The Framers Forum

Hello all,

I am creating a triptych for a client of mine. It consists of three identical frames, 28" x 13" print size on each panel plus about a 1" wide frame around each print. These will hang side by side on a wall with the long dimension horizontal. There will be an inch or so between each frame. My question is: how can I hang these three frames so that they are all perfectly level and all at exactly the same height above the floor. Any variation will be very obvious so I really want them to form one straight line across the wall. I would normally hang a single frame with a simple wire, but it would be difficult to mount a wire on each frame such that they all hang in a straight line.

Does anyone out there have a suggestion for hanging these three frames in a straight line?

Thanks for any help.

Kevin H.

There are many wall hooks and frame hangers that have slotted screw holes so that you position them as accurately as possible and make final adjustments before final tightening.

Something like this with two wall fixings per frame all perfectly level (there is some tolerance in each hanger however if needed).

http://www.lionpic.co.uk/cwh

Personally that wouldn't be my problem as I would Never hang a clients work as my insurance (and most public liability insurance) wouldn't cover me.

However if i was doing it for myself I would get the d rings positioned all the same and the string tensioned the same, then I would hang the picture off my tape measure and measure the distance from the hook of the measure to the edge of the frame. Once you know this and how high you want it from the ceiling then it's a simple bit of adding and measuring and they should be pretty bang on.

Hi

I have invested in a laser its brilliant, but if you are using cord there could still be tolerance issues.

What I have done for this problem is to balance the frame on my finger tip and measure from the top of the string to the top of the frame and this will show if there is any difference between the 3 frames. Take these measurements and alter the hanger on, above or below the laser line whatever is required in line with the measurement. This has worked for me.

I take my hat off to these seasoned framers who tie the string and achieve equal tension on each frame.

String or wire is not the way to go, you'd (or they'd) be constantly adjusting them due to pivoting, stretching etc.

Z bars are great then there's strap hangers and J bolts - all with the oval screw slots for precise adjustment.

Get something like a bit of 2x1 maybe around a foot long, put a nail though one end, leave enough nail exposed to support your framed piece. Hold the 2x1 with the frame hanging off the nail. Take everything over to the wall & when things are at the right level on the wall apply a little pressure on the nail, it'll leave a little mark. Bang your screw or whatever into the marked area. Job done. Does that make sense? I can draw something that might explain things better if needed.

I am with Roboframer on this one, you need a fixing that doesn't need cord or wire, zero stretch, I usually use strap hangers, for myself, but like Alistair I would not fit them, because of insurance and stuff.

We had to hang 8 canvases across a wall, use the lion hangers and worked really well.

To all replyers:

Thanks for the great info. First, I'm really an amateur at this business, so bear with me. Second, the "client" in this case is actually my wife's daughter. She's paying me for the framing, but I'm doing the hanging as a family favor.

Roboframer: can you reply with a link to Z bars and J bolts. I'll google them but any info you have would be appreciated.

featurepiece: I would appreciate a simple drawing. I think I understand what you are getting at, but I'm a bit confused.

standenfineart: I like the hangers you pointed me to. I'd have to order them from England so that is an extra complication. I think I'll order a 50-pack anyway for < $10 and see what happens.

Again, thanks to all for the useful replies.

Kevin H.

Z bars http://www.lionpic.co.uk/product/Lion-Z ... 095,0.aspx They take care of the frame and the wall.

J Hooks (not 'bolts' - sorry) http://www.lionpic.co.uk/product/Wall-H ... 425,0.aspx use with strap hangers on the frame http://www.lionpic.co.uk/product/Heavy- ... 217,0.aspx

Hmmmm, I knew my text wasn't much use

Take a look at these pages - it gives an idea of what I was trying the describe ....

http://inmyownstyle.com/2014/03/how-to- ... antly.html
http://celebrateeverydaywithme.com/the- ... nging-tip/

Hope that helps - I've used it at home & it works a treat actually. Quite simple actually

It's best to use two hanging points for all bar the smallest frames; apart from the advantages of spreading the load, things hanging from one hook/nail can't seem to keep still! Like I said earlier, it's best to avoid cord/wire altogether if you want to get and keep things level with each other.