Hanging Picture Frames - How to Install Your Frame Hardware

If you've ever bought a frame and realized that you needed to add hanging hardware and didn't know where to start, then this is the article for you. This article will give you an overview of how to install wall frame hardware.

Installing wall frame hardware is something you can do yourself or have a quality frame retailer do for you for a small fee. If you choose to do it yourself, you’ll need to be sure you have the right frame hardware. A quality ready-made picture frame smaller than 11x14 should have the hardware you need included with the picture frame. If the framing hardware is not included, you can use either a sawtooth hanger or a couple of eye hooks with wire.

Sawtooth Hangers
A sawtooth hanger is usually the recommended hardware for a wall frame smaller than 11x14. Sawtooth hangers come in small, medium and large sizes. Use a small to medium size for a frame smaller than an 8x10 picture frame; use a large sawtooth hanger if you are hanging an 8x10 or 11x14.

Once you decide the direction you want your picture frame to hang, you’ll need to attach the sawtooth hanger so the picture will hang straight. There is nothing more frustrating than having to constantly straighten your frame on the wall. It is a good idea to measure from each side of the frame to the center to make sure the sawtooth hanger is centered. A small level can be used to double check the positioning of the sawtooth hanger, if you aren’t sure it is level.

Eye Hooks
Eye hooks are also a recommended type of hanging hardware. Since the eye hooks are screwed into the wood of the frame they are better suited for larger, heavier wall frames. Eye hooks take a little more time to install. You will need to measure the placement of each hook before you screw them in to make sure they are even, so have a ruler and pencil handy. Each hook should be placed a third of the way down the side of the frame. Your level may come in handy to make sure they are even. Pre-drilling a hole will make it easier to screw in the eye hooks.

The wire attachment is not difficult, but you need to attach it firmly enough so the frame lies flat against the wall and doesn’t show above the frame. When connecting the wire, make a slight triangle shape between the hooks and the top of the frame. If the wire is too tight, the frame will not hang properly, so allow for a little give when connecting the wire. It is recommended that you double the length of wire needed and fold it in half. The double wire will add to the strength of the mounting, especially if hanging a large frame.

If this is your first attempt at wall frame hardware, it may seem a little challenging. But, once you get the hang of it, you may find it a simple and easy task. If you’re not sure you want to tackle the measuring and attaching, I’d recommend having your quality frame retailer do it for you. Once you have an example of the correct way to attach your frame hardware, you may feel more comfortable doing it yourself the next time.