Hanging pictures beginner questions

Profile9506

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on the best hardware to use for hanging two pictures in my home. Both weigh less than 5kg, but they are going onto different wall types.

Picture 1: Plasterboard Wall

• Dimensions: 60cm x 40cm

• Weight: < 5kg

• Backing: See attached image 

• The Wall: Standard plasterboard (drywall), I believe

Picture 2: Masonry Wall

• Dimensions: 80cm x 60cm (hanging horizontally)

• Weight: < 5kg

• Product Link: Nielsen Quadrum Frame

• The Wall: Solid masonry/brick.

Initially, I considered using standard twin brassed picture hooks for both, but my research suggests that self-drilling plasterboard fixings might be more secure for the first picture.

What would you recommend for each case? I'd rather avoid making big holes to the walls just in case we want to move the pictures later, but happy to make the holes if needed?

Woodstok2000

I really like Command strips. Have used them for years with no issues, holding heavy frames and you can remove them without affecting the wall

twopenny

I've used picture hooks in plasterboard with fairly hefty pictures.
I've also used them in pairs to be on the safe side for wooden framed mirrors.
Two also hangs a larger picture straight.

I used the same on plaster walls.

FrugaiMacDugal

Agree with Command Strips, easy to remove and leave no marks, if you follow instructions.

Eldi_Dos

For the plasterboard wall if you can locate the wooden struts that the plasterboard is on just get a thin woodscrew and a washer.Screw directly through plasterboard into strut and hang picture, The benefit of using a thin woodscrew are it is easier to to fill and paint if you decide to move picture and want to redecorate.
To locate wooden struts get a screwdriver, or similar and tap handle along wall, you should notice a change of sound when you pass over strut.This method will be less disruptive than those plasterboard fixings mentioned.

For masonry wall, drill fit rawplug and put in screw with washer which will held stop picture support string from slipping off.

Troytempest

You wouldn't think the Command strips would be effective but they are brilliant. 

grumpy_codger

Woodstok2000 said:

I really like Command strips. Have used them for years with no issues, holding heavy frames and you can remove them without affecting the wall

They rely on the paint sticking well enough to the wall that quite often isn't the case.

jennifernil

For masonry/plaster, use screws in wall plugs.

For plasterboard where the studs are not suitably located, use a good quality fixing that grips the board when used, that way it will not fall down behind the board if you need to remove the screw.  We use these everywhere as our house is timber frame, they come in various sizes, used to be called brollyfix.

Preferably use 2 screws per picture, makes it much easier to adjust them to hang level.  Fixing points must of course also be level.

Profile9506

thank you all, what are the benefits of using a screw compared to a picture hook with nails?

Why do you think that picture hooks with nails are not adequate for the frames above?

Eldi_Dos

Profile9506 said:

thank you all, what are the benefits of using a screw compared to a picture hook with nails?

Why do you think that picture hooks with nails are not adequate for the frames above?

A screw directly into the wooden strut will provide more support, without degrading the plasterboard.

In the case of the 5kg picture you could use two picture hooks, the type with two pin holes to spread the load, making sure they are installed level.

To get a better understanding of the material you are dealing with look up the construction of plasterboard, which is basically two layers of cardboard with compressed chalk in between.

I myself use twin hole picture hooks in the house when the aesthetic's of picture groups do not match up with using struts for supports, but the pictures are nowhere near 5 kg in weight.

grumpy_codger

Obviously, screws are more reliable and can bear bigger load if used correctly. However, IMO the hooks that you linked to - with the nailes angled about 45 degrees to the wall - are adequate for plasterboard.

For all my pictures I use just thin angled nails without hooks. For small pictures I even use pins instead. I'd never use hooks with perpendicular nails though.
For masonry wall, unless it's covered with plasterboard, I'd use only screws with plugs (or a hook with screw(s)). Unlike plasterboard, ordinary plaster is too unpredictable and the plugs have go deeper into the bricks of blocks.