The easiest way to hang a picture is to fix a nail to the wall. Those weighing more than 9 kg are considered too heavy to be secured without adequate reinforcement. To make sure the picture does not fall to the ground after hanging, choose the appropriate tools and techniques for heavy frames. Once you learn how to hook this piece of furniture, you are able to hang heavy mirrors, shelves, speaker brackets and other decorative items as well.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare to Hang the Picture
Step 1. Weigh the picture
This data determines the type of screw and the technique you need to use. Heavy frames and mirrors need a special material, based on their actual weight. Use a normal scale to quantify this factor.
Frames up to 5 kg are considered light loads, those between 5 and 12 kg are considered medium weight, while those between 12 and 25 kg are classified as heavy. Check the packaging of screws before using them, as it often states the maximum load they can withstand
Step 2. Consider which wall to use
Older houses may have plaster walls, while most modern ones have plasterboard interior walls. With the right tools and the right approach, you can even hang heavy pictures on brick, concrete, or ceramic-clad walls.
Step 3. Evaluate where to put the painting
Find a spot where you'd like to hang the frame or mirror and keep the mirror against the wall. As a general rule, consider putting a painting at eye level. Mark the top edge of the frame using a pencil or a piece of masking tape.
Step 4. Make a mark where you will place the screw or nail
Use a tape measure to find where to hang the picture. Depending on the model, the frame may hang lower than the hook.
- If the picture has a "D" ring or other metal hook on the back, just measure the distance between the top edge of the frame and the highest point on the ring. Record this distance on the wall, from the point you drew with the pencil or masking tape down. Identify the new reference by drawing an "X" with the pencil. This is the exact site to drill the hole or nail the bracket to the wall.
- If the frame has a metal wire running through the back, lift it up as high as you can with the tape measure. Detects the distance between this point and the top surface of the frame. Remove the tape measure and write this value on the wall, from the original mark you drew down. Identify the new reference by drawing an "X" with the pencil. This is where you can drill the hole or nail the bracket to the wall.
Step 5. Add a second anchor
To increase the hold, consider hanging the picture with two hooks. This extra safety is especially recommended for heavy loads. If the frame attaches to the wall with a metal wire, use two fingers to hold the wire at the two anchors you plan to use. The more distant they are, the more stable the picture will be. Measure the distance between the anchors and the top edge of the frame using a tape measure and mark it on the wall with a pencil.
You can also hold a scrap piece of wood under the metal cord, about half the width of the frame, to determine the two anchor points. The edges of the piece of wood indicate the location of the screws. Measure the distance between the wood and the top edge of the frame using a tape measure; then place the piece of wood on the wall just below the original marks you made. Use a spirit level to make sure the points are aligned, parallel to the ground, and draw a line along the top edge of the piece of wood. The ends of the line represent the points in which to insert the two hooks
Method 2 of 2: Hang a Picture on a Plaster and Plasterboard Wall
Step 1. Secure the frame to a load-bearing post
When hooking heavy paintings, it is best to insert the hook into a post. The plasterboard walls have a wooden supporting structure with a pole every 40 cm. Find one by using a suitable detector or by gently tapping the wall until you hear a "full" sound instead of "empty". Locating posts in plaster walls is more difficult, so consider using another method if you run into problems.
- If the picture is larger than 40cm or the distance between two wall posts, use a level and two screws to attach a thin piece of wood to the wall. Make sure that the screws are inserted into at least two bearing posts, to ensure a better seal. Afterwards, you can hang the picture on the piece of wood by inserting the nails or screws where you want, depending on the position of the hooks on the frame. Secure the picture to both anchors.
- If the picture is narrower, use a single hook to hang it from an anchor in the supporting pole. Choose a type of hook that can be attached with multiple nails or screws to ensure good strength. Drive the nails into the supporting pole of the wall and then hang the picture on the hook. If the wall is plaster, use a hook with screws and not nails.
- However, you don't always want to hang the frame right where a supporting pole is. In this case, there are other robust and reliable methods of placing a picture in an area where there is no support structure within the wall.
Step 2. Use traditional picture hooks
While they don't seem like the sturdiest solution, these hooks are easy to use and cause minimal damage to the wall. Those with only one nail can hold up to 12 kg, while those with two nails can hold up to 25 kg. While it is not advisable to subject these devices to maximum effort, you can still use them for medium-weight paintings. You can also attach them to plastered walls, as long as they are fitted with screws or dowels.
Attach the hook to the wall where you want it, using the appropriate number of screws or nails, and hang the frame
Step 3. Use dowel screws to hang the picture
There are several different models of these small parts and the choice depends on the weight of the frame and the type of wall. All anchors require a pilot hole. You have to drill a hole in the wall before inserting the screw or dowel and hanging the picture in this way. For plaster walls you have to use screw anchors, because the nails and the hammer would only cause damage.
- Plastic anchors are screws surrounded by a plastic "sheath" that expands into the wall as you tighten the screw. If you have to work on drywall, choose a model with flaps that expand behind the wall. Wingless screws are better suited to plastered walls, as they allow for a better grip. Drill a hole the diameter of the dowel, insert the latter into the hole and then extract it; finally, screw it in place to expand the plastic sheath. At this point you can unscrew it, connect the hook and tighten it completely; you can also unscrew the plug to the desired length to connect the panel directly to it.
- Expansion bolts are more difficult to use, but are capable of withstanding heavy loads. This type of anchor supports the picture by clinging to the back of the wall. Drill a hole the diameter of the bolt, which you need to insert and then tighten with an electric screwdriver. The metal support at the end of the bolt widens inside the wall as you tighten the screw; then unscrew it to attach a hook or attach the picture directly to the bolt.
Step 4. Provide extra support for heavy paintings by using a wing bolt
This type of support is designed to support the heaviest loads; it is equipped with a spring and grips the rear part of the wall; this is the best solution for plastered walls. To install it you need to drill a hole with a larger diameter.
Make a hole in the wall that has a diameter equal to the bolt with the "wings" closed. Fold the spring wings towards the bolt and insert the bolt into the hole. Let go of the wings, so that they can reopen thanks to the spring system; pull the bolt outward as you tighten it with an electric screwdriver. You can attach a hook to the screw or hang the picture directly on the bolt
Advice
- To hang pictures on a brick, concrete, or tiled wall, use the same methods that you use for plastered walls. In this case, you need a masonry drill bit to create the pilot hole. When drilling a hole in the ceramic tile, remember to put some masking tape over the area you want to punch, so that the drill bit doesn't slip.
- If you find that the picture continues to hang or slide on the wall, remove it and apply four rubber pads to the corners of the frame, so the picture stays straight and grips the wall.
