The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
When youhang a heavy mirror, you better get it right the first time.
Safety Considerations
Do not use drywall screws as supporting fasteners since they are brittle and may snap.
Mark the positions with the pencil.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
In most cases,studs should be locatedevery 16 inches, on-center (from center to center).
Some walls may have studs located every 24 inches, on-center.
Mark the Vertical Location
Mark the vertical location of the hang point on one of the studs.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Note that this will be the position of the screw, not the top edge of the mirror.
The top edge of the mirror will be 2 inches to 4 inches higher than the hang point.
Determine the Level
Cast a laser level line across the mark.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Use the laser line to determine the position on the adjacent stud.
Tip
The mirror’s level can be adjusted with the wire.
But it’s always best to make the screws as close to level as possible.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Drive the Fastener Screws
Drive two fastener screws on the adjacent studs with thecordless drill.
The heads of the screws should protrude about 1/4-inch.
Slowly let go and the mirror hang.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Adjust the level by sliding one side of the mirror either up or down.
Determine the mirror’s level with the laser lever or with a bubble level.
Use the stud finder to strike a level line where you want the cleat to run.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Keep in mind that the cleat location does not represent the top edge of the mirror.
Be sure to keep the cleat parallel to the top of the frame.
For mirror frames with irregular edges, maintain parallel with the top edge of the mirror glass.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Determine parallel by measuring down with a tape measure in two places.
The mirror should rest firmly in place.
Toggle bolts' spring-loaded wings pull against the back of the drywall for a secure connection.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The best hook for hanging a heavy mirror is a pair of metal cleats.
One cleat is screwed to the back of the mirror, on the frame.
A similar cleat is screwed to the wall, directly into two adjacent wall studs.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
A cleat system is the best hook for hanging a heavy mirror.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
