Collecting Basics: Methods & materials Ready to hang "D" Rings Once you have decided where to put a framed piece, the next task is to prepare a frame for hanging. The simplest method is to attach D rings (available at your local hardware store) to the back of the frame on both sides, about one-third of the way down from the top, and then tie braided picture-hanging wire between the D rings. Make sure you attach the wire so that when you pull it taut in the center with your finger, your finger touches the back two inches from the top of the frame. X marks the spot Frame Hooks Once you've decided where to hang the piece, the next step is to mark the spot on the wall where you will set a hook. For small pieces (one foot by one foot or smaller), mark the top center of the frame on the wall. Measure two inches down from this mark. The walls of most modern homes are built with wooden studs spaced 16 inches apart, then covered with half-inch thick sheetrock. If you are very lucky, your mark will fall on a stud — in which case you can nail a picture-framing hook to your spot and hang the piece. If your mark is not over a stud, you can still nail a brass picture hanging hook into the sheetrock. Hooked on art Framing Supplies Any hardware store should sell brass hooks for picture hanging. They come in single, double, and triple pin configurations. Singles will work for 10 pounds of pressure, but we do not recommend using them. Doubles are rated for 50 pounds, and triples are rated for 75 pounds — these can help you hang art effectively even in sheetrock or plaster. Brands we recommend are OOK by Impex Systems Group, Elite and D-Rings by Anchor Wire Corp., and general framing products by Ziabicki Imports. Hanging larger pieces Heavy Duty Framing Hook For works larger than one foot in any direction, we recommend setting two (or more, depending on size) picture framing hooks into the wall. Even if the brass hooks aren't centered on the frame or passing truck vibrations affect the work's alignment, this method allows you adjust the picture to a level position. For very heavy artworks that need to be hung on sheetrock or plaster, we recommend setting plastic anchors and screws. The picture below shows the hardware necessary for heavy installations. Next: Conservation — How do I preserve original artwork?