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Craft a Stunning Photo Wall With the Best Picture Hanging Kits

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 30 Mar 2023

We can all agree that picture walls are the epitome of aesthetics, right? They offer the perfect way to add a little personality and charisma to a bland wall. But creating one is easier said than done. Unless you’re okay with ending up with a mess of crooked frames and wasted time, you need the right equipment to get started. It’s here that a picture hanging kit comes in to save the day. 

A picture hanging kit contains everything you need to start building a gallery wall, including frame hangers, wires, hooks, and nails. With a picture hanging kit in your arsenal, all you need to do is measure out your space, choose your favorite photos, and start hanging. Not sure which one is right for you? No problem! We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to buying the top-rated picture hanging kits of 2023. 

Best Overall
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Pickily Picture Hanging Kit
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Easiest to Use
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Stepcool Picture Hanging Kit
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Adhesive Pick
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Go Hang It! Pro Picture Hanging Kit
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Easy to Install
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Dekava Picture Hanging Kit
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Budget Pick
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Mr. Pen Picture Hanging Kit
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Buying Guide: Picture Hanging Kits

Things To Consider Before Buying a Picture Hanging Kit

Build material

When you’re looking for a picture hanging kit, one of the things you should consider is the build material. There are three main types of build materials when it comes to picture hanging kits — alloy steel, stainless steel, and brass. Each has its benefits that you should consider before making a decision. 

Alloy steel is the most durable option as it offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, so it’s ideal if you’re hanging heavier pictures or want a kit that will last for years. Stainless steel is a good choice if you’re looking for something easy to clean and maintain. Brass is the most elegant option and can add a touch of class to your home decor. 

Weight capacity

Picture-hanging is a delicate process and, if you’re not careful, your pictures can come crashing down, bending, and ruining your photographs and wall. That’s why you must consider the kit’s weight capacity when looking for a picture-hanging kit. The higher this capacity is, the more weight the equipment can handle without bending. Look for a kit with a capacity of 10 to 100 pounds so you can be sure your pictures are safe and sound. 

Additional Buying Tips

Compatibility

You’ll want to ensure the kit you choose works on all types of walls, including wooden walls, drywall, and plasterboards. This will let you hang pictures in various locations. You can check the surfaces a hanging kit is compatible with by going through some customer reviews on the product page.

Positioning system

Picture-hanging can be a headache. You don’t want to make extra holes in your wall, but you also want your pictures to be level. You’ll often use tape or put the frame back a hundred times before you’re happy with it. But there’s a better way! Consider getting a kit that comes with a positioning system. 

A positioning system will help you put the nail in the perfect spot the first time so you don’t have to keep redoing it. These work by measuring the distance between the top of the frame and the hook on the back, then transferring that measurement to the wall. That way, you’ll know exactly where to put the nail, and your frame will hang level every time. 

Tips Before Using Your Picture Hanging Kit

Measure the area

Make sure to measure the area where you want to hang your pictures before purchasing a kit. Otherwise, you might end up with hangers that are too small or too large for your frames.

Read the instructions

Some kits can be tricky, so read the instructions carefully before purchasing. If you’re not confident in your ability to follow directions, it might be best to steer clear of these products altogether. We recommend opting for a kit with clear, step-by-step instructions (and maybe even a few video tutorials) so you can get started immediately without any headaches. 

Comparing Our Favorite Picture Hanging Kits of 2023

1

Pickily Picture Hanging Kit

– Best Overall
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The Pickily Picture Hanging Kit is the perfect way to hang up to 100 pictures easily and securely. The selection of nails, screws, and picture hangers, along with the extra durable steel wire and mini-gradient level make it suitable for accommodating weights from 10 to 120 pounds. Meanwhile, the organized box with labels tells you which hardware works best for the weight you are trying to mount, and the multipurpose tools come in a handy transparent storage box.

This pick contains 225 pieces made from premium materials, including brass-plated stainless steel. The kit also works on various surfaces, including drywall, plasterboard, and wooden walls. Plus, it’s moisture and humidity-resistant, making it perfect for hanging framed pictures and canvas art in any room. This picture hanging kit is easily the top product on our list because of its sturdy, durable components and overall utility.

Pros
  • Equipped with three rolls of steel wire
  • Supports weights from 10 to 120 pounds
  • Works on wooden walls, drywall, and plasterboard
Cons
  • Weight limits aren’t accurate at times
2

Stepcool Picture Hanging Kit

– Easiest to Use
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This professional-grade picture hanging kit by Stepcool is made with alloy steel and has a stainless steel finish, ensuring that your pictures will always look great. It also features a mini gradient that helps level frames and photos on the wall and hooks that support weights of 50 to 120 pounds, so you can hang heavier items with ease. 

Even more, this pick is designed for superior quality and stability, meaning your pictures will stay in place for a long time. And if you ever need to move them, the clear labels in each grid make it easy to find the right size wire. With its higher strength and security, this is the perfect choice for hanging everything from small photos to large artwork. 

Pros
  • Equipped with three steel wires
  • Comes with a mini gradient
  • Offers higher security and strength
Cons
  • Wires may snap under higher weights
3

Go Hang It! Pro Picture Hanging Kit

– Adhesive Pick
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Looking for a simple yet eye-catching way to hang your photos? Look no further than the Go Hang It! Pro Picture Hanging Kit. This innovative kit has a positioning system that accurately marks your nail holes, plus two magnetic keys that make it easy to position your photos perfectly. With its simple design, anyone can get professional-looking results without any hassle. 

Plus, the built-in hooks on the hangers make it easy to get your pictures level; just snap off the handy level and place it atop your frame. Most importantly, this all-in-one kit has everything you need to get your pictures up on the wall in a snap — no measuring or level required. With this complete picture-hanging solution, you’ll be able to easily transform your bare walls into a beautiful gallery in no time. 

Pros
  • Accurately hangs your frames with zero measuring
  • Unique positioning system
  • Equipped with two magnetic keys
  • Strong adhesive ensures your pictures stay put
Cons
  • A little complex for beginners
4

Dekava Picture Hanging Kit

– Easy to Install
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The Dekava Picture Hanging Kit is the perfect accessory for anyone looking to hang pictures, clocks, frames, plaques, or mirrors. With its hardened steel core and notched hooks, this kit is durable and accurate, making it perfect for drywall. The built-in nails make it easy to mark the exact position without making any mistakes. Also, the instructions are printed on the back of the kit, so you can always reference them if needed.

This comprehensive picture hanging kit, which has more than 200 pieces, includes a ruler to help you identify the precise location and level it. Now you can avoid leaving holes and scratches on your walls while enjoying the accuracy of a perfectly hung frame. Meanwhile, the built-in nails make for effortless installation!

Pros
  • Comes with a frame hanging ruler
  • Has a hardened steel core
  • Equipped with an alloy steel build
Cons
  • Could be higher quality
5

Mr. Pen Picture Hanging Kit

– Budget Pick
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Want to hang photos, paintings, and other decorative things around your house quickly and easily? Mr. Pen has the perfect solution! This picture hanging kit comes complete with 220 pieces of hardware, including wire, hooks, nails, and more; this set truly has everything you need to get the job done quickly and easily. 

The hardware is rated from 10 to 100 pounds, so you can be sure that your precious items will be securely hung on the wall. Additionally, the hard case ensures that everything stays neatly organized and in one place. Best of all, this kit will work for you whether you have drywall, plaster, or even brick. This means you can finally put up those cherished family photos without worrying about damage. 

Pros
  • Ideal for home projects
  • Rated from 10 to 100 pounds
  • Packaged in a sturdy box
Cons
  • A bit flimsy

People Also Asked

Q: Why should I get a picture hanging kit?

A: A picture hanging kit is a great way to display your photos and artwork. It has everything you need to hang your pictures, including picture hangers, nails, and wire. They also often include a level to ensure your images are hung straight. 

Q: What are the different types of picture hanging kits?

A: There are many different types of picture hanging kits available on the market. Some kits come with various hangers, hooks, and more, while others include only a few basic items. When choosing, it is important to consider the size and weight of the pictures that will be hung, as well as the type of wall surface on which they will be hung. With a little research, it is easy to find a picture hanging kit that is perfect for any project.

Q: What does a picture hanging kit contain?

A: A picture hanging kit typically contains steel wires, mini gradients, nails, and screws. This hardware is used to secure pictures to walls using various methods, depending on the weight and size of the picture. 

Home Accessories
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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