How to Hang a Picture with a Sawtooth Hanger
Hanging a picture with a sawtooth hanger can be a simple and effective way to display your artwork or photographs on the wall. Sawtooth hangers are named for their jagged “sawtooth” appearance and are typically attached to the back of picture frames. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you hang a picture using this type of hanger.
Materials Needed
- Picture frame with sawtooth hanger attached
- Hammer
- Nail or picture hanger hook
- Pencil
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Level (optional)
- Stud finder (optional, if hanging on drywall and looking for more support)
Step 1: Locate the Ideal Position for Your Picture
Decide where on the wall you would like to hang your picture. Hold the frame against the wall and use a pencil to lightly mark the top center of the frame.
Step 2: Measure the Drop from the Top of the Frame to the Hanger
Measure the distance from the top of the frame to the peak of the sawtooth hanger. This will give you the “drop” measurement – the distance the picture will be lower than your initial mark once it’s hung.
Step 3: Make a Mark on the Wall for the Hanger Location
From the mark you made in Step 1, measure downward using the drop measurement. Mark this location lightly with a pencil; this is where you will place your nail or hook.
Step 4: Install the Nail or Picture Hanger Hook
If you’re using a nail:
- Position the nail at a slight upward angle on your new mark. This will ensure that the weight of the picture pulls the nail deeper into the wall, securing the picture in place.
- Gently tap the nail into the wall using your hammer, leaving enough of the nail exposed to hang the picture.
If you’re using a picture hanger hook:
- Place the bottom of the hook at the mark you’ve made, so the nail that comes with the hook is above it.
- Use the hammer to drive the hanger’s nail in at a downward angle. The hanger should rest against the wall with the hook protruding outward for the sawtooth hanger to catch.
Step 5: Hang the Picture
Carefully align the sawtooth hanger with the nail or hook and lower the frame until it catches securely. Make small adjustments to ensure that the picture is hanging straight. You can use a level to check the picture’s alignment.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Stand back and look at the picture from different angles to confirm that it’s straight. Adjust as needed, and pat yourself on the back for a job well-done!
Tips and Tricks
- If you are hanging a heavier picture, consider using a picture hanger hook designed for additional weight.
- For drywall, if you’re unable to locate a stud or if the picture is light, you can use small picture hangers that don’t require a wall stud.
- Using two nails or hooks for larger frames can provide extra stability and make leveling the picture easier.
- If you want a more permanent solution that also minimizes wall damage, consider using picture hanging strips designed for this purpose.
Following these steps should help you hang your picture with confidence. Remember that the key to perfect placement is careful measuring and using the right hardware for your wall type and picture weight. Happy decorating!