How to hang a picture with a hanging wire

Wired D-rings are one of the best hardware for hanging framed pictures because they’re not only strong but also easy to install and adjust. They make a perfect addition to any picture hanging system.

There are three types of picture wires. Choosing the right one depends on how large your picture is.

BRAIDED

As the name implies, this is made from galvanised steel strands. Braided wire is easy to cut and tie. It is sold in a variety of thicknesses. The thicker the wire, the heavier the picture can support—up to 15kg.

STAINLESS STEEL

Made from strands of steel that have been twisted under tension, this picture wire is more robust than braided wire but less flexible. It’s best for hanging large, heavy frames up to 50kg.

VINYL-COATED

This is stainless steel picture wire with a soft outer layer of vinyl. It’s gentler on hands and delicate hanging surfaces but almost as strong as stainless. It can hang pictures up to 30kg.

COTTON CORD

Picture cord can be stronger than wire and is very commonly used by many picture framers. You should choose the combination of picture cord and picture hanging hardware like d-rings carefully to ensure the picture frame is held securely on the wall.

D-RING HANGERS

D-rings look like a belt buckle attached to a metal strip with screw holes. They’re designed to be mounted flush against the back of the picture frame. The rings themselves face inward to connect the length of the picture wire. Like picture wire, D-rings are available in various sizes; the heavier your artwork, the larger the rings.

SUPPLIES
Once you’ve chosen the appropriate picture wire and D-rings, you’ll need a few simple tools to hang your artwork. You may also want to wear safety goggles as an added layer of protection against debris while hammering.
– long-nose pliers
– wire cutters
– screwdriver
– ruler or tape measure
– pencil
– picture hooks for hanging
– hammer

ATTACH THE D-RINGS
Decide how far from the top you want to position the D-rings. Aim for about a quarter or a third of the way down from the top of the painting. Measure the distance, mark it with a pencil, and then repeat on the other side. Angle the D-rings so they’re pointing upward at about 45 degrees, but don’t screw them in; point directly toward one another.

Be sure you attach the D-rings at the same distance from the top edge. The wire should not show above the top of the painting, nor should the picture lean away from the wall when hung.

ATTACH THE WIRE
Before you attach your picture wire to the D-rings, you’ll need to measure and cut an appropriate length. Begin by measuring a length of picture wire that’s double the width of the frame you’re hanging. You’ll trim the excess when done.

Insert about 5 inches of picture wire through one of the D-rings from below. Once through the D-ring, pull this end underneath the wire that will go across the picture, then put it through the D-ring again from above. Pull the wire up through the loop, which is the finished knot. Pull slightly taut but do not secure. Next, stretch the picture wire across to the other D-ring, but don’t knot it yet.

TRIM THE WIRE
Find the middle of ​the frame and pull the picture wire up gently until you reach a point about 2 inches from the top. This is where you want your wire to hang once it is mounted on the wall. Measure the picture wire 5 inches through the eyelet and trim.

Now repeat the same process of looping and knotting the picture wire to the D-ring that you did on the other side, leaving 5 inches of excess wire. Trim with your wire cutters, careful not to poke yourself with the sharp metal.

TIGHTEN THE KNOT
Tightening the picture wire knot is most straightforward by using a pair of pliers. Grip the ends of the wire with the pliers, then pull, and the knot will tighten. Cut the short end if needed, then twist it around the other length of wire. Flatten the end with the pliers to ensure that no sharp end of the wire is exposed to catch your finger. Repeat the process on the other end.

HANG THE PICTURE
Once you’ve knotted the wire, it’s a good idea to make sure all hanging hardware is securely attached. No matter where you’re hanging your artwork—in a group or by itself—you’ll need to ensure your picture is securely hanging and level.

Picture-hanging hooks are available in various sizes, each able to hold a maximum number of pounds. Choose based on how much your framed artwork weighs. Use your tape measure to help pinpoint a spot to mount the picture and mark it with your pencil. Most picture hooks are mounted with nails, so you’ll need a hammer.

Once the hook is nailed to the wall, you’re ready to hang your picture. Find the middle of the picture wire for reference; this is where you want to hang it. It may take a few attempts to get the wire firmly mounted over the wall hook, so be patient. Once it’s hung, use your level to ensure it’s appropriately hung.

Now your picture is ready for hanging on a wall with a picture hanging system or simply on a nail.