4" screws for wood - SGD$3.40 for 10pcs (4pcs used)

3) 1/2" screws for wood - SGD$3.10 for 10pcs (4pcs used)

4) 14mm ⌀wall plugs for concrete - SGD$7.20 for 4pcs (2pcs used)
5) 3/4" plywood - SGD$10.90
Total =  SGD$110.30

The original design required 4 x wall plugs. But since it was rated for 100kgs, I thought 2 x wall plugs would suffice. Considering the heaviest person in the house weighs slightly less than 90kg, and engineering designs usually require twice the calculated load. I still have concerns for the plywood though even after reading that in the States, 3/4" plywood is used regularly for flooring and supporting heavier weights. But all seems fine and dandy after a few days of testing.

Its quite ridiculous though to learn that plywood is sold at a rather extravagant USD$19.95 at the manufacturer's site and a DIY shop nearby the house quoted SGD$12 for 1/2", compressed boards of the same dimensions. Pffft. Fortunately I found pre-cut quality wood tucked in a corner of a shop.

Here are some pics!

Cat sold seperately.