Common Reasons Picture Hooks Fail (And How to Hang Things Properly)

Nothing's more annoying than hearing a crash and finding your picture on the floor with a chunk of plaster. Here's why it happens and how to prevent it.

Why Hooks Fail

1. Wrong Hook for the Weight

The problem: Tiny hook, heavy frame.

Standard picture hooks are rated for weight. A single-pin hook might hold 5kg. Your heavy mirror weighs 15kg.

The fix: Check the weight rating. If in doubt, go heavier. A hook rated for 10kg won't mind holding 5kg.

2. Wrong Fixing for the Wall

The problem: Hook for plaster, wall is hollow plasterboard.

The hook may be fine, but it's only as good as what it's attached to.

Wall types:

• Solid plaster on brick: Standard picture hooks work
• Plasterboard on studs: Need plasterboard fixings or hit a stud
• Solid stone: Need masonry fixings
• Crumbly old plaster: Need longer fixings into brick behind

3. Single Point for Large Items

The problem: One hook, large frame.

Big frames swing and pivot on single hooks. This works the fixing back and forth until it fails.

The fix: Two hooks, spaced apart. Distributes weight and prevents swing.

4. Into Soft or Damaged Material

The problem: Wall is crumbly, previously drilled, or just soft.

Old properties in Exeter often have soft lime plaster. Some walls have been drilled so many times they're like Swiss cheese.

Signs:

• Hook goes in too easily
• Plaster crumbles when you drill
• Previous holes visible nearby

5. Insufficient Depth

The problem: Hook isn't deep enough into solid material.

Especially with plasterboard, the hook might be in the wall but not gripping anything structural.

The fix: Longer fixings, proper plugs, or hit a stud.

---

Matching Hook to Wall

Wall Type	Light (under 3kg)	Medium (3-10kg)	Heavy (10kg+)
Solid plaster/brick	Single pin hook	Double pin or hardwall	Screw + plug
Plasterboard	Self-drive or stud	Plasterboard anchor	Toggle or stud
Stone	Hardwall hook	Screw + plug	Heavy masonry fixing
Hollow door	Avoid hanging	Small plasterboard hook	Don't

---

Types of Picture Hook

Standard Pin Hooks

Best for: Light to medium items on solid walls. How they work: Angled pin driven into plaster/brick. Weight: Single: 5kg. Double/triple: 10kg+.

Hardwall Hooks

Best for: Very hard walls (concrete, stone). How they work: Special hardened pins designed for masonry. Weight: Various sizes, typically 5-30kg.

Self-Adhesive Hooks

Best for: Lightweight items where drilling isn't possible. How they work: Strong adhesive backing (like Command strips). Weight: Usually under 3kg per hook. Caution: Can fail in damp or hot conditions. Can pull paint off when removed.

Plasterboard Fixings

Self-drive: Twist into plasterboard, no pre-drilling. Toggle/anchor: Spread behind the board for grip. Best for: Hollow walls where you can't hit a stud.

Screws with Plugs

Best for: Heavier items, any wall type. How they work: Drill hole, insert plug, screw expands plug. Weight: Depends on plug size - can hold very heavy items.

---

How to Hang Properly

Light Items (Under 3kg)

1. Choose appropriate hook
2. Hold item, mark position with pencil
3. Measure from wire/bracket to frame top
4. Mark hook position
5. Insert hook at 45° angle
6. Tap in firmly
7. Test before walking away

Medium Items (3-10kg)

1. Consider two hooks for stability
2. Find studs if plasterboard (stud finder or tap test)
3. Use appropriate wall plug if drilling
4. Check hook rating exceeds weight
5. Test by gently pulling down after hanging

Heavy Items (10kg+)

1. Use proper wall fixings, not just hooks
2. Find studs or use suitable plasterboard anchors
3. Two fixings minimum
4. Consider professional help
5. Never guess with very heavy items

---

Fixing Failed Holes

The Toothpick/Matchstick Method

For small holes that have pulled out:

1. Pack hole with wooden toothpicks or matchsticks
2. Add wood glue
3. Let dry
4. Cut flush
5. Re-drill pilot hole if needed
6. Insert new fixing

For Larger Damage

1. Fill with appropriate filler (Polyfilla for plaster)
2. Let dry completely
3. Re-drill into fresh filler
4. Use slightly larger fixing

For Repeated Failures

Move to a new spot. Some walls are just compromised from previous use.

---

Pro Tips

Finding the Right Height

For pictures: Centre at eye level (roughly 150cm from floor to centre of artwork).

For above furniture: 15-20cm above the furniture top.

For groups: Lay out on floor first, measure gaps, then mark walls.

The Paper Template Trick

1. Trace frame on paper
2. Mark fixing points on paper
3. Tape paper to wall
4. Adjust position easily
5. Mark through paper
6. Remove paper, install fixings

The Two-Hook Advantage

For anything over 40cm wide:

• Two hooks provide stability
• Less swing means less wall damage
• If one fails, the other catches it

Wire vs D-Rings

Wire: More flexible positioning, slightly harder to level. D-rings: More secure, need accurate hook placement.

---

When to Get Help

DIY is fine:

• Light to medium items
• Solid walls
• Single items

Consider help for:

• Very heavy mirrors
• Large TVs
• Multiple items requiring layout
• Unusual wall types
• Already tried and failed

---

Gallery wall planned, or something heavy to hang? I hang pictures, mirrors, and TVs across Exeter. Properly fixed, correctly positioned, no holes in the wrong places. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.