Hanging heavy art with multiple hooks

[Fregly]

We have a lot of engineers etc around here, so I thought I would ask. If using three hooks with a wire hung picture, how best to arrange them to distribute the load? I figure a triangle, but not sure of the angles, a shallow or steep trio.....Perhaps a straight line is just as effective?

 

[Curvature]

One of these on each side on the wall.

One of these on each side of the picture frame.

 

[xanalog]

If the artwork to be hung is of quality, I prefer UV-resistant non-glare acrylic in place of glass.
Gorilla Hangers/Hooks can be purchased in different hanging weights and cheaper in bulk quantities.
I refrain from using the ultra-cheap steel (twisted) wires.
I never even thought of using 3 hangers. But I take these above precautionary measures because I live in a humid, ocean climate, which is prone to earthquakes and I value my artwork.

 

[Curvature]

UV-resistant non-glare acrylic in place of glass

I prefer museum grade glass. Some of the acrylic panes are frosty or grainy.

 

[Martin Takamine]

I prefer using French cleats for hanging heavy items.

https://www.homedepot.com/pep/OOK-1...4ucSzhoqVdBm248NGYBoCO38QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[xanalog]

I prefer museum grade glass. Some of the acrylic panes are frosty or grainy.

Arguments have been made re: glass/acrylic (re: tomahto/tomayto) for artwork.
But frosty/grainy acrylic is not one of them.
50% less weight and optical grade non-glass alternatives have been in favor for prescription glasses for decades.
But their justification does not involve living in earthquake prone areas.

 

[kemmler3D]

I prefer using French cleats for hanging heavy items.

https://www.homedepot.com/pep/OOK-1...4ucSzhoqVdBm248NGYBoCO38QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Same.

If your house is constructed with accessible studs in the walls, cleats let you use the studs with more flexibility in terms of placement.

I recommend a good stud finder, I have one of these ... Or some good, sizable toggle bolts.

I self-installed a Tonal gym at home (wall mounted cable machine) and 1M pounds lifted later it hasn't separated from the wall... Studs!

 

[xanalog]

I was delighted when the 'Gorilla' hangers came to the market... only because it is about the most ideal for renters who'd rather not leave big holes in walls.

If your house is constructed with accessible studs in the walls,

But most definitely anchoring artwork to the studs (and using cleats) are probably the best suggestions... without having to use 3-point hanging.

 

[DWPress]

French cleat is by far the best but if you're intent to use wire and hooks and you have a solid frame on the artwork then consider multiple attachment points like this or even more, there are diagrams that cross in the middle giving perfect middle hanging position for instance. Even metal frame stock can implement multiple attachment points instead of the shown D-rings.

I used to paint (printmaker now) some pretty large canvases up to 6x8' on heavy stretchers. Adding bracing (plywood triangles) on the back corners can help sag/skew over time as well. 30+ years later none of them have toppled off their installations lol.

 

[Plan9]

Similar to French clips...

 

[Fregly]

I have found the walls crumbley in my old building for plug screws and bigger hook nails, so I've settled on hooks with small spikes for art too heavy for command strips adhesives, which proved to be my default after trial and error. My Gal is a collector and we have put up 60 paintings or so, but this latest is heavy as F -- an anomaly. The hooks I settled on that seem to work have an alleged 20lb capacity. The painting feels 35 - 40lb or more probably. The old walls restrict my options, is what I'm saying. I fear a death crash some middle of the night.

 

[kemmler3D]

I have found the walls crumbley in my old building for plug screws and bigger hook nails, so I've settled on hooks with small spikes for art too heavy for command strips adhesives, which proved to be my default after trial and error. My Gal is a collector and we have put up 60 paintings or so, but this latest is heavy as F -- an anomaly. The hooks I settled on that seem to work have an alleged 20lb capacity. The painting feels 35 - 40lb or more probably. The old walls restrict my options, is what I'm saying. I fear a death crash some middle of the night.

In this case if you think the walls don't have good integrity they might be the limiting factor and not the hooks.

Toggle bolts always work in my experience, even in plaster. So does screwing into a stud. I think anything else is a gamble.

My place is new construction but the drywall has all the fortitude of an ice cream sandwich, I don't really trust anchors for anything over 20lb myself.

 

[Cbdb2]

If you cant use a stud these are the best toggle bolts. The inserts go in before the bolt which simplifies there use, and you can take the bolt out and the insert stays in place so it can be reused. They hold 250lbs each in 1/2" drywall.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/toggler-1-4-in-snaptogglea-heavy-duty-zinc-toggle-bolts-with-screws-50pcs/1001075816?rrec=true

 

[kemmler3D]

If you cant use a stud these are the best toggle bolts. The inserts go in before the bolt which simplifies there use, and you can take the bolt out and the insert stays in place so it can be reused. They hold 250lbs each in 1/2" drywall.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/toggler-1-4-in-snaptogglea-heavy-duty-zinc-toggle-bolts-with-screws-50pcs/1001075816?rrec=true

I've used these a few times and can vouch... They're overkill for art but easier to use than the standard butterfly kind.