6 Types of Picture Frame Back Hardware
While choosing the right kind of wall mounting hardware for your pictures is important, knowing what’s on the back of your picture frames is the place to start. As someone who hangs a lot of pictures everyday, I can tell you that there are a variety of different types of frame hardware out there. Almost every frame you’ll buy will have some sort of hanging hardware already attached to the back of the frame, but sometimes to achieve the best results you might need to do a bit of hardware swapping. Having the right frame back hardware on hand can make all the difference!
Let's take a look at six of the most common types of frame back hardware and what each one offers.
1. Saw Tooth
Sawtooth Hangers are very commonly found and used on smaller picture frames. When in use, the sawtooth piece catches on the nail in the wall and allows you a very generous amount of room to hang and straighten your picture. While they are a great option for smaller to even lighter weight medium sized frames, they are not ideal for larger weighted frames that can cause the sawtooth edge to pull away and off the wall.
2. Ring Hangers/D Rings
Ring Hangers and D Rings are one of the most common types of hardware for picture frames. They are typically a triangle or “D” shape. They come in a variety of sizes and are designed to be screwed or nailed into the back of the frame. Ring Hangers and D Rings can either be used as they are with a nail/screw for each hanger on both sides, or you can use picture wire stretched across both hangers to hang off one centrally placed nail/screw.
3. Screw Eyes
Screw Eyes are designed to be used with picture wire. They are often found on larger frames requiring a heavier weight picture wire.
4. Magnets
Magnets are a great way to hang smaller and lighter artwork that you may replace on a regular basis. They are also great for hanging artworks on the wall without making any holes in the wall. Magnets go on the frame, and adhesive backed magnets go onto the wall.
5. Adhesives
Adhesives are another great way to hang lightweight artworks without making any holes in the wall or frame. They come in a variety of forms, including double-sided tape, mounting putty, and adhesive strips. The right double sided tape can be all you need for frame hardware and makes for an easy DIY!
6. French Cleat
French Cleats are a hanger consisting of two pieces. One piece mounts to the back of the picture frame and the second piece attaches to your wall. The two pieces slide together to hold your picture securely. French Cleats work well on heavy and odd-shaped pictures and artwork. French Cleats are often used to mount floating nightstands and bookshelves, so you can be sure they can hold your heaviest picture frame no problem!
No matter what type of frame you need to hang, there is a type of frame back hardware that will meet your needs. There are other hangers out there, just pay attention to the size and weight of the frame you’re needing to hang just as you would when considering the proper nails, screws, and anchors going into your wall. With the right hardware, you can hang any picture frame!
