Two Tips to Help You Install Picture Frame Hardware

Installing picture frame hardware may seem rather simple to do and only requires a couple of steps, however there is more to it than meets the eye. If you use the wrong type of frame hardware or don’t know where or how to properly install it, installing picture frame hardware can be a bit tricky. So, here are a couple of tips for installing picture frame hardware on your wall frame.

Step #1: Use the Right Type of Picture Frame Hardware

Many quality ready made picture frames already have picture frame hardware installed if they’re designed for hanging on the wall. However, if your frame doesn’t have hardware then you’re going to have to do it yourself or pay a frame retailer to do it for you. If you want to install the hardware yourself, there are two main kinds of hanging hardware you can use: saw tooth hangers and eye hooks (both of which can be found at your local hardware store).

If your wall picture frame is smaller than 11×14, you should use a saw-tooth hanger as these are easier to install. Saw tooth hangers come in a couple of different sizes. If your wall frame is smaller than an 8×10, it’s best to use a small or medium sized saw tooth hanger. If your frame size is between an 8×10 and an 11×14, you should use a large saw tooth hanger.  If you have a heavy or large picture frame, it is recommended you use two eye hooks as they can hold more weight and accommodate larger size picture frames. Eye hooks require more effort to install than saw-tooth hangers, but the added support is needed for large, heavy frames.

Step #2: Determine How You Want to Hang the Frame

Your first step is to determine the direction you want your wall frame to hang. Once that’s determined, you can begin installing the appropriate picture frame hardware.

Saw tooth hangers need to be installed straight and centered on the back of the frame otherwise your picture will not hang properly. To align the frame correctly and find the center, measure the width of the frame and divide the measurement by two. This number will be the center of where the saw tooth hanger will be attached. If you need help getting it straight, simply use a small level to get the hanger straight on the frame.

Eye hooks are installed by screwing them into the frame’s wood molding. This helps support the weight of the frame when hung on the wall. To determine where the eye hooks should go, you’ll need to measure to be sure they’re evenly positioned. Measure a third of the way down from the top of the frame and mark both the left and right hand sides. These marks are where the eye hooks will be screwed in. Pre-drill holes once you are sure the marks are even. Once the eye hooks are screwed evenly into both sides of the frame, string a wire through the eyes of the hooks and twist the wire tightly around itself to secure. Make sure to leave some extra room in the wire so the frame will hang properly on the wall.

If you are handy with tools, you should be able to easily install the picture frame hardware yourself. If you are reluctant to tackle this job, ask your frame retailer to do it for you. Although it’s not hard doing it yourself, once you see it done or have an example to follow it will be easy doing it next time by yourself.