Picture hanging – the straight and level

  • Posted on: June 28, 2015
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Service time:

Picture hanging time varies depending on complexity.

Simple things can be complicated when it comes to execution. Consequently people sometimes figure that it shouldn’t cost much to hang a picture or two (or a half dozen), and must be one of the simplest services I offer. Yet the fact that they are asking me for picture hanging kind of negates that idea.  This is especially true when it comes to condominium units that often have concrete walls directly behind the drywall, and there is no allowance for installing a standard wall anchor.

I’ve had a few good laughs when a customer asks “Do you know how to hang a picture straight?”  Well, to that I can answer that I have several spirit levels, and a laser level, and I know how to use them.

Here’s an example where I praise my customer for acknowledging the complexity, time and problems encountered with a very specific configuration request.  To assist my work, I install a jack-pole in the room to hold on to a laser level. I had to laugh when she came out of the room carrying it and asking “What is this thing for?”

Notice the close up that shows a red laser line on top of the matte cut out (bottom picture). Click on the image for a larger version.

picture hanging 1

picture hanging 2

picture hanging 3

Picture hanging challenges I often encounter:

  • Concrete walls
  • different length chains or hanging wires that come with the picture/frame
  • mounting hardware on the frame placed at different heights
  • no mounting hardware, or incorrect hardware
  • wrong hardware for the picture weight
  • … and the new challenge I find with my next picture hanging job

These are the complications that come with mounting a picture or series to exacting standards within a 16th or 32nd of an inch.

Fixitgary.com offers quality Handyman Service & picture hanging in Markham, North York, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, Stouffville, Uxbridge, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby.