How to hang a picture on a brick wall without drilling
Content
If you have a brick wall and want to hang a picture, there are several ways you can try. This article will show you how to do it without drilling.
The solution is to use a wall hanger, a rail for hanging a photo frame, or steel or stone nails that can be driven into brick walls. If you prefer safer methods so as not to damage the wall, you can use a wall clip or adhesive hook instead. This article applies equally to paintings, mirrors, or other decorative items that you want to hang on a brick wall without the hassle of drilling and inserting screws into dowels and risking damage to the wall.
Make a quick choice
If you're in a hurry to find out which solution suits you best before reading more about it, choose it below.
- You have a brick in the right place, that's it.
→ Use brick wall clip. See Method 1.
- You have what you want to hang.
→ Use adhesive hook. See Method 2.
- You have a brick in the right place to drive a nail into without breaking it.
→ Use hanging brick waller. See Method 3.
- You have and you want.
→ Use picture frame- suspension rail. See Method 4.
- Do you have a file.
→ Use steel or stone nails. See Method 5.
Wall-Friendly Ways to Hang a Picture on a Brick Wall Without Drilling
These wall-safe methods are easy to apply and won't ruin or damage the brick.
Method 1: Using a Brick Wall Clamp
Clamps, clips, or brick wall fasteners can catch protruding bricks. They have one serrated edge and metal ridges on both ends.
When shopping for a wall clip, look for one that will match the height of your brick. Secondly, look for the right rating according to the weight it will support. They can hold up to 30lbs (~13.6kg), but if you need to hang a heavier item, you can always use multiple clips.
These clips are only good if the slightly protruding brick is in the right place where you want to place the image. It should have relatively even edges, and the mortar on it should not interfere with the clamp. If the position is fine, you may need to smooth its edges and remove some of the grout to create a depressed seam or ledge so that the clip can hold.
Method 2: Using an Adhesive Hook
Adhesive hook or picture hanger rests on double-sided tape.
Simpler and cheaper picture hanging tapes are also available that are slightly thicker than the tape itself. However, we wouldn't recommend them for anything other than light frameless photos.
The surface of the brick should be as smooth as possible. Otherwise, the glue will not last long. If necessary, sand or file the brick first to ensure the hook is secure. Painted bricks are usually easier to work with.
Peel off the thin sheet covering the tape on the back of the hook and stick it exactly where you want it. It should be adjacent to the brick. Remove the same from the other end when you're ready to put the back of the image in place.
Suppose the supplied adhesive label is not strong enough to hold the image, or it will not last long. In this case, you can either use stronger industrial double-sided tape and/or use multiple hooks, or one of the other safer wall mounting methods described below.
Wall hole methods to hang a painting on a brick wall without drilling
Some ways to hang a picture on a brick wall are invasive, such as drilling a hole, but they may still be more convenient for you. Moreover, they provide a much stronger grip than the previously described methods.
Method 3: Using a wall hanger
Brick wall hangers have clips with holes and nails to be driven into the wall.
Usually interior brick walls are soft enough to be driven into with nails because they tend to be less porous (they are usually heated to a higher temperature) than walls used outside. As long as this condition is met, this method is safe because the holes made by the nails in these wall hangers are usually invisible.
Method 4: Using a Photo Frame Hanging Rail
A photo frame rail is a type of molding that mounts along a wall horizontally (or vertically from floor to ceiling).
Its top edge protrudes outward, providing a gap for holding special hook clips. The wire on the back of the painting is then attached to these hooks. You may have seen them in museums. (1)
The picture rail makes it easy to change pictures or their position by simply moving them around. It is traditionally wooden. Metal picture rails are also available for a more modern look.
A picture rail is usually installed about 1 to 2 feet below the ceiling, but if you have a low ceiling, it can also be installed flush with the ceiling or under molding. If you have a high ceiling, you can set the picture rail level with the top trim of your doors and windows instead.
To install a picture rail, attach it to the wall with nails (see next method 5). Use balance to make sure it's even. Once this is done, you won't need to make any more holes to hang more pictures, and you can hang as many pictures as you like along the length of the rail.
Method 5: Using Steel or Stone Nails
If you don't have a brick wall clip, hook, or hanger, you can simply use a steel or stone nail to attach either a single picture or install a long picture rod. See our article "Can You Hammer a Nail into Concrete?" in the X edition of Tools Week.
Steel nails, also known as concrete and stone nails (grooved or cut), are specially designed for brick and concrete walls. They can provide a secure grip on the heaviest paintings if installed correctly. (2)
First, mark the spot with a pencil, position the nail straight and hit first lightly and then harder, preferably with a hammer.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to screw into concrete without a puncher
- How to drill a hole in wood without a drill
- What is the size of the dowel drill
Recommendations
(1) museums - https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-oldest-museums-around-the-world/RgURWUHwa_fKSA?hl=en
(2) paintings - https://www.timeout.com/newyork/art/top-famous-paintings-in-art-history-ranked
