Can i hang a 19 pound mirror on drywall?

Question

I would like to hang a mirror on drywall in my apartment. it will be hung hortizontally using two nails. do i have to use special reinforcements or will it be okay to hang it using two strong nails. obviously, i do not want to damage the drywall in the apartment.

Answer 1

I would recommend a product called "Monkey Hook". You don't nee any tools or wall studs, and they will hold up to 50 pounds, depending on the thickness of your drywall. Damage to the drywall is less than a nail hole and a lot less than s***w/plug fasteners.

I found mine at Home Depot for like $1.39 (US)

Answer 2

check with your hardware store and ask them if "toggle bolts" will do the job---easy to install

Answer 3

There are kits you can purchase that will allow you to hang heavy objects.  Go to local hardware store and see what is available.

Answer 4

[edit - nice one mr thumbs down everyone but yourself: it's obvious who you are, I've balanced it out again]

Yes you can.

However:

It's probably best to not use nails as these will, under pressure, craze your drywall and IF they fall out can mean a lot of clearing up and some repairs and decorating...

Hammering the nails in, too, can cause a lot of problems, cracking the paintwork and crazing the drywall itself - it may even crumble...

(you can blunt the nails slightly by hammering the sharp side gently to reduce this risk...)

It is best, as you say, to use two fixings.

I suggest that you use two pinned picture hooks.

Though, if you want to, you can use two screws after having drilled the wall and inserted rawl plugs (or matches) to tighten them into place, ensuring that they do not budge an inch when you s***w them in!

You may even be able to use the screws without, but I do not recommend it for a drywall...

Even if you know where the downbeams (what everyone is calling studs) are, they may not be where you want to place your mirror...

If they are, use them - finding them is another matter though.

The thinness, but depth of the nails/pins means that they will penetrate the wall without cracking it, and because there are two in each fixing - and inch or so apart - it will provide better strength, having spread the weight evenly over four places in two areas.

The safest and easiest way...

Position each fixing about half the mirror's width apart, centrally.

[  *   *  ]

Like so.

I have hanged many heavily mounted paintings and mirrors in some very old, Victorian houses and in modern plastered, dry walled ones, and this is the best technique I can find.

I causes least damage and, if you get the position wrong, the least obvious marking to have to tidy up.

Don't worry about the seven years bad luck!

That's just an old tale from Edwardian/Victorian Era where it would take a servant an average of seven years wages (!) to pay their employer back for breaking a mirror in their house...

You can get these hanging kits very cheaply from any hardware / picture hanging / home crafts shop.

Speak with them to discuss which type, or brand, is best for you - they will know their stuff as they deal with it as often as I do.

For heavier objects, the wider the gap between the two pins, the better (some have three!) and Brass is the best metal to use. (I'm a purist, what can I say.)

Though their are many more modern materials that can withstand greater pressures...

These, however, cannot make your wall any stronger, therefore, how you position whatever you buy is equally important as what you buy to hang the mirror!

Good luck!

Answer 5

Whatever you use, use the studs in the wall to anchor it,  DO NOT JUST PUT A NAIL IN THE DRYWALL. The studs in the wall are very strong, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 6

Go to a hardware store or Home Depot or Lowes and buy sheet rock anchors.They are easy to install and will hold as much as 50 lbs if installed properly.Directions come with them and you will need a drill to make the installation easier but not required.

Answer 7

have you ever seen the screws with the hard plastic covering..thats what you use..make sure they are long. Also keep in mind 7 years bad luck..lol

Answer 8

It might pull out (and brake). I JUST hung a heavy mirror in my daughters room. I put the screws in the studs. If you can't find the studs or they are in the wrong place you can purchase heavy duty drywall hangers at a home improvement store. These can hold up to 75 pounds or even 150!. I highly recommend using studs or heavy duty hangers!

Answer 9

you sure can,  purchase a stud finder and make sure you nail it to the stud

Answer 10

use hercules hooks, they work real well. you can buy them at a home improvement store or something or other.