Hanging Pictures
"I've never been quite sure how to find the spot in the wall where you're supposed to hang pictures. In fact, I can't even remember the name! How do I find the right spot?" --iVillager elivers
Question:First of all, relax! There isn’t an exact spot to hang pictures. The rule of thumb is at eye level. Well, my husband is 6’1” and I’m 5’1”. Whose eyes do we go by? Of course, we find a compromise! As with any “rule” there are exceptions, so it’s really a personal choice.
I have a feeling that you are referring to hanging a picture over a “stud,” the vertical 2x4s that form the framing of your walls. There, again, it is not necessary that the screw or nail be placed into a stud. For pictures up to poster size, consider a picture “hook” and nail rated for the weight being hung (for posters I suggest using two, which helps keep large frames straight). For larger, heavier items, use a screw and a plastic anchor (again, it may take two) and for very heavy items, either a toggle type anchor or the screw/nail should be driven into a stud.
Now, how do you find the stud? There are several ways. Some people can “knock” on the wall in several places and distinguish between the hollow wall sound and the solid stud. Personally, I’m not so keen on this method! An electronic stud sensor is more re-liable and fairly inexpensive at your local hardware store. Most homes are built with the studs 16” on center, with others at 24” on center. To double-check yourself, no matter which method used, either drill a hole with a tiny drill bit or tap a small nail where you think the stud is (do this in an area that will be covered by the picture). If there is resis-tance (go no deeper than one inch) when you do either, well, hooray!
By the way, a touch of silicone adhesive on the back, bottom corners of a picture (let it dry before hanging) will help keep the picture in position.
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