Can you hang a picture with two sawtooth hangers perfectly level? Yes, you absolutely can! Hanging a picture with two sawtooth hangers is a common and effective method for securing artwork to your walls. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your picture hangs straight and true. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right tools to the precise placement of your hangers for that perfect level finish.
Why Use Two Sawtooth Hangers?
Using two sawtooth hangers offers a significant advantage over a single hanger. It provides more stability, distributes the weight more evenly, and is crucial for hanging artwork that might be wider or heavier. This two point hanging system prevents tilting and keeps your picture from becoming a “crooked picture solution” waiting to happen. It’s a fundamental skill in DIY picture hanging and essential for anyone looking to elevate their home décor. For heavy picture hanging, two points of contact are almost always recommended.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before you start, gather your supplies. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and efficient.
- Your Picture: With the two sawtooth hangers already attached to the frame.
- Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
- Pencil: For marking the wall.
- Level: A spirit level is best for ensuring accuracy.
- Hammer: To tap in nails or screws.
- Nails or Screws: Appropriate for your wall type (e.g., drywall, plaster, brick) and the weight of your picture.
- Wall Anchors (if needed): For drywall or plaster walls if you’re not hitting a stud.
- Stud Finder (optional but recommended): To locate wall studs for the most secure mounting.
- A Helper (optional but helpful): Especially for larger or heavier pictures.
Preparing Your Picture Frame
Most picture frames come with sawtooth hangers pre-installed. However, it’s worth checking their placement.
Sawtooth Hanger Placement on the Frame
The ideal placement for sawtooth hangers on a picture frame is usually about one-quarter to one-third of the way down from the top edge of the frame, centered horizontally.
- Centering: Measure the width of your frame. Divide that by two to find the center point. Mark this center on the back of the frame.
- Height: Measure down from the top edge of the frame. A common starting point is 2-3 inches for average-sized frames. For wider frames, you might go slightly further down. This ensures the picture hangs at a pleasing height and the hangers aren’t too close to the top edge, which can make leveling tricky.
- Evenness: Ensure both sawtooth hangers are at the exact same height from the top of the frame. This is critical for a level picture. Use your measuring tape to confirm this.
Tip: If your sawtooth hangers are loose or need adjustment, you can carefully tap them into position with a hammer. Ensure they are facing upwards, ready to catch the nail or screw head.
Deciding Where to Hang Your Picture
Placement is key. Consider the following before you mark your wall.
Eye Level and Room Flow
- General Rule: Art is typically hung so the center of the piece is at eye level. For most adults, this is around 57-60 inches from the floor.
- Furniture: If hanging above furniture (like a sofa or console table), leave a gap of about 6-8 inches between the bottom of the frame and the top of the furniture.
- Gallery Walls: If you’re creating a gallery wall, plan the arrangement on paper or the floor first. Consider the overall balance and flow.
Measuring for Placement
- Determine the Desired Height: Decide where you want the top of your picture frame to be, or the center point. Let’s assume you want the center of your picture at 60 inches from the floor.
- Measure Your Picture: Measure the height of your picture frame from top to bottom. Let’s say your picture is 20 inches tall.
- Calculate Hanger Height from Top: If the center is at 60 inches, and the picture is 20 inches tall, the top of the picture will be at 60 inches (center) – 10 inches (half the picture height) = 50 inches from the floor.
- Determine Wall Mark for Hanger: Now, measure the distance from the top of the frame down to the sawtooth hanger. Let’s say this is 3 inches. You will mark the wall at 50 inches (top of frame height) – 3 inches (hanger to top of frame) = 47 inches from the floor.
- Center the Picture: Measure the width of your picture frame. Let’s say it’s 16 inches wide. Find the center of the wall space where you want to hang it. Mark this center. Then, measure 8 inches (half the picture width) to the left and right of this center mark on the wall. These will be the points where your nails/screws will go.
Using a Helper for Precise Positioning
For accurate wall marking, especially when dealing with larger pieces or wanting to nail at a specific height, a helper is invaluable.
- Hold the Picture: Have your helper hold the picture against the wall in the desired position.
- Level Check: Use your level on the top of the frame to ensure it’s straight.
- Marking: While your helper holds it steady and level, you can then mark the wall gently where the sawtooth hangers will rest.
The Two-Point Hanging Technique: Step-by-Step
This is where the magic happens. Precision is key to achieving that perfectly level hang.
Step 1: Mark the First Hanger Position
- Measure from the Floor: Using your measuring tape, mark the desired height for the top of your picture frame on the wall.
- Measure Hanger Depth: Measure the distance from the top edge of your frame down to the bottom of one of the sawtooth hangers. Let’s call this distance ‘X’.
- Mark the Wall: From your initial top-of-frame mark, measure down ‘X’ inches. This is where the tip of your nail or screw will need to go.
- Center the Nail/Screw: You’ll likely be hanging the picture on nails or screws. The nail/screw head needs to sit under the point of the sawtooth. For most nails, you’ll want the nail head to be roughly level with the bottom of the sawtooth. For screws, you might want the screw head to protrude slightly. The key is consistency between both hangers.
Step 2: Prepare for the Second Hanger (The Critical Part!)
This is the most crucial step for getting a level picture. You cannot simply measure the same distance from the other side of the wall.
- Measure the Distance Between Sawtooth Hangers:
- Lay your picture frame flat.
- Measure the distance between the very center of each sawtooth hanger. Let’s call this distance ‘Y’.
- Mark the Second Wall Position:
- Using your measuring tape, go back to your initial centered mark on the wall (the center of where you want the picture to be).
- Measure out half the width of your picture frame (let’s call this ‘W/2’) from the center mark to the left. Make a mark. This is where your first nail/screw will go.
- Now, measure out ‘W/2’ from the center mark to the right. Make another mark. This is where your second nail/screw will go.
- Crucially: At the second right-hand mark, measure down from the first wall mark (where the first hanger will go) by the exact same distance ‘X’ (the distance from the top of the frame to the sawtooth). This ensures both nails/screws are at the same vertical height relative to where the frame will sit.
Alternative Method for the Second Hanger:
If measuring directly from the first wall mark feels tricky, use the frame itself as a template.
- Mark the First Nail Location: Accurately mark the wall for the first nail, as described above. Drive the nail in, leaving it sticking out just enough to catch the hanger.
- Hang the Frame (Temporarily): Hang one side of the picture onto the first nail.
- Position and Mark the Second: Let the picture hang down naturally. Use your level on the top edge of the picture frame. Once it’s perfectly level, have a helper hold the frame steady. You can then gently press a pencil tip through the second sawtooth hanger’s opening and make a small mark on the wall.
- Remove and Drive Second Nail: Remove the picture. Drive the second nail or screw into the pencil mark you just made. Ensure it’s at the correct depth so it aligns with the first nail/screw.
Step 3: Install the Nails or Screws
- Choose Your Fastener:
- Nails: For lighter to medium-weight pictures, small finishing nails (around 1-1.5 inches long) are often sufficient. Ensure they have a head that the sawtooth can catch.
- Screws: For heavier items or if you want extra security, screws are better. Use screws that are long enough to go into a stud or a wall anchor securely. You don’t need the screw head to stick out too much; just enough for the sawtooth to grip.
- Drive the Fastener:
- If you marked the precise spot for the nail head to be level with the bottom of the sawtooth, aim for that.
- If you used the “hang and mark” method, aim to position the nail/screw head so it fits snugly into the sawtooth.
- Wall Type Considerations:
- Drywall/Plaster: If your marks don’t align with wall studs (use a stud finder!), you’ll need wall anchors. Choose anchors rated for the weight of your picture. Screw the anchor into the wall first, then drive the screw into the anchor.
- Brick/Concrete: You’ll need masonry screws and a drill with a masonry bit. Drill a pilot hole, insert a wall plug, and then screw into the plug.
Step 4: Hang Your Picture
- Align and Hang: Carefully lift your picture frame. Align the two sawtooth hangers with the nails or screws you’ve installed.
- Lower into Place: Gently lower the frame onto the fasteners.
- Check for Level: Use your spirit level on the top edge of the frame.
Step 5: Adjustments for Perfection
If your picture isn’t perfectly level:
- Slight Tilts: If it’s slightly off, you can often make minor adjustments by slightly nudging the frame up or down on the fasteners. Sometimes, a very slight bend of the sawtooth hanger itself (carefully!) can compensate for a tiny off-level.
- Major Adjustments: If it’s significantly off, you’ll likely need to remove the nails/screws and reposition them. Double-check your measurements from Step 2 for the second hanger. This is why using a pencil mark is better than driving the nail fully in immediately.
Troubleshooting Common Picture Hanging Issues
Even with careful planning, you might encounter a snag.
My Picture is Still Crooked!
- Sawtooth Hanger Height: The most common culprit is that the sawtooth hangers on the frame are not at the exact same height. Measure them again.
- Nail/Screw Depth: One nail/screw might be deeper or shallower than the other, causing an imbalance.
- Wall Unevenness: Some walls aren’t perfectly flat. You might need a very thin shim behind one of the hangers.
The Nails/Screws Won’t Hold
- No Stud: You’re likely in drywall without hitting a stud. Use appropriate wall anchors.
- Hole Too Big: If you’ve already made a hole, try a larger anchor or a different type of anchor.
- Hanger Too Small: Ensure your nails/screws have heads large enough to grip the sawtooth.
I Can’t Find the Center of the Frame
- Measure the width of the frame. Divide by 2. Mark this point on the top and bottom edges of the frame. Draw a light pencil line connecting these marks on the back of the frame. This is your vertical center line.
What if My Picture is Very Heavy?
For heavy picture hanging, it’s highly recommended to:
- Find Studs: Always try to locate wall studs. Use a stud finder. Driving nails or screws into studs provides the strongest hold.
- Use Screws and Anchors: Even in studs, screws offer more holding power than nails. If you can’t hit a stud, use heavy-duty wall anchors specifically designed for the weight of your artwork.
- Consider Different Hardware: For extremely heavy items, a French cleat system or D-rings with wire might be more appropriate than sawtooth hangers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best way to hang a picture with two sawtooth hangers?
The best way is to carefully measure and mark the wall for both hangers, ensuring they are at the same height relative to the frame’s top edge. Using a level throughout the process is crucial for a perfect result.
Q2: Can I hang a picture with two sawtooth hangers on a single nail?
No, you cannot effectively use two sawtooth hangers on a single nail. Each sawtooth hanger needs its own dedicated nail or screw to provide proper support and maintain a level hang.
Q3: How far down from the top of the frame should sawtooth hangers be placed?
Typically, sawtooth hangers are placed about one-quarter to one-third of the way down from the top edge of the picture frame. This placement offers good stability and makes it easier to level the picture.
Q4: How do I ensure the two nails for the sawtooth hangers are level with each other?
After marking the position for the first nail, hang the picture and use a level on the top of the frame. Then, mark the wall for the second nail while the picture is held perfectly level. Alternatively, measure the distance from the top of the frame to each sawtooth hanger, and ensure your wall marks are the same distance from your desired top-of-frame height.
Q5: What if my wall is plaster instead of drywall?
Plaster walls can be more brittle. When drilling or hammering, do so carefully. You might need specific plaster anchors or to drill slightly larger pilot holes for screws. Locating the wooden lath behind the plaster can help you find a more secure spot to drive a nail or screw.
Q6: How do I know if I’m hitting a stud?
A stud finder is the easiest way. If you don’t have one, you can try tapping the wall; it will sound more solid when you hit a stud. You can also try to find a stud near an electrical outlet, as studs are typically placed on either side of electrical boxes.
Q7: My picture looks a bit crooked even though I measured carefully. What’s the likely problem?
The most common issue is that the two sawtooth hangers on the frame are not at precisely the same height, or the nails/screws you used are at different depths. Re-measure your frame’s hangers and your wall placement.
Q8: Is it okay to bend sawtooth hangers?
Slight bending of the sawtooth hanger can sometimes help compensate for very minor leveling issues or slightly uneven wall surfaces. However, be very gentle, as they can break if bent too much or too many times.
By following these detailed steps, you can confidently hang any picture with two sawtooth hangers, achieving that sought-after perfectly level finish for your wall mounting projects. Happy decorating!