Receiving Helpdesk

how do you hang a picture with wire and screw eyes

by Ricky Jerde Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

  • Measure and mark a spot on both sides of the picture frame to set the screws.
  • Drill a starter hole if the frame is wood, then insert a screw eye into the hole.
  • Measure the distance between the two screws.
  • Loop one end of the wire through one screw eye with one inch of wire left over.

Part of a video titled How-To Attach Picture Hanging Wire - YouTube
1:00
2:18
And I have some of the smaller ones and I always put just a tiny bit of carpenters glue on the endMoreAnd I have some of the smaller ones and I always put just a tiny bit of carpenters glue on the end of it. And then just screw it in I just get picture hanging wire from. You know the hardware store.

Full Answer

How do you hang a picture on the wall with wire?

To determine the exact position for the hanger, poke a pencil point through the paper cutout at the spot where the picture wire will be when fully stretched by the picture weight. When you find the best location for the picture, tap one of the box nails through the hole just enough to mark the wall.

How do you use a screw eye on a frame?

Screw eyes and braided wire are sold in a range of sizes to handle framed objects of different weights. To position the eyes, measure the height of the frame and mark pilot holes one-third of the way down the frame. Drill a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the threaded portion of the eye.

How do you attach D-rings to picture frame wire?

Attach the D-rings using the provided screws. D-rings are the standard hardware used to install picture frame wire. You can purchase them at a framing supply shop, hardware store, craft supply shop, or online. The D-rings will come with tiny screws to attach them.

How much wire do I need to hang a picture frame?

For example, if the frame you want to hang weighs 13 lb (5.9 kg), you could use 15 lb (6.8 kg) picture frame wire.

Before You Begin

Hanging a picture on the wall with wire requires you to install two hooks called D-rings on the back of the frame. Strong picture hanging wire is strung between the D-rings with enough slack so that the picture hangs comfortably without the wall hangers showing.

Safety Considerations

All picture hanging wire is weight-rated. Weight ratings mostly range from 10 to 50 pounds, though some heavy-duty hanging wire is rated up to 150 pounds. For safety, hang your picture within the wire's weight parameters.

Instructions

On a table, lay the framed picture face-down on a soft cloth or towel. Position the picture so that the eventual top of the picture is facing away from you and the bottom of the picture is closest to your body. Have your tools nearby, within easy reach.

How to make a picture frame with wire?

Cut a piece of wire to 10 cm (3.9 in) longer than the width of the frame. Measure the width of the picture frame with a ruler or measuring tape and add 10 cm (3.9 in) to the width. Measure out the wire to this length and clip it with pliers.

How to tie wires to D rings?

Tie the ends of the wires to the D-rings using slipknots. Insert the end of 1 wire up through the D-ring on 1 side, fold about 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) of the wire back and loop it around the long part of the wire once, then slip it back down through the D-ring to create a slipknot.

How to tighten a slipknot?

Pull the end of the wire on 1 side tight to make sure the slipknot is tightened all the way. Wrap the excess wire around the main length of wire like a spring coil, pulling it tight as you go. Repeat this for the end of the wire on the other side.

How to make a sleeveless sleeve?

1. Put the frame face down on a flat work surface with the bottom nearest to you. Lay the frame face up in front of you first so you are sure the bottom of the frame is closest to you. Carefully flip it over so you are looking at the back side.

Materials

Choice of picture hardware: picture wire, D rings, picture hangers, nails, screws, wall anchors, monkey hooks, or sticky strips

Decide Where to Hang Your Picture

If you’re not quite sure where to hang your picture besides “on that wall,” there are a few things that can help you determine how to properly hang framed pictures and art:

How to Hang a Picture with Wire, D Rings, and a Picture Hanger

Picture wire may be one of the best ways to hang a picture. Plus, depending on the type of wire, it can hold large, heavy pictures and paintings. Stainless steel wire can actually hold pictures up to 100 pounds.

How to Hang a Heavy Picture with Drywall Anchors

Use this method if you want to hang a picture that’s up to 50 pounds in your drywall (check the weight rating on the package). This method requires a drywall anchor, a screw, and a picture hanger that fits the screw. It also requires existing hardware on the back of your picture frame.

How to Hang a Light Picture with Nails

Use this simple method if you have a small, light picture. You will need a 1- or 2-inch finishing nail. You will also need existing hardware on the back of the frame to use this method, making it perfect for mass-produced frames.

How to Hang a Picture with Monkey Hooks

Monkey hooks are a great choice if you want a quick way to hang a picture in drywall. Some styles can even hold up to 50 pounds, making them a decent option if you need to figure out how to hang a heavy picture. Bonus: no tools are required.

How to Hang a Picture with Adhesive Strips

Brands such as Command make picture hangers that combine plastic or metal hooks with adhesive strips. These are ideal for hanging a picture without nails, and they can attach to a variety of surfaces, from painted walls to concrete to glass. However, they can only be used with small, light frames.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9