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Hanging Your Picture Frame
Hanging Your Picture Frame

Everything you need to know about hardware and hanging your Level Frame

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Written by Level Frames
Updated over a week ago

Depending on the type and size of the frame, one of the following types of hanging hardware will be included.

*** Before hanging, install the included plastic bumpers on the bottom two corners of your frame ***

Wire with a picture framing hook is most commonly used, but let us know if you have questions about what we recommend for your framing project or would like to request a specific type of hardware.

Wire Hanging

Most of our frames come with a wire strung across the back for hanging. We'll also supply the hanging hardware - one or multiple picture framing hooks:

To hang, first position the frame where you would like it to hang (having a partner helps) and make a light pencil mark on the wall above the center of the frame’s top edge.

You can also use a small strip of masking tape, or painter's tape to create the mark.

Next, measure the distance between the top of your frame and the wire, and make a new mark that same distance below your first mark. 

Using a hammer, tap the nail into the hook so that the bottom of the hook (not the nail) is level with the lower pencil mark.

Now use your hand to place the wire on the back of your frame into the cradle of the hook. Make sure the wire is inside the hook and not resting on top of the nail head. Level your frame, and you are done!

Tip for larger frames:

To add extra security for heavier frames, you can use multiple picture framing hooks on the wall, spaced 10" to 12" apart. This can also help pull the frame in closer to the wall.

WallBuddies

One of the hardware options we offer is a bracket system called WallBuddies. It does a great job keeping your artwork level and secure against the wall.

We include a small card that will tell you exactly where to place the two nails.

This video demonstrates the few simple steps to take for a level, secure hang of your picture frame.

Sawtooth Hardware

On smaller frames, or by special request, we'll install a simple sawtooth hanging system.

If your frame has a sawtooth hanger attached to the top edge, locate the steel picture-hanging nail that is enclosed with your shipment.

With a pencil or tape, lightly mark the spot on your wall where you'd like the top edge of the frame to be. One half-inch below that mark, use a hammer to tap in the nail at a very slight, downward angle, leaving a little of the black nail showing.

Now hang your frame so that the nail is in contact with the sawtooth (and not the frame). Level your frame, and you are done!

Security Hardware

Typically used in hotels, restaurants, lobbies and other high-traffic or public spaces, security hardware keeps frames tightly secured to the wall with a T-lock mechanism that locks and unlocks with a special wrench.

Each frame will come with three mounting plates installed - two plates on the top rail of each frame which will fit corresponding brackets on the walls, and one on the bottom which will lock with a special wrench and T-screw installed into the wall.

Security Hangers Sec_1 Picture Frame Hardware Complete Set for Wood or  Metal Frames, Complete Set with Wrench

Expand the section below for full details on installation.

Steps for hanging a frame with security hardware

  1. Position the frame on the wall where you want it to hang, use a level to get it evenly straight

  2. Press the frame against the wall; the mounting brackets have little dimples that will make indentations you can use as guides for where to install your anchors

  3. Drill into the wall at the two upper locations corresponding with the top of the frame, as directed by the indentations, using a 7/32 drill bit (or whatever drill bit matches the size of your anchors)

  4. Install anchors into the two holes you have drilled

  5. Into the top two anchors, attach the brackets using the screws - these are what the mounting plates on the top of the frame will hang on

  6. Hang the frame to make sure it is level, and press the bottom part into the wall to make another indentation.

  7. Drill this bottom hole according to the indention, and insert an anchor

  8. Into the bottom anchor, insert the T-screw, leaving the head exposed and horizontal so that it will fit into the bottom bracket on the frame

  9. Mount the frame on the wall, hanging from the top two brackets and with the T-screw inserted into the bottom bracket

  10. Use the special wrench to turn the T-screw which locks the frame onto the wall

Cleat System

For extra large, oversize frames, we may recommend or decide to go with a french cleat hanging system.

One to two cleat bars will be pre-installed on the back of the frame along the top edges.

We will supply the corresponding cleat bars you will install in the wall.

Because this system is designed for heavier frames, we will include drywall anchors you can use when screwing the cleat bars into the wall.

Make sure that the cleat bars are even and level before installing and hanging your frame by dropping it over the top so that the cleat bars interlock.

If you have any questions on the hanging methods above, or are missing any of the hardware components required, please let us know so that we can help.

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