Hanging a Heavy Picture on a Wall

Place the picture face down. Insert a wire clip into either side of the frame. Place the clips approximately one-third of the way down from the top of the frame. Clip installation depends on the clip style, with the two common styles being spring and screw-on. Spring clips slide between the frame backing and frame. Screw- or nail-on clips require a small screw or nail to attach them to a wooden frame. Refer to the hardware package for exact installation methods.

Stretch the hanging wire taut between the two clips. Slip each end of the wire through the holes in the clips. Fold the wire over and twist the ends around the wire securely to hold the wire in place.

Place a square of adhesive backed foam or cork furniture pads onto each of the lower corners of the frame. The pads prevent the picture from leaning forward once it is hung, while also preventing it from shifting and hanging crooked.

Locate the stud in the wall where you are hanging the picture, using an electronic stud finder. It's best to hang heavy pictures from a stud, when possible. Tap the wall surface solidly with your knuckles if a stud finder isn't available. The wall sounds hollow where there is no stud, and solid when you tap a stud.

Drill a starter hole into the stud, using a drill bill the same size as the wood screw. Drilling first eliminates the danger of cracked plaster and paint.

Set the picture hook on the wall so the drilled hole lines up with the hole in the hook. Screw a wood screw through the hole in the hook and into the wall.

Hang the picture on the hook by draping the wire over the hook. Adjust the picture until it hangs level.