Learn How to Install the Two Kinds of Picture Frame Hardware

If you’ve ever had trouble installing your own picture frame hardware, then you know it can be tricky. Fortunately, most quality hanging picture frames come with frame hardware already installed, but if you happen to buy a frame without hanging hardware this article will walk you through what you need to do.

The very important first step to installing your picture frame hardware is to be sure you have selected the right type and size hardware for your frame. The two common types of picture frame hardware are saw tooth hangers and eye hooks. Although these two types of hangers do the same thing, each has a slightly different best use.

Saw Tooth Hanger Hardware
Saw tooth hangers are best used for picture frames smaller than 11×14. The name “saw tooth” is exactly how the hardware looks – a jagged, saw blade rectangular shaped hanger that is installed at the top center point of your frame. The saw tooth hanger keeps the nail securely positioned and helps the frame remain even on the wall. Before you install the saw tooth hanger, always know which direction you plan to hang it so the hanger will be in the right place. If you can’t estimate the center of the frame, use a tape measure for accuracy. Place a dot at the center point of the frame and center the saw tooth hanger over the dot. To make sure the hanger is even with the line of the frame, you may want to use a level. Once the hanger is level and centered, hammer in the two small nails on each side of the saw tooth hanger and you’re done.

Eye Hook Hardware
Eye hooks screw into the wood of the frame.  They work especially well for heavy or large picture frames. Eye hook hangers take a little more effort to install than saw tooth hangers but after you’ve done it once it will be easy the next time.

Eye hooks are placed on each side of the frame about one-third of the way down from the top of the picture frame. With a tape measure, measure the back of the frame between the top of the frame to where you want to install the first eye hook. Mark on the back of the frame where the screw will go. Then, use that same measurement for placement of the second eye hook. Accurately measuring for the screw placement will ensure that your picture frame hangs level.

Once you’ve determined the placement of your screws, drill two tiny holes where the screws will go so it will make the installation easier. When the screws are secured in place cut a length of wire longer than the width of the frame to attach to the eye hooks. Thread one end of the wire through an eye hook until you have a short length of wire to wrap several times around the long piece of wire. Then take the other end of the wire and thread it through the eye hook. Before you secure the wire, hold on to the unsecured piece of wire and with your other hand form a triangular shape where the nail would sit. Allowing for this triangular shape, wrap the short end of the wire several times around the wire, securing it in place. The wire should be snug enough so it does not show above the frame. Cut off any excess wire and make sure that each end is wrapped tightly.

Now you’re set to hang your wall picture frame. Select a spot on the wall where you want to hang it and get someone to hold up your picture and see if you like it placed there.  If you have multiple wall picture frames, it is a good idea to position them on the floor and determine how they should be displayed before you hammer nails in your wall. For arranging on the floor, use string to represent the area on your wall so you can determine the proper spacing of your picture frames.

Be sure when installing your wall picture frame that the nail goes into a wall stud. The spacing in most homes is 16 inches between studs. If you can’t find the wall stud, you can always use a “stud finder” (available at any hardware store) or use wall anchors. If you’re hanging a frame on a cement, concrete or brick wall then you’ll have to do things a little differently compared to sheet rock. For any type of brick, concrete or cement wall, always pre-drill the holes with a mason bit and use screws and wall anchors. Be sure the screw and wall anchor are tightly in place so the frame won’t fall off and get damaged.

It may take some extra effort to install your frame hardware and hang your picture, but once you see your picture frame displayed on the wall, you’ll be happy with the result and glad you took the extra time to do it.