Isla Bennett
Hanging pictures is a great way to liven up your space and make a good impression. However, it can be a tricky task, and many people are hesitant to make holes in their walls. If you're hanging a picture with multiple nails, you'll need to measure and mark the wall carefully to ensure the picture is level. You can use painter's tape and a level to help with this. For heavy pictures, you may need to use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall and use heavy-duty nails or toggle bolts. If you're looking for a no-nail option, you can use adhesive hooks, easels, or picture rails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Hammer, marker, level, tape |
| Step 1 | Mark the apex of each hanger with a marker |
| Step 2 | Place tape on the wall, and use a level to make "T" marks |
| Step 3 | Hammer in the nails |
| Step 4 | Peel away the tape |
| Wall type | Drywall, plaster walls, brick walls |
| Wall considerations | If using brick walls, nail into the mortar lines, not the brick |
| Print size | Small prints: one nail/hook; medium-sized prints: one or two nails/hooks; large prints: use an anchor |
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What You'll Learn
Marking the apex of each hanger with a pen or marker
When hanging a picture with multiple nails, it is important to mark the apex of each hanger with a pen or marker. This will ensure that your nails are placed in the correct position and that your picture is level.
To begin, tear off a piece of painter's tape that is long enough to cover both hangers. Place the tape along the back of the frame, covering the hangers, and make a small mark with your pen or marker on the tape at the apex of each hanger. This is where you plan for the nail to go. The smaller and more precise your mark is, the more accurate your nail placement will be.
Once you have marked the apex of each hanger, remove the tape from the back of the frame and carry it to the wall where you intend to hang the picture. Place the tape on the wall, using the marks you made as a guide. You can then use a level to ensure that your tape is straight and adjust as needed.
With the tape in place, you can make additional marks on the wall or on the tape itself to indicate exactly where your nails will go. If using one nail, measure the width of the frame and mark the centre point. For two nails, divide the length into thirds and mark the appropriate spots.
By marking the apex of each hanger with a pen or marker, you can ensure that your nails are placed accurately and that your picture will hang straight and securely.
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Using painter's tape to get exact markings
Using painter's tape is a great way to get exact markings when hanging a picture with two hooks. Painter's tape or masking tape is a good choice as it is usually accessible, doesn't stretch much, and is easy to work with.
First, tear off a piece of painter's tape that is long enough to cover both hangers. Place the centre of your picture over the mark you made when deciding on its placement. Then, put the tape along the top edge, ensuring it covers the entire length of the frame and goes a little beyond it. Make pencil marks on the tape to denote the edges of the frame.
From there, measure and mark where your nails or hooks will go along the horizontal plane. If using one nail, measure the width of the frame and split the difference. If using two nails, divide the length into thirds. Make your marks in the middle of the tape so that you can make all your levelling marks on the tape rather than the wall.
Once you've marked the apex of each hanger, remove the tape from the back of the frame and place it on the wall where you intend to hang the picture. Use a level to check that your marks are level, and make a "T" mark on the tape. Now, hammer in your nails and peel away the tape.
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Hammering in nails at a 45-degree angle for maximum holding power
Hammering a nail at a 45-degree angle provides the best holding power for a regular nail. This technique is especially useful when you want to hang a picture mount without causing damage to the wall.
To begin, mark the spot on the wall where you want to hammer the nail. You can use painter's tape or a marker to do this. Place the nail on the mark and hold it near the top, just under the head. This will give you more control and prevent injuries if you miss the head of the nail.
Now, lightly tap the nail tip with the hammer to slightly blunt it. This will help to sever the wood fibres instead of bending them, reducing the chances of the wood splitting. Next, tilt the nail to a 45-degree angle and start hammering it into the wall. Use heavy hammer blows to drive the nail in at a slight angle, increasing the surface area of the nail in contact with the drywall.
By driving the nail at an angle, you increase the friction between the nail and the wall, providing additional resistance to any force trying to pull the nail out. This technique also improves load transmission, ensuring that the weight of the object is distributed more effectively into the structure.
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Using a drill to make pilot holes for nails in plaster walls
Drilling pilot holes in plaster walls is a good idea to prevent the plaster from cracking or shredding and to make it easier to nail into. Here is a step-by-step guide to drilling pilot holes for picture mounts:
First, you need to choose the right drill bit. If your wall is made of plaster, use a metal or drywall bit to start the hole. A drywall bit is best if your wall is made of plasterboard. If your wall has a hollow sound when knocked on, it is likely drywall. If you are drilling into a stud (the wooden beams behind the wall), use a spur point or wood bit.
Next, you need to mark the spot where you want to drill. Use a stud finder to locate the stud and mark the spot with a pencil or painter's tape. If you are using tape, place it along the top edge of the frame, extending a little beyond it. Then, make pencil marks on the tape to note the edges of the frame. From these marks, you can measure and mark where the nails will go.
Now you are ready to drill. Put on safety goggles and a dust mask. Hold the drill straight and press firmly while pulling the trigger. Drill only as deep as you need to – typically, this will be the length of the screw or nail.
Once you have drilled the hole, slowly back the bit out while it is still spinning. Keep the drill straight to avoid making the hole wider. Brush away any dust and debris, and you are ready to insert your nail.
When hanging pictures, it is recommended to use anchors when putting prints on drywall with no stud behind it. For large or heavy frames, use plastic wall plugs or heavy-duty toggle bolts. For smaller prints, one nail or hook will suffice, but for heavier prints, two nails or hooks will provide more support and keep the picture centred.
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Hanging pictures without nails using an easel or 3M hooks
If you're looking for ways to hang pictures without nails, there are several options to consider, including the use of easels or 3M hooks and strips.
Let's start with easels. Easels are a great way to display artwork without putting nails in your walls. They add a new dimension to the viewing experience and can make a statement in larger rooms. If you have limited space, a tabletop easel can be a good option, turning small to medium-sized artwork into portable decor for any surface, from coffee tables to shelves or kitchen counters. However, if you're short on space, an easel might not be the best choice, as they can take up quite a bit of room.
Now, let's move on to 3M hooks and strips. 3M offers a range of products that allow you to hang pictures and frames without causing damage to your walls. Their Command Picture Hanging Strips, for example, can hold frames up to 24"x36" and weighing up to 20 lbs. These strips are applied to the back of the frame and then stretched slowly to release the hook from the strip. It's important to wait at least an hour before hanging to ensure the adhesive has set properly. 3M also offers larger options, such as their CLAW Drywall Picture Hangers, which can hold up to 65 lbs without requiring tools, nails, or studs.
In addition to 3M products, there are a few other nail-free options for hanging pictures. Washi tape, for instance, is a creative way to hang lighter items like paper, posters, and photographs. It comes in various colours and designs, adding a unique touch to your display. Another option is to use push pins, which leave only tiny holes in the wall and don't require any additional tools.
So, whether you choose to display your artwork on an easel or make use of nail-free hanging solutions like 3M hooks and strips, there are plenty of ways to avoid putting nails in your walls.
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Frequently asked questions
First, tear off a piece of painter's tape that is long enough to cover both hangers. Place the tape along the top edge of the frame, going beyond its length. Make pencil marks on the tape to indicate the edges of the frame. From there, measure and mark where your nails will go. Hammer in your nails and peel away the tape.
You can use a stick-on picture hanging hook, such as a 3M flat picture hanging hook. If you have an old home with pre-installed picture rail moulding, you can install some gallery rods and hooks to create a no-nail gallery system.
You can use a powder-actuated nail (Ramset-type) or a Tapcon-style screw driven into a horizontal mortar line.
For most prints and walls, standard nails or picture hanging hooks work fine. For small prints, one nail will suffice, while medium-sized prints may require one or two nails. For large prints or heavy frames, consider using an anchor if going into drywall without a stud.
