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DIY specialist David Julien & wikiHow staff explain how to easily hang photos and paintings with D-rings and wire
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Hanging your artwork with wire is one of the best ways to keep it secure and straight on your wall. If you’re not sure how to wire your artwork’s frame, the great news is that it’s super easy to do. In this article, we’ll show you what hanging hardware to use, how to install the hardware and wire, and how to hang up your artwork. Read on to learn how!

This article is based on an interview with our DIY specialist, David Julien, principal owner at Nice DIY. Check out the full interview here.

1

Get D-rings and wire that support the weight of your artwork.

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2

Mark the D-ring points ⅓ of the way down from the frame’s top.

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  1. Use your tape measure to find the length of the frame and divide the length by 3. Then, use your answer to measure down from the top of the frame and make a mark on the right and left sides of the frame.[2]
    • For example, if your frame is 21 inches (53.3 cm) long, make a mark for your D-rings 7 inches (17.8 cm) down from the top of the frame.
    • Protect your artwork while you’re working by laying it face down on a sheet, towel, or other soft material.
3

Screw in the D-rings over the spots you marked.

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  1. Place your D-rings flat side down on the marks you made with the rings facing inwards toward the center of the frame. Then, align the rings so they’re straight across from each other and ½ inch (1.3 cm) from the frame’s edges. Angle each ring upwards at a 45° angle and screw each piece into the frame with a screwdriver or drill.[3]
    • Make a pilot hole at the hardware points with a nail, awl, or drill before you screw the hardware in to make it easier.
    • Most hardware sets come with screws.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I know where to put a nail for hanging artwork?
    David Julien
    David Julien
    DIY Specialist
    David Julien is a DIY Specialist and the Principal Owner at Nice DIY based in Quebec, Canada. David specializes in creating plans to make unique, affordable, and modern home furnishings. He holds a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Quebec Outaouais. Nice DIY uses sustainable and high-quality materials to create products that are simple to make for everyone.
    David Julien
    DIY Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Hold the artwork by the wire and measure with a tape measure from the top of the frame to the tensioned wire. Place the artwork in the desired location and mark the wall at the top center of the frame. Mark where to place your nail by starting from the mark you made, then measuring down the length of the last measurement you took.
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Things You’ll Need

  • D-rings
  • Picture hanging wire
  • Measuring tape
  • Sheet or towel
  • Awl or nail, optional
  • Screwdriver or drill
  • Wire cutters
  • Pencil
  • Picture hook
  • Hammer
  • Level, optional
  1. David Julien. DIY Specialist. Expert Interview
  2. https://youtu.be/oczGKwczQqA?t=137
  3. David Julien. DIY Specialist. Expert Interview
  4. https://youtu.be/KFBPzc94KzY?t=146

About This Article

David Julien
Written by:
DIY Specialist
This article was written by David Julien and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. David Julien is a DIY Specialist and the Principal Owner at Nice DIY based in Quebec, Canada. David specializes in creating plans to make unique, affordable, and modern home furnishings. He holds a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Quebec Outaouais. Nice DIY uses sustainable and high-quality materials to create products that are simple to make for everyone. This article has been viewed 140,917 times.
6 votes - 83%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: September 7, 2025
Views: 140,917
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 140,917 times.

Reader Success Stories

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    Vic Rivera

    Nov 21, 2021

    "Simple pictorial was very useful; quick review of basic process without having to sift through numerous videos. ..." more
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