How To... Fit Hanging Fixtures

If you want to display your pictures confidently and neatly, fitting reliable picture frame hangers is essential. Follow this simplified guide to make sure your frame hangs safely and looks great.

Slide Over Hangers

Slide over hangers are an excellent choice for picture frames with a thin profile. Unlike traditional D-rings�which require screws and can risk splitting delicate moulding�these hangers simply slide onto the MDF backing, making installation both quick and safe.

D Rings and Screws

Fitting D rings and screws to a picture frame is a straightforward process that allows you to hang your artwork securely on the wall. This method is suitable for most wooden frames and provides a stable and reliable option for hanging pictures or canvasses.

Aluminium Hangers

Clip in brackets are designed specifically for aluminium frames, these brackets clip or slide into the frame�s channel and the screw tightened to hold it firmly in place. They should be fitted around 1/3rd from top on each side with cord being secured between the two.

fitting hanging fixtures in metal frames

Slide Over Hangers

Slide over hangers are supplied with thinner profile frames as they are more convenient to use, and there's no requirement to insert screws into the frame moulding, which could potentially damage the more delicate thinner profile frame mouldings. They are typically supplied in either black or silver metal.

Fitting Slide Over Hangers�Step by Step

Lay your frame face down on a flat, clean surface. Protect with a towel to prevent any damage to the face of the frame.
With the MDF removed, take a slide over hanger and position it, so it grips the edge of the MDF backing board.
If your frame is landscape or portrait, you�ll need one hanger on each of the two vertical sides.
Slide the hangers onto the MDF board, placing them roughly one third of the way down from the top of the frame on both sides.
Tip: Marking the spot with a pencil before sliding the hanger can help with alignment.
Once both hangers are in place, refit the MDF backing board before cutting the length of picture cord that will stretch between the two hangers, leaving a little slack for hanging.
Loop the cord through both hangers and tie it securely. Make sure it�s taut but not overly tight, and double-check your knots for safety.
Trim any excess cord for a neat finish.

Note: The slide over hangers may move on the backing board. You have the option to press them together if you prefer. However, when the cord is pulled taut the hanger slightly rotates to prevent movement.

D Rings and Screws

D Rings and Screws are supplied with all wood frames of a sufficient width, around 18mm or wider. For larger size frames we may supply Double D Rings and four screws.

Fitting D Rings�Step by Step

Lay your frame face down on a flat, clean surface. Protect with a towel to prevent any damage to the face of the frame.
Using a tape measure or ruler, measure about one third of the way down from the top of the frame on both sides. For example, if your frame is 45 cm tall, one third would be 15 cm from the top.
Mark these points lightly with a pencil on both sides of the frame, ensuring you take into account the thickest section of the moulding and not too close to the edge.
Align each D ring over the pencil mark, with the flat part of the D ring lying flush against the frame. The D ring itself should point towards the centre of the frame.
Holding the D ring in place, insert a screw through the hole in the D ring and into the frame. Tighten the screw using your screwdriver until the D ring is secure. Repeat for the other side.
Tip: Take care not to overtighten, as this may strip the wood or damage the frame.
Loop the cord through both D Rings and tie it securely. Make sure it�s taut but not overly tight, and double-check your knots for safety.
Trim any excess cord for a neat finish.

HANDLE WITH CARE: D Rings/Screws may be sharp. When attaching the fixtures to multiple frames, avoid stacking the frames with the front of one frame touching the back of another, as the D Rings can leave marks on the frames if they touch each other.

Metal Frame Hanging Brackets

Fitting hanging brackets to a metal picture frame is a straightforward process that, when done correctly, ensures your artwork is displayed securely and attractively.

Fitting Metal Hangers�Step by Step

Lay your frame face down on a flat, clean surface. Protect with a towel to prevent any damage to the face of the frame.
Using your measuring tape or ruler, measure around one-third of the way down from the top of each side of the frame. Mark the positions lightly with a pencil where the brackets will be attached.
Prepare the bracket by loosening the screw on the metal bracket so that it can easily slide into the frame's side channel.
Slide the bracket onto the side of the metal frame, positioning it at the pencil marks.
Secure the bracket by tightening the screw firmly with a screwdriver to hold the bracket in place.
Repeat with the bracket on the other side.
Loop the cord through both brackets and tie it securely. Make sure it�s taut but not overly tight, and double-check your knots for safety.
Trim any excess cord for a neat finish.

NOTE: If the brackets do not snap into the frame channel, you can slacken off the corner brackets and insert the hangers directly into the channels.

Article Posted: 28/09/2025 14:18:26