For hanging pictures on drywall with no stud, you can use drywall anchors (also called screw-in anchors.) Drywall anchors are ideal when you don't have access to a wooden stud and you need to screw directly into your drywall. The anchor will give your screw extra stability and will prevent it from coming loose.
The short answer is – it depends. Picture hooks do not necessarily require a stud in order to be functional and useful. The best rule of thumb to apply is that heavy items (think: mirror, heavy frame etc.) will require a hook that is anchored to a stud.
Lighter or smaller items, such as: picture frames, canvases, shadow boxes, clocks, decorative plates, can safely be hung with a nail or brass picture hanger without a stud. Make sure to choose a nail sized according to the weight of your piece.
Without securely fastening heavy objects into studs, the weak hold of a screw in drywall can fail, even if you've used a drywall anchor. This will not only damage your drywall (and the object that falls as a result), but the falling object also becomes a safety risk to anyone around it.
Yes, drywall can hold a picture frame if you use the appropriate hanging hardware. Light to medium-weight frames can be supported with drywall anchors or picture hooks, while heavier frames should be mounted on studs or with heavy-duty anchors.
While drywall alone can hold about 1.6 pounds to 2 pounds per square foot, mounting an object to the stud with the proper hardware allows the drywall to support up to 100 pounds.
Exactly how much weight drywall can hold depends on where and how the weight is mounted. A thin nail in hollow drywall will leave even a light picture frame on the floor, but use the right hardware and technique, and your vertical drywall might be able to hold as much as 100 pounds.
Use tape or dental floss with a magnet attached and drag it across the wall to find the stud. This method works because the metal screws used to secure the drywall are typically secured to a stud. Wait until the magnet sticks to the wall and mark the location of the stud—it's that easy.
Drilling into a stud is a necessary skill for any DIY enthusiast or homeowner. Drilling into a stud guarantees a strong and durable attachment, whether you're hanging a large mirror, installing a bookcase, or mounting a television.
For pictures that weigh between 5 and 20 pounds, a good option is plastic drywall anchors and for pictures between 20 and 50 pounds, you can use a metal wall anchor or make sure to use a wall stud. For anything heavier, or a good all around solution for hanging multiple pictures, use a rail cable hanging kit.
Use a toggle bolt or anchor to hang the piece on areas with no studs, This Old House says. The weight of the piece, and the thickness of the wall, will dictate the toggle size.
Stud finders are essential tools for anyone who wants to hang heavy objects securely on their walls. These devices work by detecting changes in density behind the wall, helping you locate the wooden studs that provide extra support.
Locating a stud isn't necessary for small pictures. Small, plated nail hangers will support them.
Unfortunately, depending on your living space and the construction of your home, the wall that you choose for your TV may not have studs.
This app will help you to detect studs. It uses the magnetometer to measure the magnetic field when your iPhone is placed near any metal objects. You can quickly detect wood studs hidden under walls, drywall, plasterboard or stucco.
They are usually placed 16 inches apart on all walls. It can vary in older homes, but rarely would you find studs more than 24 inches apart. Windows and doors are also framed by studs for support. Above wide windows and doors, you might even find a wide header board.
Yes – however, you need to consider whether there is a stud, and the types of hooks used. Hanging pictures on drywall will be easier than other wall materials as it is a strong material and easy to work with, as long as you can find the studs behind it.
Step 2: Choose the right anchor
Plastic drywall anchors are suitable for hanging lightweight items such as pictures on drywall, while metal and toggle anchors are better for heavier items such as shelves.
Studs are vertical 2 by 4 inch beams that support the frame of your home. You can find them behind your drywall, usually spaced 16 or 24 inches apart. Since studs are made of thick and sturdy wood or metal, they can securely hold screws better than wall materials like drywall.