The most secure way to hang a heavy mirror or painting on a wall is to drive a long screw directly into a wall stud. When a wall stud isn’t available where you want to hang a heavy picture, a toggle bolt provides the most holding power.

To install a toggle bolt:

  1. Put a nut, washer, and toggle nut on the bolt.
  2. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to make a hole in the drywall just large enough for the toggle nut to fit through.
  3. Insert the toggle nut through the wall so the spring-loaded wings spread out on the other side.
  4. Tighten up the bolt and nut, leaving a gap between the two for the picture or mirror hanger.
  5. Hang the mirror or painting on the toggle bolt and level.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Tiffany Asks: What’s the best way to hang a heavy mirror on the wall?

Danny Lipford: The best way to hang anything heavy on your wall is to use a 3-inch screw and screw it right into a wall stud. You’ll be lucky if you find a wall stud exactly where you want to hang that heavy picture, so you have to go to hollow wall anchors. Lot of different kinds out there that you can use.

What I like to use, always works well, is an old fashioned toggle bolt. And now here’s a nice little trick. Take the toggle bolt and then put a nut, thread it into the toggle bolt, then put a couple washers on it. Then screw the little wing on the end of the toggle bolt. Then use you screwdriver to create a hole in the drywall. And then when you place it in and tighten it up real nice, you have a great, very strong, wall anchor.


Further Information


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More