Picture Hooks - Weight Ratings ...based on any research?

[cjmst3k]

I've never had an issue with hooks (well, once a 10lbs hook came off the drywall and dropped a 6 lbs picture) but if a hook from UMS or another supplier says 30LBS, 50LBS, 75LBS... do they need to go into studs to support that weight, or is any spot on the wall ok to support the advertised weights?

 

[Jim Miller]

Several framers over the years have conducted their own informal tests on hanging hardware. As far as I can tell, all of the wall hooks and screw-anchors we use are stronger than the sheetrock walls in which they are generally used.

If you are concerned about hanging hardware, using a wire on one wall hook is not (and never has been) the best strategy, IMHO. A two-point hanging system is always better than one wall attachment, even if that involves nothing ore than using two wall hooks on a wire. However, most of the two-point wireless systems involve multiple screws in the frame. They are generally better than a wire and their installed cost is often similar, since they require less installation time.

 

[stevens]

Well ratings are always a test environment so they can be wrong. I will eventually do some of my own tests when I have time (heck, I tested aviation bolts in college, it should be easy).