Several options exist for hanging your artwork, but the preferred method is picture hanging wire because it provides the greatest ease and flexibility with artwork of any size. Traditionally screweyes have been used for attaching hanging wire to the frame, but in recent years strap hangers with D‑rings have grown in popularity because they lie flat against the back of the dust cover and won't scratch the wall.
To position screweyes or strap hangers, measure about one-third down from the top of the frame and mark the location. Do this on both sides.
You don't have to be exact in your placement of the hanging hardware. If the two hangers are not exactly aligned with each other, the artwork may not hang straight. But then, of course, you will shift the wire on the nail until it does hang straight. So no harm done.
To attach a screweye to soft or medium wood frames, make a pilot hole in the back of the frame with a scratch awl (Figure CC‑1). Start turning the screweye by hand until it becomes too resistant (Figure CC‑2). Then use the barrel of the screwdriver or a screweye twirler to turn the screweye the rest of the way (Figure CC‑3). To attach a screweye to hardwood frames, pre-drill a hole with a power drill.
To attach a strap hanger to soft or medium wood frames, make a pilot hole in the back of the frame with a scratch awl. Turn the screw into the wood with a screwdriver (Figure CC-4). To attach a strap hanger into hardwood frames, pre-drill a hole with a power drill and attach the screw with a power screwdriver.