How to Install
How to Install Your Frames with Sawtooth Hangers
For detailed step-by-step instructions on how to hang your picture frames with sawtooth hangers, watch the full video tutorial here:
Smaller and medium-sized frames don't need heavy-duty hardware to hang beautifully. At Frame Amo, many of our frames come with a pre-installed sawtooth hanger centered on the backing board, so your frame is ready to hang right out of the box with a single nail or picture hook.
Our sawtooth hangers are swivel sawtooth hangers. They work exactly like a standard sawtooth hanger, but the swivel design makes it even easier to catch the nail behind the frame. This guide covers everything you need to hang your frame quickly, securely, and perfectly level.
Why Sawtooth Hangers?
Fast and simple: One nail or hook is all it takes. No measuring between two hanging points is required.
Built-in leveling: The teeth along the hanger let you shift the frame slightly left or right on the nail, so getting it perfectly level takes seconds.
Easier to catch: Our swivel design pivots into position and guides the nail into the teeth, so you spend less time blindly feeling for the hanger behind the frame.
Tools You’ll Need
Tape measure
Level
Pencil or painter’s tape
Hammer
1 picture hanging nail or picture hook (rated for the frame’s weight)
Wall anchor (only needed for heavier frames on drywall)
Step 1: Position the Sawtooth Hanger
Flip the frame over and locate the sawtooth hanger on the backing board. If your frame has a swivel sawtooth hanger, rotate it so it sits horizontally with the teeth pointing down. It should click into its hanging position and stay put.
Step 2: Mark the Wall
Hold the frame at the desired height on the wall.
Mark the top edge of the frame lightly with a pencil.
Measure the distance from the top of the frame down to the sawtooth hanger.
Measure that same distance down from your pencil mark and make a second mark. This is where your nail goes.
Pro tip: Many designers and galleries recommend centering artwork at 57–60 inches from the floor to the midpoint of the piece¹.
Step 3: Install the Nail or Hook
Drywall: Drive the nail in at a slight downward angle (about 45 degrees) for a stronger hold, or use a picture hook rated above the frame’s weight².
Wood studs: A nail or screw directly into the stud provides maximum support.
Masonry/brick: Use a masonry anchor and screw for a secure hold.
Leave the head of the nail or hook slightly exposed so the sawtooth teeth can catch it.
Step 4: Hang the Frame
Lift the frame and lower it slowly against the wall, letting the swivel hanger guide the nail into the teeth.
You’ll feel the nail settle into one of the notches.
Place a level on top of the frame. If it’s slightly off, lift the frame just enough to shift the nail 1 notch left or right.
Step back and check alignment. Adjust until perfect.
Safety Tips
Always use a nail or hook rated for more than the frame’s weight³.
Sawtooth hangers are ideal for small and medium frames. Because the hanger mounts to the backing board, it is not designed to carry the load of oversized, heavy frames.
For larger solid wood frames, use the pre-installed D-rings instead. See our full guide on how to safely hang solid wood frames with D-rings.
Never hang frames above a bed or seating area with hardware you aren’t confident in. When in doubt, size up your hook rating⁴.
References
Apartment Therapy – How High to Hang Art
Home Depot – Types of Picture Hangers
Lowe’s – How to Hang Pictures
This Old House – How to Hang a Heavy Picture
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