When you are decorating your home, you want to find the perfect items to match your decor. If you are like most homeowners, you have artwork, photos, and other pictures you want to hang on the wall. There are a lot of options available to you when you want to hang these items.
The hardware you select depends on what you hang and where you place it. The material of the wall where you are hanging the picture also makes a difference in your choice.
The best way to decide which hardware you want is to understand all of the details of the different hardware options. Continue reading to find out more.
Types of Picture Hangers
1. Adhesive Strips
Adhesive strips are put in the back of the frame of the item you want to hang. This type of picture hanger can hold a heavy frame. They do not leave any type of adhesive residue behind. The surface where you hang the item must be cleaned before you use the adhesive strip.
2. Brass Hooks (Tremor Hooks)
Brass hooks and tremor hooks are incredibly similar. They are easy to use and install. They do an excellent job at holding items on the wall. In addition, they cause minimal damage to the wall.
A brass hook comes with needlepoint nails that leave small holes in the wall. The nail socket of the brass hook is created in such a way as to allow the nails to go into a 45-degree angle. This angle provides the maximum amount of hold.
These hooks can support a frame that weighs anywhere from 30 pounds to 100 pounds. In addition, these hooks can be used in combination with D-rings and hanging wire.
The only difference between a brass hook and a tremor hook is that the tremor hook can prevent the picture frame from falling. Therefore, this type of hook is ideal for an earthquake-prone place.
When you use these hooks, you should prevent over-hammering. If you over hammer the hook, it can damage the wall.
3. Command Strips
Command strips are a great way to hang a picture on the wall. When you use command strips, you will not damage the wall. Therefore, there is no need to place holes in the wall when using command strips.
Command strips come in many sizes: small, medium, and large. There are two pieces to a command strip: the velcro piece and an adhesive strip. In addition, there is backing on the command strip.
You remove the backing and place one piece on the wall and the other piece on the back of the picture. When you want to remove the strips, you simply pull them from the wall. They release without causing any damage to the wall.
There is no need for tools when using command strips. It is a quick and easy installation. You do not want to hang the picture on the command strip immediately. You want to wait a few moments to ensure there is a strong hold on the wall.
Command strips are an expensive option. You want to ensure the wall is spotless before using the command strip.
4. Conventional Hook
A conventional hook is a traditional picture hanger that is used for a wire and hooks hanging. They are zinc-plated hooks that can hold up to 30 pounds to 100 pounds. A conventional hook is used to hang frames, paintings, artwork, and another decor.
Their design is simple and straightforward. This hook has an angled nail socket that guides the nail into the wall at an angle. In addition, there is a hook at the lower portion where the hanging wire sits.
A conventional hook is easy and simple to install. However, just like with other hooks, you want to be careful not to over-hammer the nail. If you do, it could weaken the grip of the nail on the wall.
5. D-Ring
A D-ring hanger is typically used on heavy items because it can support more weight. A D-ring can be used along with nails or hooks. This type of hanger allows you to place a picture flat against the wall.
There are tiny screws that are attached to the picture frame when using a D-ring. The D-ring attaches to a screw, hook, or nails that are placed on the wall where you want to hang the picture.
You will not have to adjust the position of the frame because it will stay in place.
6. Dual Head Picture Hanger
Dual head picture hangers are intended to be used with ring style or sawtooth hardware. The nail art of the dual head picture hanger causes some amount of damage to the wall. The head of the hanger provides a sturdy and stronghold for the picture.
This type of hanger looks like a nail with two heads. As a result of having two heads, the frames are held securely in place.
7. French Cleat
A French cleat hanger is one of the most common and popular types of picture hangers. It has two different pieces, also called cleats. One of those pieces mounts to the back of the picture frame, and the other piece mounts to the wall. Then, the two pieces slide together to hold the picture securely. As a result, pictures will not sway once you mount them.
These hangers are ideal for heavy or odd-shaped pictures. It can hold a frame that weighs as much as 50 pounds. The cleats start at a length of 3 inches. However, they can go up to 90 inches and can hold as much as 750 pounds.
When using French cleats, there are slightly different instructions for wood frames and metal frames.
8. Mega No-Stud Hook
A mega no-stud hook looks slightly different and unusual. It is a unique hook that is designed to allow the wall to hold the load instead of the nail holding it in the drywall.
This type of hook requires you to put a 1/4-inch hole in the wall with a drill or screwdriver. They are able to support as much as 200 pounds. However, the drywall must be in good condition to be able to hold this weight.
9. Monkey Hooks
Monkey hooks are easy to install and can be found in many different sizes. The size you need depends on the weight of the item you want to hold. This type of hook comes in many different sizes and can hold various types of weight.
Monkey hooks leave small holes once they are removed. A straight end is put completely in a hole that leaves the hook end exposed. This is where you hang your picture. If you are using these hooks with walls that are plaster, you may need to use a drill to create a small hole.
When using these hooks with drywall, you do not need to use any type of tools. Instead, you can push, insert, or twist the hook to install them. This installation process helps the frame stay in place and not slip.
Monkey hooks have a self-mechanism. Therefore, they are not noticeable, and you will only see the picture.
10. Picture Hanging Hook
A picture hanging hook is a common way to hang a picture on the wall. First, you want to mark the space on your wall where you want to hang the picture. Next, you need to use a hammer to tap the nail and hook on the wall.
A picture-hanging hook is an affordable option. If you are hanging a heavy item, you need a stud in the wall. That is where you want to attach the hook. The nail that is used can be varying lengths depending on the size and weight of the item.
11. Picture Wire
A picture wire is used with a ring hanger. This hange type is a piece of wire combined with other types of hangers. Ring hangers are placed at either end of the picture frame.
The wire is strung through the ring hangers. This process creates a strand where you hang a picture. A good amount of slack should be left in the wire when it is placed between the rings.
12. Press-In Hooks
A press-in hook is one that you press into the wall. There can be various forms of hooks that are press-in. These types of hooks tend to make small holes. However, some press-in can support heavy weight.
13. Ring Hanger
A ring hanger is found in different shapes, despite its name. You can find them in shapes other than a ring. Some common shapes are D shape or triangle shape.
This type of hanger supports a larger range of weights. These are ideal for heavy pictures. Hanger hardware is mounted to the back of pictures and then hung by screws, nails, or hooks that are placed on the wall.
14. Saw Tooth
A saw tooth hanger is also a common way to hang pictures on a wall. Saw tooth hangers are the type of hanger that often comes with picture frames that have hangers already installed. A sawtooth hanger works best on a lighter frame, typically about 25 pounds.
If you try to use a frame that is too heavy, you will see the hanger pull away from the frame and eventually detach. Next, the hanger hardware is screwed onto the center of the back of the frame. Finally, a nail is placed on the wall where you want to hang the picture.
The part of the hanger that is a sawtooth catches on the nail you placed on the wall. Then you are able to straighten and hang the picture. These types of hangers cause a bump-out on the wall between it and the picture. They will not bow. You will not have to adjust the frame as it will stay in place.
15. Screw Eyes
Screw eye hangers are placed on the back of the picture frame and then attached to a wire that is hanging on the other end. Screw eye hangers are a popular option for hanging a picture.
It is important to note that screw eye hangers can cause damage, primarily if the wrong size is being used. In addition, some screw eyes can create a point of weakness when it is attached to the picture frame.
A narrow wood frame may split where the screw is attached. To prevent damage, you should use a screw eye that is large enough to hold the selected picture. You may need to choose a screw eye with a larger eye.
16. Steel Utility Hook
A steel utility hook is a fast and convenient way to hang a picture. This hook is a great option for light and medium frames. They are small but mighty. They are sturdy and will hold your pictures in place.
Steel utility hooks are made of steel that is zinc-plated and supports as much as 30 pounds. They can be used on any surface, but you must choose the proper screws and wall anchors. In addition, you will need a drill to create the hole for these hooks.
17. Wall Anchors
Wall anchors are ideal for heavy pictures. First, a wall anchor must be drilled into the wall. Then you can fit a screw into the anchor to create a stable and stronghold.
A wall anchor is great for a plaster wall. However, you do need some extra tools to install the anchor. They also leave a larger hole behind once you remove the anchor.
