A built-in level gives the Hang-O-Matic an edge over other picture hanging tools
About.com Rating
For most, hanging pictures can be just as frustrating as trying to put up wallpaper. You can often eye-ball it to hang a single hanger picture, but when there are two points to work with, that often doesn't cut it.
The Hang-O-Matic® Picture Hanging Gadget® aims to make that simpler and hassle-free. Let's see how it works and whether it will entice me to hang all those other pictures I have waiting in the wings.
Product description:
- Hang-O-Matic® Picture Hanging Gadget®
- Built-in level
- Wall mark pointers
- Slide lock
- Ergonomic handle
- Made of high grade plastic (ABS and Propylene)
- Reusable
- Measures up to six feet
- Pocket size; collapses to only 9"
- Weighs only 3.4 ounces
- Measures, levels and dimples the wall
- Made in USA
- Watch video; learn more from the manufacturer
- MSRP: $19.99
- Buy Hang-O-Matic Direct
- Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
How this picture hanging gadget performed:
At first glance, the Hang-O-Matic wins for its design attributes. Quality plastics, a sturdy clear protective cover, an onboard tape measure - basically everything you need except the nails and hammer - all in one compact, easy-to-store design.
My hubby's initial comment: "You can easily throw that in your lady's tool box". In other words, hanging pictures should now be a do-it-myself project, in just three easy steps. One thing that most picture hanging tools do not have is a design that works for hanging pictures and mirrors with two anchor points.
So out of the gate, I was much more enthusiastic about starting this testing project.
I started out hanging a folksy two-point plaque and merged from that to larger pictures. While there were times when I needed an extra hand or two (I'm pretty clumsy at this thing anyway), the task was certainly easier with this tool. And I really like having a six foot tape to work with. Everything you need in one gadget does make the task easier compared to the other alternative - juggling a level, tape measure and pencil.
Having a gadget that dimples the wall at the exact place of each anchor point makes a big difference when it comes to avoiding unnecessary holes in the wall. The tape measure is of reasonable quality and retracts fine, given that it's not for general use, but will only be used for this purpose. You also should not expect the level to give you the accuracy of a carpenter's (level), but for this purpose, it's quite adequate.
The idea with this hanging tool is to align both points to the keyholes or hangers at the back of the picture, then slide the bubble level to the middle of that space. Of course, you need to decide beforehand the desired hanging height and wall position where you want the art work. And adjusting according to the proper level reading, is the key to hanging both points straight.
Overall, this is a nice little tool that's comfortable and lightweight to handle. While you don't really need a tool for hanging when there's only one anchor point, this gadget certainly does make it easier when there are two. This would be an essential item for home staggers or those who redecorate often. It's also a cute and practical gadget gift idea.
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