Place the crossbar inside the two upright arms. You have two configuration options here: Hooks facing in, or hooks facing out. Hooks facing in seems more stable and compact, but hooks facing out looks cooler. This is your decision to make. Take into consideration if you are on hard floors or carpet. The connections should be tight enough to dry-fit it and hang your gear on it to test which you prefer. Make sure everything is good and level! I ended up going with the hooks facing in option, since I am on carpet, and it just seemed more stable. Plus, it kind of looks cool from the drummer's seat!