Hang a picture from a picture rail

Hang a picture from a picture rail using a rail hook and cord, with no drilling into the wall needed.

PR-01Check the picture rail's conditionPicture rails are usually fixed into masonry or timber studs behind the plaster, so a sound one can take real weight, but old paint and age can hide a weak fixing. Press firmly along the rail near where you plan to hang the picture. Look for cracks, gaps or flex, and make sure it's a real picture rail with a proper lip, not just decorative moulding. If it moves or sounds hollow and loose along its length, do not hang anything heavy there.

PR-02Gather what you needYou need a brass or steel picture rail hook that hangs over the rail's lip, picture cord or wire, and two D-ring or eyelet fittings for the back of the frame if it doesn't already have them. Choose a hook rated for at least your picture's weight; most standard rail hooks take up to 15kg. Keep a tape measure, pencil, small screwdriver, pliers and scissors to hand.

1 each · Brass picture rail hook

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1 metre · Picture cord or wire

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1 pack · D-ring picture hangers (pair)

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PR-03Fit hanging fittings to the frameIf the frame doesn't already have D-rings or eyelets, screw one into each side of the frame, about a third of the way down from the top. Use a bradawl to start the hole first if the wood is hard, so the screw doesn't split it. Fit both rings at the same height so the picture hangs level once it's up.

1 each · Bradawl

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PR-04Measure and mark the hanging pointDecide how high you want the picture to sit, then measure down from the picture rail to the top of the frame to work out where the cord needs to hang. Mark the spot on the rail lightly in pencil, directly above the centre of the frame's width.

1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Pencil

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PR-05Cut and tie the cordCut a length of picture cord long enough to run from one D-ring, up and over the hook, and down to the other D-ring, plus about 150mm spare for tying. Thread the cord through each D-ring and tie a secure double knot, then trim off any excess. Pull hard on both knots to check they hold before you hang the picture.

1 each · Scissors or pliers with cutter

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PR-06Hang the hook on the railSlide the picture hook onto the rail at your marked point, hooking it over the lip so that the picture's weight pulls down and into the rail rather than off the front of it. Give the hook a firm downward tug once it's on to make sure it's seated properly.

PR-07Hang and level the pictureLoop the cord over the hook and let the picture settle into place. Step back and check it's level and at the height you intended, then adjust by sliding the cord along the hook or retying it if it's sitting off-centre.

PR-08Final check and tidy upGive the frame a gentle side-to-side push to make sure it's stable and the hook hasn't slipped along the rail. Put your tools away and clear away any cord offcuts or packaging.

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