How to Hang Heavy Pictures on Drywall With Wall Anchors
Heavy pictures require more than a nail anywhere in the wall. Drywall, though firm to the touch, is not solid enough to bear the weight of heavy pictures. Over time, the nail will loosen and the picture could fall damaging the picture itself or what it hits. At your local hardware store, there are many different types of anchors that are used to attach heavy pictures, but the most common is a screw type anchor. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Drill
- Hammer
- Self drilling drywall anchor
- No.8 sheet metal screw or 1-1/4 inch course threaded drywall screw
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Instructions
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Mark the location where you want to install the anchor. If your picture is heavy, use two anchors that are level with one another. Most often you may measure off the floor or ceiling. When your floors or ceiling are out of level, use a level to mark the holes.
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2
Grasp the screw anchor with your hand and nail in the end of the anchor up to where the threads begin. Though not required by the manufacturer, it is helpful to first drill a 1/4-inch hole to keep the back of the drywall from blowing out which adds strength to the anchor.
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Use a drill with a No. 2 Phillips bit or a Phillips screwdriver to snug it up to the drywall. Do not over tighten the screw anchor. If you continue to turn the anchor once it is flush with the drywall, the anchor will loosen and not support the weight of the picture.
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Screw in a No. 8 sheet metal screw into the anchor to receive the picture wire. If the screw goes in hard and attempts to twist the anchor, use a smaller screw. (Some anchors will take course threaded drywall screws.) It is important that the screw fits tight so that it doesn't pull out or wobble.
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Hang your picture by hooking the wire on the screws.
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Tips & Warnings
If your picture is very heavy, there are self-drilling toggle bolts which also have a rotating clamp that flips as the screw engages. This anchor will hold up to 75 lbs in 1/2-inch drywall.
