From Light to Heavy Here’s How To Hang a Picture Securely on a Wall

Hanging a picture on the wall can be surprisingly tricky. You want it to look great, but you also need it to be secure. There are a few simple steps to ensure your artwork, family photos, or other décor elements stay on the wall. In this post, we’ll discuss the steps so you can choose the best method for your needs.

We’ll also talk about what supplies you need for each type of hanging decoration and give you some helpful tips for ensuring your pictures stay on the wall. If you’re ready to hang a picture, but don’t know where to start, read on to learn all you need to know.

Types of Picture-hanging Hardware

When hanging pictures securely on the wall, it is critical to understand the different types of picture-hanging hardware available. The two most common types of hardware used to hang frames are nails and hangers. 

Nails, also known as picture hangers, are generally made from metal, come in various sizes and shapes, and can be used for weights up to 25 pounds. Depending on the thickness of your wall, you may also find longer nails which will provide additional support for heavier frames. 

Hangers are more versatile pieces of hardware that allow for easy installation and are suitable for heavier frames weighing up to 60 pounds or more. They come in many styles, including mounting plates, hooks, wire systems, and clips. Look for hangers for heavier frames with reinforced mounting plates and extra support fasteners.

Selecting the Correct Hardware for Your Picture

Select the hardware that matches your frame weight and wall type to ensure your picture hangs securely. Generally speaking, if your frame is under 25 pounds, you can use a nail, while if it’s over 25 pounds, use a hanger. 

For walls with wood paneling or drywall, you will need a stud finder to determine where to place your nail or hanger. If the wall has brick or concrete, you will need anchor or masonry screws.

How To Hang Pictures Securely

Once you have selected the best type of hardware for your frame, follow these steps to ensure the picture hangs securely on your wall.

1. Measure the distance between each corner bracket of your frame with a measuring tape. This step will determine where to place each nail or hanger to distribute the weight across the wall. 
2. Using a stud finder, locate a stud in each area where you plan to hang a nail or hanger. If you can’t find a stud in a particular area, use an anchor or masonry screw instead. 
3. Place two nails on each side of the frame. When using nails, insert them directly into the studs for extra security. If using an anchor, secure it to the wall before hanging any weight on it. 
4. Gently hang the frame onto each mounting point and check that it is secure before standing back to admire your work.

Troubleshooting Common Picture Hanging Issues

If you hang a picture but find it is not secure enough against the wall, try troubleshooting some of these common issues.

1. Check that all screws and nails are secure in their mounting points. Tighten any loose screws using a screwdriver or other appropriate tool. 
2. Ensure that all mounting points are secure on adequate structural support, such as a stud or anchor. When using a stud finder, install nails directly into them rather than around them, as this will provide more stability against heavy frames. 
3. Re-examine your choice of hardware. Sometimes taking out an existing nail with a nail puller and replacing it with a longer one might do the trick.

The most important thing to remember when hanging a picture on the wall is to choose the appropriate hardware for the job. Whether you’re using nails or hangers, make sure that the hardware is suitable for your wall material and the weight of the frame. Doing so will ensure your pictures stay on the wall for years. Measure the distance between each corner bracket and the wall to help you get the best results when hanging pictures. With these steps in mind, hanging pictures on the wall will become a breeze.