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Overview:
This project will show you how to hang a heavy mirror. Mirror, mirror on the wall... A big, beautiful mirror is an attractive and simple solution for enhancing any room's decor.
Materials:
heavy duty mirror or picture wire, 2 heavy-duty D-rings, picture hangers or drywall anchors
Tools You'll Need:
power-lite cordless drill, 6-in-1 interchangeable screwdriver, 10ft. or 25ft. tape measure, 7oz. or 16oz. hammer, 2-in-1 level
Before You Begin:
Weigh the mirror by standing on the bathroom scale while holding the mirror and then again without holding. The difference between the two weights is the approximate weight of the mirror. You need to know the weight of the mirror in order to purchase wire and hanging hardware with an adequate rating for the weight. Know where you want to hang the mirror. If you are not nailing the hangers into a wall stud, you need to use heavy-duty anchors. If your mirror weighs more than 100 lbs., call the anchor manufacturer for advice on the type and number of anchors to use. Be sure to use appropriate weight wire as well.
Barbara's Tips:
Wrapping electrical tape around the frayed or sharp ends of hanging wire protects your hands and your walls from possible scratches.
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Step 1: All Wired Up
Attach the heavy-duty D-rings to each side of the mirror frame about 1/5 of the way down from the top. Tilt the top of the ring inward to as close to a 45-degree angle as possible while ensuring the two mounting screws remain on the wood frame. Drill pilot holes and screw the hangers to the frame. Using a knot-and-twist technique (a slip knot with the extra wire twisted down the long piece of wire) attach one end of the wire to the D-ring. Thread the loose end of the wire through the second ring and back to the first. Attach the wire so that you have a double strand across the back of the mirror, leaving just enough slack so that the wire reaches about 1/6 of the way down from the top of the frame when pulled taut. Use the electrical tape to wrap any frayed or sharp wire ends.
Step 2: Getting Situated
Use the pencil to lightly mark a level line on the wall to indicate the frame's top edge. Mark the mirror's center point on this line and measure out to the left and right so that the distance is about 1/4 the distance between the two D-rings. This is where you will install your hangers. Be careful with these calculations. Because you are using two hangers, you need to make sure they are level. If they are not, you will not be able to adjust the mirror to appear level.
Step 3: The Proper Tension
To accurately judge the proper height for the hangers, you'll need a helper. Have the helper lift the mirror off the floor using the wire at two points (approximately 1/4 of the distance from each D-ring). Measure the distance from the taut wire to the top of the frame at both points. Transfer that measurement to the wall in line with the hanger marks you made in Step Two.
Step 4: Hang It Up
Don't let your helper go anywhere just yet. While they wait patiently, install the hangers. If the hanger happens to fall over a stud, go ahead and nail a heavy-duty picture hook at the proper height. Otherwise, install a heavy-duty anchor at each location and let the screw protrude about 1/4 inch for the wire to hang on. Erase your pencil lines and summon your helper. Lift the mirror up and place the wire over the hooks or screw heads. Tilt the mirror away from the wall to make sure the wire is seated correctly. Shift the mirror to the left or right to settle in the planned position.
Now you're the handiest one of all. You did it yourself!
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