When To Use Eye Screws For Hanging Picture Frames

Selecting the correct picture frame hardware is vital to minimize the risk of the frame falling or causing drywall damage that you'll need to repair. The hardware you should use varies depending on the type of picture frame you plan to hang. Eye screws, which are a type of screw with a loop on one end and exterior threading on the opposite end, are a common choice. However, they are only compatible with specific picture frame designs. More specifically, you should use them to hang small cradled panel frames under 25 pounds. They are a great hardware choice for this frame style because they sit on the inside of the cradled frame once installed and do not poke outward. This protects your wall from scratches and allows your frame to lay flat.

Along with selecting the right hardware for your picture frame, you also need to pick the correct size. The weight of your frame determines the eye screw size it requires. Look at the weight limitations on the hardware's packaging when shopping to help you make the proper choice. 

Sawtooth hangers are also commonly used for other wooden photo frames under 25 pounds. For picture frame designs under 50 pounds, you could hang them with D-rings rather than eye screws. If you have a super large photo frame over 50 pounds that you need to hang, use French cleats instead, as they can handle up to 75 pounds. With this information in mind, you should be able to easily hang picture frames.

In order to determine if you should attach eye screws to your picture frame to hang it, figure out whether it is a cradled panel frame under 25 pounds. This is a frame with boards attached to the back border that leave open space in the middle. As for the weight of your frame, you can evaluate this by measuring it or taking a look at the dimensions on the product's packaging (if you still have it). Metal photo frames typically weigh about 0.2 pounds per foot. On the other hand, wood frames weigh about 0.25 to 0.4 pounds per foot.

Store-bought frames typically already have hanging hardware attached at the back. However, if you have a DIY frame you want to hang on your wall that's made of wood, you might need to drill your own holes to install your screw eyes yourself. When using this hardware to hang a photo frame, you should install them on either side of the frame and then string wire through the loops. You can then hang the frame on a nail in the wall by the string. To install screw eyes onto a softwood frame, start out by creating evenly-spaced pilot holes on either side of the frame using a scratch awl one third of the way down from the top. Next, drive the eye screws into the holes by hand followed by a screwdriver to get it all the way inside. If you have a hardwood frame, you'll need to create your pilot holes with an electric screwdriver, and then follow the same steps.