- 1). Weigh the object you wish to hang.
- 2). Purchase a picture hanger, checking the packaging for the maximum weight the hanger can support.
- 3). Hang heavy objects like mirrors or shelves with wall fasteners that distribute weight more evenly than a nail or screw.
- 4). Use an expansion anchor or a lead shield with a No. 6 wood screw for a plaster wall with a thickness of 2 to 3 inches.
- 5). Use a spreading anchor for drywall or a plaster and lath wall; it should be the same size as the thickness of the wall, and long enough to pierce both the drywall and the object you want to hang.
- 6). Use a No. 6 wood screw if you're mounting an object of 10 pounds or less onto the wood stud behind drywall. The screw should penetrate at least 1 inch into the stud.
- 7). Use a No. 8 or larger wood screw if you're mounting an object of more than 10 pounds onto the wood stud behind drywall; the screw should penetrate at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches into the stud.
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