Attach projector screen to a ceiling... but the width does not match the studs. Ideas?

Question

The roll-out screen has holes at the ends of the metal casing, but these don't match the distance between the studs. The screen is ~80" wide.

Also, I am looking for a portable solution where I can easily detach the rolled-up screen when not in use.

I am thinking of mounting screws with hooks (or eyes) in the studs, and

option one:

• possibly using equal-length metal wire to connect the screw holes on the screen to the eyes on the screws (via carabiners or something like that)

option two:

• buy a 2x2 and cut to the width of the screen,
• mount the screen to the bottom of the 2x2 and
• add screws with hooks to its top, matching in position the screws in the ceiling studs.

Other ideas? Possible issues with what I have planned?

Answer 1

Most screens have both screw-mounts and hang-mounts (loops) built in - the loops often fold if not in use. If your screen does not have the loops then you could add your stick/board to it to get some. Or it may have largish-holes that a chain screw-joint link could be placed through on the end-caps.

Use the hang-mounts and chains and screw-joint links as seen on trailer safety chains (or carabiners if you'll be moving it frequently, I guess, and it's not a public-ish location.) It's actually more stable if the hooks on the wall are wider than the hooks on the screen, so the chains angle in. Use chain, not wire. I speak from experience on that point - also use chain and links a good deal stronger than the weight of the screen would seem to require.