Picture Frame Hardware - How to Install the 2 Types of Hardware

If you have ever had trouble installing your own picture frame hardware, then you know it can be tricky. Luckily, most quality wall picture frames come with frame hardware installed, but if you happen to get a frame without hanging hardware this article will explain want 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 11x14. Saw tooth hangers are installed on the center of your frame back and get their name from their jagged, saw blade look. 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 be sure you know which direction the picture will hang so it is centered on the right part of the frame. If you can't eyeball the center of the frame, use a tape measure. Place a mark in the center of the frame back and then position the saw tooth hanger over the dot. If you want to be sure the hanger is even on the frame, it's best to use a level. Once the saw tooth hanger is centered and level, hammer in the two nails on each side of the hanger securely and you're ready to hang.

Eye Hooks

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 the measurement from the first eye hook to place the second eye hook. If you want to make sure your picture frame hangs level, then accurately place your eye hook screws.

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 eye hooks are screwed into the frame, cut a length of wire that's longer than the width of the frame so you can attach it to the eye hooks. Put one end of the wire through the eye hook until you have a piece of wire long enough to wrap several times around the long piece of the wire. Thread the other end of the wire through the other 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. Now you can cut off the excess wire and make sure that each end is wrapped securely.

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. When arranging your frames on the floor, use a string to represent the wall area 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. Hanging a frame on a cement, brick or concrete wall is different than on a sheet rock wall. 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 a little extra effort to install your picture frame hardware but once it's beautifully hanging on the wall, you'll be thrilled with the result and glad you took the time to do it.

Autumn Lockwood loves taking pictures and is a writer for YourPictureFrames.com. Your Picture Frames offers a large selection of quality picture frames in a wide variety of colors, finishes, styles and sizes. If you're looking for hanging or wall picture frames visit our website or call 1-800-780-0699.