Nice job. Love your channel. Decades ago I was a professional art handler/installer for galleries and high profile clients in Los Angeles. Hanging multiple works salon style, or in a perfect grid, can be very challenging. I've found mapping out your hardware and frames with masking tape before making any holes in the wall is a big help. I've also found that, if using plastic wall anchors rather than floreats, first installing the screw only, to test fit, can be helpful. If the screw is in the correct spot, I then remove it and use an awl to punch the hole for the anchor/sleeve. This eliminates having a larger hole in the wall for the anchor, in case you need to reposition. If you need to reposition, you can typically spackle the small screw hole and move your screw as needed. Using an awl also cuts down on dust and allows you to feel any obstructions within the wall cavity, as opposed to drilling. I also used to carry envelopes or sheets of paper to fold and tape up as dust collectors when drilling, like you've shown. In high traffic areas such as stairwells, tight hallways, drafty areas, earthquake zones, etc... using security hardware or just two anchor points eliminates the client having to constantly adjust/level. On frames with wire I use a small bubble level under the wire and mark the back of the frame in pencil. You can then measure from the top or bottom of the frame to your line, and use the bubble level to mark your hardware positions on the wall, if that makes sense.
Hi Stuart. Wish I'd seen this six months ago. I hung 9 prints around the landing and down the side of the stairs by making a masking tape template. Really happy with results but your method is much quicker. Thanks for sharing.
Another great video, thank you. Another tip if you want to stop pictures leaning to one side a small dot of blue tack in bottom of each corner behind pic does the trick once lined up with level just press onto wall.
Always use Fisher Duopower plugs in plasterboard. Excellent plugs and work fine if there is a dab behind the hole. Only needs a 6 or 8 mm hole (they have 2 different size plugs) and no need for those wings at the back. If really heavy my go to fixing is either the metal expanding rawl plug fixing which you use a tool to set or the excellent CoreFix fixings,
These Fischer fixings are the best. I'd never use the red ones since discovering them. Finally on my second bulk packet in 10 years! I've cut the wings off when there is no cavity and are holding a 360mm curtain pole up with just 6 fixings
I love the idea that you used for getting the tops of the pictures level. I’ve tried all manner of things but never that. I will do now though. Thank you
Really liking the jig that helps ensure level on pictures hanging on wires ... a bit of a 'why didn't I think of that' moment !! Re the comment at 12:20 about the packaging, I understand your comment about preferring to see the contents, but it has probably been done so as to avoid multi material packaging which can be a real problem for recycling.
I use Fischer duopower for everything, they don't budge once they're in. For large pictures I also add two small tack pins in the top left and right of the frame, it stops the pictures pivoting on the screw in the middle. Feels more solid
I've used quite a few of the 3M Command products and think that they're really good. Your idea for level picture frames is brilliant and a simple process when you think about it. But, of course, you have to think about it first and you did so thanks for that. One to remember for future use. Cheers.
Great tip with the envelope to catch the drill dust. I'm guilty of rushing picture hanging, too impatient to stand back and look. I'll slow down and do it 'Proper' in future.
Great tip for leveling the pictures with strings hangers Stuart To confirm the Fischer "wings" are fully engaged, you could screw the the screw all the way in so the wings would spread fully and then back the screw off so it's proud of the wall to hang a picture from.
Very nice tip for the frame / hook height solution Stuart. My solution was always don’t bother… and thus never have pictures close enough that it’s a problem!
Great tip in the garage for getting pictures level personally I tried using the tape measure in the past like you showed. I like your envelope dust catcher when drilling I never thought of doing that I normally use an A4 sheet in the same way. Great video keep up the good work.
Cleary presented, well narrated, easy to follow, useful practical tips. @11:44 "So what does it look like? I think it's pretty good." Mmmm... what you think is only for your own self satisfaction. For true harmony in the universe it's what "The Boss" (who apparently commissioned the works) thought! The multiple frame horizontal alignment did it for me. Hope it worked for The Boss too! Thanks for posting.Stay on the level.
To be honest for hanging lightweight pictures on a stud wall, I find a single 40/50mm panel pin put in at an angle is adequate. Its also so much easier to rearrange the pictures 6 months later when the wife wants to alter things. To help keep them level just put a small self adhesive disk of cork to the bottom corners of the picture.
I agree - much faster less damaging to knock in a panel pin, especially if you have a lot of pictures to put up. If you change your mind, the tiniest bit of lightweight filler makes the hole invisible. Good tip regarding the cork - I have a load of adhesive silicone dots, I will try those.
If you use two fixings per picture, separated by as great a distance as the picture will allow, it might double the (slight) cost but it would ensure the picture remained level.
Great simple tip for levelling the pictures! Ever considered using Fischer duopower plugs? Handy when fixing light/medium objects to dot and dab walls. Don’t need to worry if you hit a void or not!
duopower are beyond excellent - light concrete, double layered plasterboard (or plasterboard+osb), brickwork, dot&dab. Can be used in concrete too but then anchor bolts are foolproof as well. Overall fischer product are great.
Are you psychic or spying on me? This is the third video you've posted the day before I was planning to do the job. Thanks a million! Shall I save some time and just send you of my DIY list for the summer? LOL Keep up the good work :-)
Was so ready and waiting for the comedy moment at the end where a picture fell off the wall, being April Fools Day and all that 🤣 But the tip with the wood and levelling up several frames, what a brilliant one. Where was this video 10 years ago when I had the same problem. My solution was to adjust the string on the back until they were level, took forever to achieve. Big thumbs up Stuart
There are lots of great tips here, but this resonated with me the most "Making sure I keep the very specific dimensions and positions my wife has chosen earlier" 😅
"Do not use over a bed..." Definitely inspires confidence. Best to go to sleep wearing a crash helmet. 😂 Generally, to avoid these inconsistencies in distances when using hooks and strings, I use small steel cleats. They come in pairs; one goes on the back of the frame, the other is screwed into the wall. As long as you do your measuring and marking correctly beforehand, the distances from the ceiling, floor, between pictures, etc., will be perfect. Probably verging on overkill, but I know they won't be dropping or moving.
*Genuinely extremely useful DIY video uploaded on April 1st* Me: My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined. All jokes aside though, some of these Command Strip products are ridiculously useful. We live in a rental property but we've been able to make it our own using various hooks and canvas hangers. We've even got a whiteboard on the office wall using their sticky nails.
For lighter frames, drill a 1mm hole each side and insert a panel pin (with the head snipped off) blunt side in. For gyproc walls, you just level at the position you want and push into the wall.
Once I hang the picture I take two small pieces of blue tack in a ball and place on the picture back bottom left and right. Hang the picture level then push the picture bottom slightly to compress blue tack
Thanks for the great video. I was impressed with your stud finder / electric cable finder. What type do you recommend for general stud wall fixing applications? Maybe a video on one would be good 😀
Thank you so much. I have 4 pictures to hang in a straight line & it was proving to be impossible till I stumbled across your video. Off to try this now
Hi Stuart Hope you are well mate What a great tip on hanging pictures so simple 🙂I’ll definitely be using it Also what I find to keep all your pictures leval is to put a small blob of cork in each lower corner set level don’t slam any doors until the cork gone off and the cork is easy to remove without marking. The walls 😊😊
Brilliant idea to make sure that the top of the pictures are the same but maybe using masking tape on your piece of timber would enable the piece of timber to be used over and over again.
I’ve been using those plasterboard fixings for years. So much more expensive these days since Fischer package them. Wickes do them too. Other DIY stores are available. lOL
Ah yes, the old “hiding the electrical thing you don’t want to see with a picture” trick. My wife nearly blew me up that way, last time she hammered a nail into a wall, that’s for sure! She got fed up waiting for me to do it “properly” with the electric tester. I told her where it was and to use it if she was going to take matters into her own hands. Did she? Did she f***! The fact she hit the line to a light switch saved her some serious trouble. But saved it for me when I turned it on
Great video, and yes I always measured from the top of frame to the rope or fixing on the back of a picture….you mention to go over to you patronage site….what’s this and where is it
Stuart, yet again another genius tip 🙂. Also can you please identify the cable finder you were using? There are so many on the market, and I would rather go for a recommendation from a pro.
Very good video. I like the self seal envelope for catching the dust when drilling! I normally use a bit of masking tape and something plastic out of the recycling bin!
Many heavier pictures and mirrors require two hooks in the wall, complicating the task of getting matched pictures perfectly even and level, given that the length of wire and distance between the hooks must be exactly the same for this system to work.
I like the tip for levelling multiple pictures,makes so much sense!🤞🏻 I’ve got a handful of frames to hang in a fashion like this although I was planning on using the museum-type side hooks for the largest as it’s pretty beefy? So it’s a timely video,thanks Stuart!
Question: I have heavy pictures with wires on the back. I hang them on studs, but whats a good way (good trick) to move the picture over an inch and keep it level? I want the picture in a certain spot, not right on the stud, but I want the stud for strength. It's difficult to use the correct words to search TH-cam for what I'm looking for
Great tips, troubles I have in my brick built house are 1) the ceiling line is not horizontal and 2) I never seem to be able to drill the hole for the rawlplug into the brick wall at the marked position the drill always wanders off point. 😮😂
Any tips on hanging frames diagonally? I've tried all sorts and can't get the frames to match up whilst also following the correct angle. I've searched for videos but all I've found is mismatched frames hung in a staircase gallery.
Excellent content and subject as usual, question .... with those plasterboard fixings how on earth do you get them out if needed ? normal "rawl" plugs easy, screw back in and ease/lever them out but ones with wings on ???
Given there is a socket and back box in the wall that would indicate the void behind the plasterboard should be large enough for the plugs. Unless you happen to hit a lump of dot or dab!
Block work /bricks are often chiselled out to make space for back boxes on dot and dab as the void is often not deep enough for your typical 25 or 35mm back box
What would your advise be for people whose walls/ceilings are not straight. I used to live in a 1900 solid terrace house and the ceilings etc were all out of square. Many arguments with my wife whether the picture is straight or not, even if the spirit level said it was, she didn't beleive me 🤦
Always go with the spirit level. One often sees this affect with garden office builds where the gradual fall of the roof can give the optical illusion that pictures/TVs are not actually level.
I love this guy! Black Slazenger sweatshirts must be doing a roaring trade because of this absolute legend!🖤
Sometimes these simple tips are the last thing you think of. That is one I will always use. Great tip thanks again.
Glad it was helpful!
please , please , please continue to make video's. Very much appreciated. The picture hanging tip is a life saver. :)
Brilliant tip for lining up different sized pictures. I’ve been putting off doing mine for weeks!
Nice job. Love your channel. Decades ago I was a professional art handler/installer for galleries and high profile clients in Los Angeles. Hanging multiple works salon style, or in a perfect grid, can be very challenging. I've found mapping out your hardware and frames with masking tape before making any holes in the wall is a big help. I've also found that, if using plastic wall anchors rather than floreats, first installing the screw only, to test fit, can be helpful. If the screw is in the correct spot, I then remove it and use an awl to punch the hole for the anchor/sleeve. This eliminates having a larger hole in the wall for the anchor, in case you need to reposition. If you need to reposition, you can typically spackle the small screw hole and move your screw as needed. Using an awl also cuts down on dust and allows you to feel any obstructions within the wall cavity, as opposed to drilling. I also used to carry envelopes or sheets of paper to fold and tape up as dust collectors when drilling, like you've shown. In high traffic areas such as stairwells, tight hallways, drafty areas, earthquake zones, etc... using security hardware or just two anchor points eliminates the client having to constantly adjust/level. On frames with wire I use a small bubble level under the wire and mark the back of the frame in pencil. You can then measure from the top or bottom of the frame to your line, and use the bubble level to mark your hardware positions on the wall, if that makes sense.
Great stuff Mr Matthews....used your levelling tip to get two large posters level at the bottom as that suited the viewing...excellent....thank you
Nice to see a video released today ( April 1st ) that's not someone trying too hard to be funny.
As usual. Concise and clear information.
Thank you.
Thank you Jason
Hi Stuart. Wish I'd seen this six months ago. I hung 9 prints around the landing and down the side of the stairs by making a masking tape template. Really happy with results but your method is much quicker. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you
Another great video, thank you. Another tip if you want to stop pictures leaning to one side a small dot of blue tack in bottom of each corner behind pic does the trick once lined up with level just press onto wall.
Great tip!
Always use Fisher Duopower plugs in plasterboard. Excellent plugs and work fine if there is a dab behind the hole. Only needs a 6 or 8 mm hole (they have 2 different size plugs) and no need for those wings at the back. If really heavy my go to fixing is either the metal expanding rawl plug fixing which you use a tool to set or the excellent CoreFix fixings,
Was going to comment with exactly this.
These Fischer fixings are the best. I'd never use the red ones since discovering them. Finally on my second bulk packet in 10 years! I've cut the wings off when there is no cavity and are holding a 360mm curtain pole up with just 6 fixings
Perfectly timed, the Missus has a picture hanging job that she had allocating to me this weekend so thanks.
Glad I could help
I love the idea that you used for getting the tops of the pictures level. I’ve tried all manner of things but never that. I will do now though. Thank you
Great tip for levelling the top of different frames. Need to remember that.
Really liking the jig that helps ensure level on pictures hanging on wires ... a bit of a 'why didn't I think of that' moment !! Re the comment at 12:20 about the packaging, I understand your comment about preferring to see the contents, but it has probably been done so as to avoid multi material packaging which can be a real problem for recycling.
A clever and simple tip , definitely one to remember.
I use Fischer duopower for everything, they don't budge once they're in.
For large pictures I also add two small tack pins in the top left and right of the frame, it stops the pictures pivoting on the screw in the middle. Feels more solid
Great stuff the tip on getting the pictures at the same height is brilliant really helped me many thanks
What a fantastic yet simple method of getting 2 pictures to line up. I wish I knew that trick years ago.
I've used quite a few of the 3M Command products and think that they're really good. Your idea for level picture frames is brilliant and a simple process when you think about it. But, of course, you have to think about it first and you did so thanks for that. One to remember for future use. Cheers.
Great tip with the envelope to catch the drill dust. I'm guilty of rushing picture hanging, too impatient to stand back and look. I'll slow down and do it 'Proper' in future.
Great tip for leveling the pictures with strings hangers Stuart
To confirm the Fischer "wings" are fully engaged, you could screw the the screw all the way in so the wings would spread fully and then back the screw off so it's proud of the wall to hang a picture from.
Very nice tip for the frame / hook height solution Stuart. My solution was always don’t bother… and thus never have pictures close enough that it’s a problem!
Simple and neat trick that - the amount of times I’ve tried to redo the string on the back!
Great video thanks Stuart. Great tip about to get the length you need to hang the picture, used it last night.
Very handy... pictures have always been the bane of my life.
Great tip in the garage for getting pictures level personally I tried using the tape measure in the past like you showed. I like your envelope dust catcher when drilling I never thought of doing that I normally use an A4 sheet in the same way. Great video keep up the good work.
Thank you Lee
love that envelope trick - genius!
Great video and love the tip on getting pictures level, never really thought about that but i will now.
Stay Safe,
Barry (the Wirral)
A DIY genius, well done!
Good job, well done. Most splendid work, Stuart!
Picture-hanging genius. Brilliant; wish I'd thought of that many years ago!
Thanks
Good tip for hanging multiple pictures and getting them level 👍
Cleary presented, well narrated, easy to follow, useful practical tips. @11:44 "So what does it look like? I think it's pretty good." Mmmm... what you think is only for your own self satisfaction. For true harmony in the universe it's what "The Boss" (who apparently commissioned the works) thought! The multiple frame horizontal alignment did it for me. Hope it worked for The Boss too! Thanks for posting.Stay on the level.
To be honest for hanging lightweight pictures on a stud wall, I find a single 40/50mm panel pin put in at an angle is adequate. Its also so much easier to rearrange the pictures 6 months later when the wife wants to alter things. To help keep them level just put a small self adhesive disk of cork to the bottom corners of the picture.
I agree - much faster less damaging to knock in a panel pin, especially if you have a lot of pictures to put up. If you change your mind, the tiniest bit of lightweight filler makes the hole invisible. Good tip regarding the cork - I have a load of adhesive silicone dots, I will try those.
If you use two fixings per picture, separated by as great a distance as the picture will allow, it might double the (slight) cost but it would ensure the picture remained level.
Another very informative video, thanks Stuart…take care
I love the envelope and sticky tape trick - I learned it from Norm about 30 years ago.
Brilliant Stuart, great tips 👍👍
Good tip to get the tops lined up.
Good advice stu as usual.
What a simple trick to get your pics on the same line. I've struggled a number of times with this in the past. Thanks for the tip.
Great simple tip for levelling the pictures! Ever considered using Fischer duopower plugs? Handy when fixing light/medium objects to dot and dab walls. Don’t need to worry if you hit a void or not!
duopower are beyond excellent - light concrete, double layered plasterboard (or plasterboard+osb), brickwork, dot&dab. Can be used in concrete too but then anchor bolts are foolproof as well. Overall fischer product are great.
Another great technique
For a job like that, I use Fischer duo power. Great idea for getting the frames level.
Clever stuff Stuart 👍
just what i needed. thanks
Love that trick thanks
Are you psychic or spying on me? This is the third video you've posted the day before I was planning to do the job. Thanks a million! Shall I save some time and just send you of my DIY list for the summer? LOL Keep up the good work :-)
Was so ready and waiting for the comedy moment at the end where a picture fell off the wall, being April Fools Day and all that 🤣
But the tip with the wood and levelling up several frames, what a brilliant one. Where was this video 10 years ago when I had the same problem. My solution was to adjust the string on the back until they were level, took forever to achieve. Big thumbs up Stuart
Next time!
Simple and effective tips 👍👍 so worth watching and subscribing to this channel 👏👏
There are lots of great tips here, but this resonated with me the most
"Making sure I keep the very specific dimensions and positions my wife has chosen earlier" 😅
Love the tip. Nice job.
Credit where credit is due that’s a very good yet simple solution 👍
Thanks
Hi Tom just a question can you do a video on consealed hinges kitchen units
"Do not use over a bed..." Definitely inspires confidence. Best to go to sleep wearing a crash helmet. 😂
Generally, to avoid these inconsistencies in distances when using hooks and strings, I use small steel cleats. They come in pairs; one goes on the back of the frame, the other is screwed into the wall. As long as you do your measuring and marking correctly beforehand, the distances from the ceiling, floor, between pictures, etc., will be perfect. Probably verging on overkill, but I know they won't be dropping or moving.
I find a Takker quite useful, leaves a small 2mm hole and can take quite a lot of weight.
Good video as always. Was hoping to see you putting up your TH-camr plaque!
Excellent video. Thank you so much. My favorite part begins at 8:15.
*Genuinely extremely useful DIY video uploaded on April 1st*
Me: My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined.
All jokes aside though, some of these Command Strip products are ridiculously useful. We live in a rental property but we've been able to make it our own using various hooks and canvas hangers. We've even got a whiteboard on the office wall using their sticky nails.
Nice one!
Great tip. Thanks very much. Wd you pls let us know which place each picture represents. Singapore plus...
Thanks. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, KL and Qatar
@@ProperDIY Thank you very much. Sounds like a very interesting life journey!
For lighter frames, drill a 1mm hole each side and insert a panel pin (with the head snipped off) blunt side in. For gyproc walls, you just level at the position you want and push into the wall.
Thanks!
Did you consider cutting into the wall and making a hinged inspection cover to be able to actually measure the depth of that void?
Once I hang the picture I take two small pieces of blue tack in a ball and place on the picture back bottom left and right. Hang the picture level then push the picture bottom slightly to compress blue tack
Great vid. Is the 3M still going strong?
Thanks for the great video. I was impressed with your stud finder / electric cable finder. What type do you recommend for general stud wall fixing applications? Maybe a video on one would be good 😀
Thank you so much. I have 4 pictures to hang in a straight line & it was proving to be impossible till I stumbled across your video. Off to try this now
Hi Stuart
Hope you are well mate
What a great tip on hanging pictures so simple 🙂I’ll definitely be using it
Also what I find to keep all your pictures leval is to put a small blob of cork in each lower corner set level don’t slam any doors until the cork gone off and the cork is easy to remove without marking. The walls 😊😊
Great tip!
Have you got a link for the electric wire checker
Brilliant idea to make sure that the top of the pictures are the same but maybe using masking tape on your piece of timber would enable the piece of timber to be used over and over again.
I’ve been using those plasterboard fixings for years. So much more expensive these days since Fischer package them. Wickes do them too. Other DIY stores are available. lOL
Doha? I was in Doha for 7 years
Ah yes, the old “hiding the electrical thing you don’t want to see with a picture” trick. My wife nearly blew me up that way, last time she hammered a nail into a wall, that’s for sure!
She got fed up waiting for me to do it “properly” with the electric tester. I told her where it was and to use it if she was going to take matters into her own hands. Did she? Did she f***!
The fact she hit the line to a light switch saved her some serious trouble. But saved it for me when I turned it on
Great video, and yes I always measured from the top of frame to the rope or fixing on the back of a picture….you mention to go over to you patronage site….what’s this and where is it
You need to download the Patreon app or go their website. I think there is a link for Stuart’s Patreon page on his TH-cam home page.
Corefix are good for hanging things on dot and dab
Stuart, yet again another genius tip 🙂. Also can you please identify the cable finder you were using? There are so many on the market, and I would rather go for a recommendation from a pro.
Brilliant!
Very good video. I like the self seal envelope for catching the dust when drilling! I normally use a bit of masking tape and something plastic out of the recycling bin!
Many heavier pictures and mirrors require two hooks in the wall, complicating the task of getting matched pictures perfectly even and level, given that the length of wire and distance between the hooks must be exactly the same for this system to work.
Great tip!
Glad it was helpful!
You are genius.
I like the tip for levelling multiple pictures,makes so much sense!🤞🏻
I’ve got a handful of frames to hang in a fashion like this although I was planning on using the museum-type side hooks for the largest as it’s pretty beefy? So it’s a timely video,thanks Stuart!
Museum fixings are definitely the way to go. They were recommended to me by a framer and I’d never use anything else again!
Question: I have heavy pictures with wires on the back. I hang them on studs, but whats a good way (good trick) to move the picture over an inch and keep it level? I want the picture in a certain spot, not right on the stud, but I want the stud for strength. It's difficult to use the correct words to search TH-cam for what I'm looking for
Have you had good experience with your Bosch Cable Finder Truvo please?
Great tips, troubles I have in my brick built house are 1) the ceiling line is not horizontal and 2) I never seem to be able to drill the hole for the rawlplug into the brick wall at the marked position the drill always wanders off point. 😮😂
A genius at work ...quite funny mentioning a frame over a bed
Thanks
Cheeky top tip ! .... As good as always
Glad you liked it!
Solved a longtime prob for me, haha thanks.
Smart man
Any tips on hanging frames diagonally? I've tried all sorts and can't get the frames to match up whilst also following the correct angle. I've searched for videos but all I've found is mismatched frames hung in a staircase gallery.
You can get unbranded own brand plasterboard plugs in clear bags, wickes etc. Was the level the free one from Screwfix with orders over £50?
Excellent content and subject as usual, question .... with those plasterboard fixings how on earth do you get them out if needed ? normal "rawl" plugs easy, screw back in and ease/lever them out but ones with wings on ???
I usually pull them forward slightly then cut off the front with some pincers then push the remainder into the void.
Simple genius
Given there is a socket and back box in the wall that would indicate the void behind the plasterboard should be large enough for the plugs. Unless you happen to hit a lump of dot or dab!
Block work /bricks are often chiselled out to make space for back boxes on dot and dab as the void is often not deep enough for your typical 25 or 35mm back box
@@AccountantDoesDIY thanks good to know
Have used long panel pins for years with no problems, rawl plugs is overkill
I've been doing the same method for many years.
MIA Doha. Nice
Well spotted
What would your advise be for people whose walls/ceilings are not straight. I used to live in a 1900 solid terrace house and the ceilings etc were all out of square. Many arguments with my wife whether the picture is straight or not, even if the spirit level said it was, she didn't beleive me 🤦
Always go with the spirit level. One often sees this affect with garden office builds where the gradual fall of the roof can give the optical illusion that pictures/TVs are not actually level.
Very cleaver
Thanks