DIY Drilling Projects: Hanging Picture Frames on a Wall

Hanging picture frames with a drill is a quick and simple DIY drilling project that even beginners can do with minimal experience. If you’re wanting to add screws to hang frames or wall hangings, we’ve got all the tips you need to get started. 

For this project, you will need a cordless drill, anchors and screws, drill bits of the same size, a hammer, a spirit level, and a pencil. Don’t worry if you’re new to DIY. As long as you know the basics of drilling, this drilling project won’t be too challenging. Keep reading to find out how to hang picture frames with a drill.

How to Hang Picture Frames with a Drill

Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to hang picture frames on a wall.

1. Choose your anchors and drill bits

Anchor and screw sets are sold in packs, with various sizes available. Drywall anchors help to provide support, ensuring that the screw stays in place without falling out of the wall. Screws in these sets are made specifically for the anchor. When choosing anchors and screws, you will need to make sure that you have the right size drill bit to ensure that the anchors will fit into the holes you drill. The simplest way to do this is to check the measurements of both carefully. The packaging on the anchor and screw set you choose will likely tell you what size drill bit you will need. Multi-purpose twist bits will be ideal for this project. 

2. Measure and position the frame

Once you’ve gotten your anchors and screws, and made sure you have your correct drill bit ready, you can do your measurements. Choose the place you want to hang the frame. If you’re adding a single frame, you will want the frame to be at eye level. Gallery walls are different, as frames will sit at various heights. When you have positioned the frame at the right height, use your spirit level and adjust until the frame is level. Next, use your pencil to make short straight lines along the top edge, top right side and top left side of the frame. 

Turn the frame upside down, then measure from the top edge to the top of the hook or loop on the back of the frame. Measure a little downwards from the line you marked on the wall and make another mark. From there, measure the width of your frame, divide by two and measure half the width of the frame on the wall where you made the top left and right marks. Mark an X on the wall at the spot where the marks meet. This spot is where the hook or hanging loop will be positioned on the wall.

3. Drill a hole for the anchor

Once you’ve done your measurements and marked the spot, it’s time to drill your hole. To make sure that your hole is straight, you can make a slight bump on the X you have marked using a screw and a hammer. Next, load up your drill with your drill bit, position it over the X spot, align it so that your drill is vertically straight and drill carefully into the wall. When you feel the drill bit reach the other side of the drywall, stop drilling. Drilling too deeply can damage your drill and cause the plaster to crumble. 

4. Line up and insert the anchor

Once you have a hole for the anchor, you can carefully line it up and insert it into the hole. Use your hammer to get the anchor firmly into the hole. It should fit snugly without being too loose on either side. You shouldn’t have to force it into the hole, either. If the hole is too small, you have likely used the wrong size drill bit. That means you will have to either get a smaller-sized anchor or use a larger drill bit to make the hole wider. 

5. Drill the screw into the anchor

Now that the anchor has been placed into the hole, all you need to do is drill the screw into the anchor. Your cordless drill will have a chuck that allows you to use it as a screwdriver. Most corded drills don’t have this function. If you don’t have a cordless drill, you can use a manual screwdriver or an electric screwdriver instead of a drill. Don’t drill the screw all the way into the hole - you’ll need enough space to hang your frame. 

From here, you can hang your frame, adjusting it as needed. If you’re looking for drill bits in various sizes, Ruwag has all the bits you need to hang picture frames.