3 Types of Hanging Hardware + Pro Tips
Hanging frames and artwork can be a challenge when your item comes unequipped with picture hanging hardware. There are three main types of hanging hardware that we recommend for easy installation on most frames: Sawtooth Hangers, D-Rings and Wire. »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
Sawtooth hangers are very common and come installed on many different types of frames and canvasses. They are popular because of their simplicity and their simplicity to install. However, they are neither the strongest nor sturdiest of all the types of hanging hardware out there. They have a high fail rate due to the material of the frame or canvas being too soft which can then lead to the sawtooth hangers easily detaching from the frame. But, if your frame is light, everything will be smooth sailing!
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D-Rings are commonly found on heavier items such as mirrors and framed artwork. They are popular and can be used with hooks or nails. The two most common types of D-Rings are the screw in D-shaped rings, and a nail in triangular shaped ring. Both work the same way and achieve the same goal. We have included images of both to give you an idea. The advantage of D-Rings in comparison to sawtooth hangers is that D-Rings are designed to lay flat against the wall, while sawtooth hangers create a bump-out effect where the frame doesn’t touch the wall. D-rings can also support more weight. »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
Wire is the third most common type of frame hanging hardware. Wire is used in combination with D-rings. The wire is securely attached to each D-ring on both sides of the frame. There should be a little slack so that your frame hangs on the wire nicely. »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
Whether you use sawtooth hangers, D-rings or hooks, we recommend always using 2 points of contact on the wall instead of one. For instance, if you hang a frame that only has 1 sawtooth placed in the center of the frame, or use only 1 nail with a wire, the frame will frequently become off-center on the wall. This is due to normal room vibrations such as closing doors or walking around. When using only 1 nail or hook to hang a picture, you’ll find yourself always needing to straighten the frame! Don't worry though, we have the perfect picture hanging hardware and pro tips for all types of projects!
SOLUTION: Install 2 sawtooth hangers or D-rings on each side of the frame’s backside OR use two nails a couple inches apart if you’re using a wire.
Don’t be intimidated by the word “install”. It’s super simple and you’ll be done in a snap! Sawtooth hangers can be installed with only a hammer, they typically just tap right into the frame.
D-rings only require a small screw or nails to be tightened into the frame. Both the screw and nails comes with the D-ring inside the packaging depending on which you choose. The extra few minutes to install the hardware will generate long lasting satisfaction on your wall! Each of the hanging hardware mentioned above cost less than a couple dollars and are available nearly everywhere, including Wal-Mart. How’s that for convenient?! Don’t worry about getting the 2 sawtooth hangers or D-rings to be level. Hang It Perfect solves that problem by compensating for uneven frame hardware which solves the problem of needing exact measurements. For those extra heavy pieces, check out our 3 Must Have Wall Anchors to Hang Like a Pro! »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
There is some debate on whether to use nails or hooks when it comes to hanging frames or other artwork. We’ve used plain old nails many times without fail. However, picture hanging hooks offer a slightly more secure hold for your frame as it leverages the weight of the frame against the wall. We gotta say, the hooks make it much easier for D-Rings, sawtooth hangers, or wire to grab onto and remain secure on the wall! »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Now it’s time to hang that frame! Want to hang it perfectly level the first try in less than 2-minutes? Check out our article: The Art Hanging Tool of the Ages. If you're unsure of where to go for these 3 types of hanging hardware, shop our Hang It Perfect™ picture hanging hardware.
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