How To Install The Inset Holds

First, locate where you want to place the Insets. They may be randomly interspersed with other holds or congregated together to mimic a specific style of climbing. For instance, if you wanted to strengthen your pocket climbing, you could concentrate a section of Inset Holds (going heavy on the pockets) and custom tailor a route to your own specifications. Once you have located where you want the Insets, the actual installation is quite painless.

The Metolius Inset System is designed for 3/4" plywood. This means that to get the face of the hold to sit flush with the climbing surface, your wall thickness must be 3/4".  lf your wall thickness is 5/8" or 1" you will have to customize (build up or trim off) your system. Another important detail is the ability to get to the back of your climbing wall. If you cannot access the back of your wall, you will need to pull your panels down to mount the backing plates.

Once you have located where you want the Insets, cut a 6" diameter circular hole in the 3/4" plywood. Use a 6" diameter hole saw (like plumbers/electricians use). Or trace a 6" diameter circle with a compass and carefully cut it out with a jig saw. If you are just building your wall, cut all the holes out and mount all the backing plates while your panels are still on the ground. Take care not to cut any holes which may interfere with the framing/panel attachments.

Wooden Backing Plate (screw plate in from the front of the wall)

Load hold on Backing Plate and center in hole. Have a helper hold in position while you pre-drill through the plywood wall and into the backing plate (use an 1/8" drill bit and drill to a depth of 1-1/2" to 1-3/4"). It is very important to pre-drill or you will end up splitting the flanges. Now remove hold/backing plate and dust off wall surface. Apply a construction-quality adhesive to each of the wooden flanges and line up with predrilled holes. Sink the four 2" cabinet screws into the pre-drilled holes.