Additional wire question

[rdicarlo41]

Hello Everyone - I'm curious as to those that still use wire (I use supersoft strand, how tightly do you stretch the wire between the hardware? Or what angle do you strive for? With the plastic wrapped wire, I've found it difficult to consistently have the wire come up at the same point due to some stretching of the wire. On individual jobs this doesn't matter but for multiple jobs that will be hung at the same height it does create problems.

On a recent large job, I stretched the wire tight between the hangers which seemed to work better and used wall dogs (United Manuf.) to hang the pieces. I haven't tried wall buddies yet, but may purchase a few to try out.

Any thoughts from the more experienced framers? I recently joined as an official member but have been lurking for the past few weeks and have found the forum to be rather educational and entertaining. When I get a moment, I'll post a bio. Thanks!

 

[FramerDave]

Here we go again.

Rob,

I'm quite sure you will get a variety of opinions on this, but what many people recommend, and it's backed up by science, is that the wire should ideally go up at a 60 degree angle.

If you search the archives you'll find a number of threads on this topic, and I'm sure there will be a plethora of opinions posted here.

 

[Framerguy]

Rob,

Welcome to the Grumble!

I suggest you go here and hover on the "Standards" button and then click on "Standards Main". Then click on Article FRM 399 and you will find most of your guidelines for hanging with cord or wire.

Framerguy

 

[rdicarlo41]

Thanks for the link. I wasn't aware of this resource. Regarding the use of two hooks, how far apart on the wall do you recommend they be placed? Also, when you run the wire at 60 degrees do you measure down from the top to determine where the top of the wire will hit?

 

[Framerguy]

After you string a few thousand frames you kinda get a feel for it.

I honestly don't know how to handle that question. I always wire one D-ring and stretch the wire across the back of the frame until it looks right. I guess you don't always get a perfect 60&#186 angle, just close but I think that the important point is to NOT string wire straight across from one fastener to the other as I have seen done so many times.

I have always mounted my fasteners (D rings)1/3 of the way down from the top of the frame. If you pull the wire almost to the top of the frame and fasten the other end to a D ring and use 2 hangers on the wall, I believe the hanging will fall where it should and all will be right with the world.

Regarding how far apart to place the hangers on the wall, I usually try for around half the length of the top of the frame centered. In other words, take a good guess at how the framing should be centered on the wall, then position the hangers about 1/4 inwards from the edges of the frame. Again, don't get too anal about precision. The real saving grace in using 2 hangers is to split the weight up and to minimize the sideways movement from wall vibrations as doors are slammed and kids bounce basketballs off the walls.

Of course this all becomes a moot point if you use WallBuddies instead of wire.

FGII