Help Picture Hanging 101

[elkhaircaddis]

I need a good source of different methods of both installing hanging hardware and hanging the finished art or mirror on the wall. Is there a good book with pictures available? I've forgotten the different ways to strand wire for larger frames. Also, is it ok to just put two D-rings on a large piece which are then simply hung on a screw or hook that is anchored to the wall?

I just opened my shop and this is not a problem with "typical" small to medium pieces, but I put some heavy duty d-ring hangers without wire on a large oval mirror and started wondering, is this the best way? I know when you buy mirrors from Home Depot or Lowes they come with D-rings or a metal bar type hanger that slips in to a slot that is anchored to the wall.

I really need good source of info so I can give my customers good advice AND install the proper hardware on tricky or large pieces.

Thanks!!!

 

[Rob Markoff]

hangmanproducts.com

Wire is evil and should not be used if possible to hang large, heavy pictures.

If you do a search you will find many threads on the grumble about this very subject.

 

[slsusat]

heavy duty hanging hardware

One of the better websites I have seen for hanging hardware is PictureHangSolutions.com. They have everything from small & large D-ring hangers to really heavy duty metal cleat hangers along with directions on how to install the hardware.

 

[elkhaircaddis]

thanks.

I've browsed some threads, but I'd still like to hear more opinions such as up to what size do you use wire?

What is a "professional" way to hang a picture that uses vertical strap hangers or wall buddies where no studs are availble due to the desired placement of the piece? Are there special hooks available that you can attach with dry wall anchors or do you just hook the rings or buddies to a screw that protrudes from a drywall anchor? I have seen things hung so many ways, but I don't know what is the "best" or "professional" way. I know it varies with different situations, but i'm just want some general info and opinions.

I have the large (50 pound i think) courtesy hooks. Can you simply nail 2 of these into drywall without catching a stud, and hang a, say 32X40, picture on it using the wall buddies or d rings.

Sorry to be repetitive, I want to learn to do things right. In all the framing I've done, I've basically only been taught to use wire. I was never exposed to any other types of hangers nor how to actually hang the pictures.

Also, I have never done it, but is it "professional" to use sawtooth hangers on pictures smaller than 8X10. I see them in the supply catalogs and wonder about it.

Thanks

 

[Greg Fremstad]

Check out this standard on the FACTS web pages: http://artfacts.org/standards/frm_399.html Hanging pictures with wire, etc.

 

[elkhaircaddis]

thanks Greg. I was wondering what FACTS was when I saw it mentioned in other posts. Now I know

 

[Cassetta]

I hang large heavy framed art 5 days a week and the easy and fast way is
2 heavy d rings and 2 picture hangers . I use floreat hangers from Ziabicki for pictures up to 75lbs . Then Z bar ,or french cleat ,also buy a good quality 4 ft level
that does not leave marks on flat painted walls. Tip Always put your d rings the same measurment from the top of the frame and you will have one less number to remember.This advise is for you if you are installing. Customers will never get the two d ring two hanger thing, wich is very good for my installation service when they re-arrange the art. I get another call for help.I have hung the same painting many times.

 

[Rob Markoff]

I agree with almost everything said except Floreat hangers for use on the West Coast. We used them almost exclusively when we first started but had too many call backs and difficulty with the tempered nail being too brittle and the knurled head snapping off (post installation) and the tempered nails rusting in the walls. We even had one situation where the drywall got damp and the art actually "slid" down the wall dragging the Floreat hangers with it. It looked like fingernail marks dragging down the wall. I do use them ocassionally with a large panhead or lath screw into a hollow wall fastener when I need a heavy duty hook, but for that use we also use OOK washer hooks.

The thing about Floreat hangers is that regardless of the size of picture, the nails are all the same size, just more of them being used. We find that they are really too underscale for our use, and we hang hundreds of pictures.

Our favorite is a 50 lb Moore hanger with a "d" ring. The "twisted" head design means that the nail angle is always correct and it locks well onto the wall. The plating is much better than the cheaper imports and they don't rust. San Diego is a beach town and that is an important factor.

We rarely use wire as it is imprecise. Also, the necessity to find studs for conventional hanging is highly overrated. Using the proper fastener in drywall is very sufficient. The trick is using the proper fastener.