Generally screws provide more holding power than nails, so they're better for hanging large, heavy pictures. When hanging a picture between studs, use a hollow-wall anchor, such as a toggle bolt, molly bolt, or spiral anchor.
For most prints and most walls, standard nails or picture hanging hooks work just fine. Many experts recommend using anchors when putting any print on drywall with no stud, but honestly, I've hung tons of pictures with just nails, and I've never had an issue.
The middle of your picture should roughly be at eye level, which averages at 57-60 inches high. If you're hanging a single piece on a wall, then the middle of the wall (from side to side) is the best place to put it. But you may need to adjust the positioning if you're hanging the picture above furniture.
A hook with an integral screw is the best fastener to use when hanging something heavy that you want to be sure won't fall. The screw, when it is firmly fastened to a stud, won't come out, and the hook on the front end will ensure that the wire or cord that is supporting the artwork won't slip off the end.
A single 1 1/2-inch (4d) or 2-inch (6d) finishing nail will support most pictures, even when nailing between studs. The trick is to drive the nail into the wall at a steep angle, at least 45 degrees. That will provide much greater holding power than tapping the nail straight into the wall.
Simple Answer: NO – A screw directly into drywall will not hold. You need to use some type of picture hanging hardware to hang a heavy picture securely. The threads of a screw into only drywall, without an anchor, will NOT permanently hold in the drywall.
Take some painters/masking tape and unspool it to that distance and stick on the back of the frame. Mark it with a pencil for precise measuring. Pull off tape and put it on the wall where you are hanging your picture. Level it and then hammer in nails where the marks on the tape are and voila!
These sticky Velcro strips will cost a little more than nails, but they do their job and leave your walls completely smooth with no holes or residue left behind. The result is a beautiful, securely hung picture and a wall in pristine condition. What is this? So yes, Command Picture Hanging Strips are worth it.
Nails that are driven into studs are able to hold anywhere between 20 and 40 pounds depending on the angle of the nail and how far into the wall the nail is.
Hangers and Nails Can Hold the Weight on Drywall
Picture hangers hold pictures on the wall in various sizes. They can hold up to 20 pounds with the proper nail, such as a regular diploma frame.
If you hang all your photos using the 57 inches rule, then the centers of all of your frames should be at the same height, even if your collection includes pieces of different heights.
We suggest hanging your art so that the vertical center (the middle of the frame) is 57" (inches) above the floor, or at your eye-level if it's in a hallway or entryway where you're usually walking past it. That goes for single pieces (photos, paintings, posters) as well as arrangements like gallery walls.
Consider the wall surface
Just be sure to locate a wall stud, since hanging directly on drywall won't provide a secure anchor. If a solid stud isn't available, it's important to use a drywall anchor to hang pictures.
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.
Lighter or smaller items, including picture frames, canvases, shadow boxes, clocks, decorative plates can safely be hung with a nail without a stud. Make sure to choose a nail sized according to the weight of your piece.
Start by taking a pack of VELCRO® Brand HANGables® Picture Hanging Strips (Large). Designed for hanging heavy pictures and mirrors, these large picture hanging strips can hold up to 16lbs per pack. Attach one half of each set to your picture frame, and the other half to the wall and press down firmly.
If your picture frame has a hook on the back, you can also use adhesive hooks. Adhesive hooks have a weight rating of between one and eight pounds. You can use multiple hooks to hold artwork that weighs more than eight pounds. Like adhesive strips, these can be easily removed from smooth wall surfaces without damage.
Picture-Frame Hangers and Nails
Large versions installed with an angled nail can support up to 20 lbs. For heavier loads (25 pounds to 50 pounds), use a flat-mounted hook and an anchor. Best for: Picture frames (up to 20 pounds) on drywall and plaster.