Things to Consider when Buying Hanging and Mounting Hardware

Swpeet 415Pcs Picture Hangers Kit with Screws

Have you ever visited any tools shop and stood gaping at the numerous shelves loaded with various types of hanging and mounting hardware? We understand how everything seems the right choice, but it actually could be wrong at the same time. This is when our hanging and mounting hardware buying guide comes into play.  

To prevent you from making a wrong choice, we will help you understand the wide range of hanging options available today, as well as other important considerations such as how to choose the best suitable type and where and how to install them. 

Things To Consider Before Buying Hanging And Mounting Hardware 

Weight Capacity of Hanging and Mounting Hardware

The first and most crucial aspect to bear in mind is the size and weight of the item to be hanged/mounted. Many people buy the most top-quality mounting solutions but still end up having their frames fallen to the ground. 

This happens because they used a hanger that can’t support the weight of a heavy frame. This doesn’t mean the hanger was of inferior quality, but it was just not enough for the weight and size of the frame you wanted it to handle.

Different mounting accessories or hangers have different burden-baring capacities. More substantial materials like metal or wood are robust enough to deal with heavy weights than a light-duty plastic-made hanger. The ability to hold weight also depends on how and where you install the hanger.

Wall Type 

The next thing to consider is the type of wall you are hanging or mounting an item on. Do you have a concrete wall, plaster wall, or drywall? Are you hanging an article on a hollow space or a wall stud? This is significant because knowing how brittle or solid the wall is is necessary before using a drill or the usual hammer. 

Besides weight capacity of mounters/hangers may also vary depending on what type of wall they are being used on. For instance, Bear Claw Screws that typically hold up to 40 kilograms with a wood stud handle up to 10 kilograms in drywall without any stud.

If you’re not familiar with the variance between the three usual types of wall, the table below will tour you through a quick overview of each one of them.

Features and Benefits

Most Suitable Hanging and Mounting Hardware

Dry Wall

  • Durable 

  • Easy installation 

  • Low maintenance

  • Inexpensive

  • Fire resistant

  • Used on interior walls to provide a smooth finish

  • Popular in DIY projects 

  • Drywall Plugs

  • Molly Bolts

  • Threaded Anchors

  • Expansion Anchors

  • Toggle Anchors

  • Toggle Bolts

Plaster Wall

  • More brittle than drywall

  • It gives builders creative freedom to design and gets that old-home aesthetic

  • Screws and masonry anchors

Concrete Wall 

  • Very dense and solid 

  • Used to pour new walls or cover existing walls to give them a new look

  • Drop-In Anchor

  • Concrete Screws

  • Lag Screw Anchor

  • Sleeve Anchor

  • Hammer Driver Pin

  • Sammy Screws

  • Toggle Bolt

  • Double Expansion Shield

  • Brick Clip

Hanging and Mounting Hardware Pricing 

Hangers/mounters vary in price as extensively as they vary in types. You can easily get a box of wall hooks within a couple of dollars or less and spend over ten bucks for a single coat hook that attaches to the wall. While cost doesn’t always mean high quality, your hanging and mounting products will likely live longer if you spend a little extra on them. 

Since installation is pretty straightforward, you won’t require extra sums of money for hiring someone. Hence we recommend investing that amount for buying quality instead. However, no matter how much you spend, the hardware’s weight capacity and application style would always make a difference. 

Types 

Last but not least, you need to keep a close eye on what type of hanger can best fit your requirements. With several different types of hanging hardware available, you aren’t likely to use the same type to hang up a pot that you might use for clothing. 

The best way to select the most suitable one is to check what’s on the back of the item you intend to hang/mount. Some items already come with an attached mounter to use. It could be a sawtooth, D-ring, or hanging string. 

If you know your hanging options, you’ll be able to find an appropriate hanger that would work well with it. Here are some of the standard hangers: 

What are They? 

D-Rings

  • Similar use as triangular picture hooks but different in shape. 

  • It can be hooked directly onto a nail or can be used in conjunction with hanging wire.

Sawtooths

  • Small strips of metal with a jagged edge on the bottom

Hanging Wires 

  • Steel wire that's usually sighted on hang frames

Conclusion 

Hanging and mounting hardware are versatile yet straightforward solutions that are given minimal regard despite being an absolute must-have for all households. With that said, you should consider a few things before heading straight to buying hangers. 

Our guide has touched every aspect that is pretty much enough to get you through shopping for essential hanging and mounting hardware. At least now, you can enjoy buying them with less confusion. We have also listed a few good options on the market right now so you dont end up with the wrong set of hangers that can ruin your room’s aesthetic.