Hang Time
I didn’t know I needed a hard hat to go to the bathroom at my spin class, but boy, did I found out the hard way! As I shut the door, I heard a loud crash and ended up on the floor, woozy, with what seemed like a million pieces of glass around me.
The ER doctor who ordered my CAT scan urged me to rest for several days. When my mind cleared, I realized the crash was a large, framed print that had been improperly hung and had fallen on my head. How ironic it seemed that this would happen to someone who makes a living by teaching people how to hang and attach things!
In the interest of my readers safety, follow these simple, sensible rules for hangingn a picture, and accidents like these can easily be avoided.
First, assemble the proper equipment: a hammer, screwdriver, level, tape measure, stud finder, pencil and picture hook and nails or screws. (Use a nail with a hook if it’s less than 15 pounds; use a screw if it’s more than 15 pounds.) You may also need a power drill and wall anchors.
Center the picture on the wall using the tape measure, and mark the spot with a pencil. If you are hanging a group of pictures, put the largest in the center and arrange the others around it. Aim to hang pictures at eye level about 5 feet from the floor.
For many pictures, a simple hook and nail will suffice. But before you start hammering away, make sure the hook is rated to hold the weight of your picture. Do not, I repeat, do not attempt to hang a 50-pound picture on a hook designed to hold 10 pounds. Not only will you damage your wall, you will likely damage your art and possibly your head too! For heavy pictures or mirrors, one option to consider is using two hooks spaced a beam apart. Always put the hanging hardware at a downward (with the hooks sticking upwards) so the picture can’t pull away from the wall.
My Best Tip: Look for the weakest link. It’s not always the hook on the wall; it could be the attachments to the frame (such as the picture wire on the back). Also, remember walls move. So make sure the picture is not hanging on a wall affected by vibration. (a door slamming or a ventilation shaft).
Next, take the wall studs into consideration, whether your hanging a picture of a stud like George Clooney or a beautiful piece of art. Using the stud in the wall will give what you hang extra support, beyond just hammering the nail right into the drywall.
Use a stud finder, but if you don’t have one, you can try to locate the stud by knocking on the wall and listening to the discrepancy in sound. Also, studs are usually placed 16 inches on center within the wall. Use a tape measure from a door window or corner.
For heavier pictures, you can also use a drywall anchor (shield or wall plug), which will provide the stability of a stud in drywall. They come in different sizes based on the weight of what you are hanging. You can use a cordless drill (best) or a hammer and screwdriver.
Drill a hole slightly smaller than the wall anchor. Be sure to drill at a downward angle. When installed, the anchor will expand within the drywall and help secure your screw in its place. Insert the screw in the anchor. <ake sure you don’t screw it in all the way; it should stick out to accept the wire of hanging device on the rear side of the frame.
You are now ready to hang your picture and you did It Barbara’s Way!