If you've ever tried to install your own picture frame hardware, then you know it can be challenging. 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 most important step when installing picture frame hardware is to make sure you choose the right type and size of 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 Hangers
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 helps with the alignment to keep the picture frame 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 estimate the center of the frame, use a tape measure for accuracy. Place a mark in the center of the frame back and then position the saw tooth hanger over the dot. To make sure the hanger is even with the line of the frame, you may want to use a level. Once the hanger is level and centered, hammer in the two small nails on each side of the saw tooth hanger and you’re done.

Eye Hooks
Eyes hooks are screwed into the wood molding 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. Make a mark on the frame back where you want the eye hook screw to go. Then, use the measurement from the frist 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. Thread one end of the wire through an eye hook until you have a short length of wire to wrap several times around the long piece of wire. Then take the other end of the wire and thread it through the eye hook. Before securing the wire keep a hold of the unsecured piece of wire and hold the middle of the wire forming a triangular shape. 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. Cut off any excess wire and make sure that each end is wrapped tightly.

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. For arranging on the floor, use string to represent the area on your wall 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 sheetrock wall. For any type of cement, brick or concrete wall, pre-drill the holes with a mason bit and use screws with wall anchors. Be sure the screw is properly secured so the frame does not fall off the wall 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.

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