I'm looking to hang a heavy 40lb mirror that has two loops on the back. I'm wondering if those 50lb picture hooks will work if I just hammer them into drywall and then place the loops over the hooks? Any recommendations for securing it, especially since it's a bit heavy?
5 Answers
I really wouldn’t trust anything less than the studs to hold up a 40lb mirror. Those hooks might be rated for 50lbs, but the drywall is a different story—it might give way!
If you don’t have access to studs, you could also try using toggle bolts. They’re decent for heavier items when studs aren’t available, just make sure you install them properly!
Oh, they make these great cleats specifically for this purpose! You attach one to the mirror and another to the wall, spanning a couple of studs. It’s easy to lift the mirror onto the wall cleat, and it lets you slide it around a bit too. They can be pricier, but for something this heavy, it's totally worth it!
For something heavy like this, the best option is definitely a French cleat or a metal equivalent. It allows you to catch multiple studs, ensuring a really solid connection to the wall. Plus, it's super easy to pop the mirror off for cleaning or painting later. You can even make it look nice and hidden with some framing if you want! Look up how to make a French cleat; they’re pretty straightforward to put together if you have the right tools.
If it were me, I'd definitely try to secure it to the studs instead of relying solely on drywall. Even with heavy-duty anchors, I just wouldn't trust them for something that heavy. If you can, try fastening a 2x4 across two studs for better support!
That sounds like a great idea! I'll look into those cleats for sure.