ALL ABOUT SECURITY HARDWARE

In addition to the many types of hanging hardware available for the general homeowner, there are numerous safety and security hanging systems available on the market. Protecting your art from tremors, rambunctious children, and theft, this selection of hangers give art collectors and commercial businesses peace of mind when displaying their precious artwork. To read about the many hanging hardware options for general, home art display, see our Hooks for Hanging Wall Art article.

SUMMARY T-screw or T-lock hangers are the most common hangers for ensuring the general safety of art at home. Alarmed hangers are also available, and can be used in private collections, museum and gallery exhibits, or any supervised location. To Order Security Hardware see our online store: Secure-T System

T-Lock or T-Screw Hangers

T-screw hangers, also known as T-lock hangers, are a simple security hanging hardware that will keep your artwork from falling off the wall. This is useful for a house with children or pets running around, or locations with occasional tremors. It will also deter theft, though it is not strong enough to absolutely prevent it. In The Bag In a single-frame bag of T-screw hardware, you should receive: 3 "frame plates," which will be screwed into the picture frame, and screws 2 wall brackets and screws 1 T-lock screw/T-screw Anchors for the T-screw and wall brackets You will also require a T-screw locking wrench, which may or may not be included in the bag. How To Use T-Screw Hangers Screw the frame plates into the top back of the frame, about an inch in from each corner, and one in the center of the bottom. The bottom frame plate will be locked in place using the T-screw. Carefully measure the distance between the center of each frame plate hole. This is where the screws will go in the wall. Alternately, you can place a bit of chalk, paint, or ink on the frame plate just above the hole. When you hold the frame against the wall, the color will transfer to the wall, marking the location of your frame plates. If you choose this option, be sure to place the anchors slightly below the marks - the T-screw will go into the hole, and the hole of the wall bracket is below the lip in which the top frame plates will rest. After the anchors have been inserted (not necessary if drilling into wood), attach the top wall brackets, and screw the T-screw about 3/4 of the way into the bottom anchor. Leave it parallel to the slot into which it will sit (parallel to the floor in most cases). Place the artwork on the wall, hooking the top frame plates over the wall brackets, and allowing the T-screw to sit in the bottom frame plate (see images). Position the T-screw locking wrench behind the bottom of the frame and hook it around the T-screw. Make a quarter turn, which will twist the T-screw into a vertical position, locking the frame in place. read our detailed guide: HOW TO INSTALL A SECURE-T HANGING SYSTEM FOR WOOD FRAMES Metal Picture Frames These instructions are for wood-framed artwork. If you are hanging a metal picture frame, you can most likely use the same hardware. Instead of attaching the frame plates, the back lip of the top metal frame arm will simply sit in the top wall brackets, and the T-screw can be turned to lock against the back lip of the bottom frame arm. You will not require the frame plates in the package. Hardware bags for metal frames are available, and do not include the frame plates. It is possible that the T head of the screw will be too narrow to properly lock the bottom of the metal frame. In this case, you may need to purchase a T-screw hardware set specifically designed for metal frames. read our detailed guide: HOW TO INSTALL A SECURE-T HANGING SYSTEM FOR METAL FRAMES Alternate Hangers T-screw hardware can be used with many different types of hardware on the top arm of the picture frame. In the case of larger, heavier frames, metal French cleats (see image) can be affixed to the top of the frame and wall instead of frame plates and wall brackets. The frame plate and T-screw will still be used on the bottom arm. Adjustable T-screw hardware kits are also available, which allow you to adjust the height if you measurements were a bit off.

T-screw hardware for wood frames The top frame plates slide over the wall brackets The T-screw fits into the frame plate French cleats can be used for larger pieces

ART GUARD SAFE HOOK

This device by alarm manufacturer Art Guard acts as both a hook and alarm system. The palm-sized hanger is screwed into the wall with a single screw. It can hold up to 25 lbs on its own, or be modified to hold up to 75 lbs. Framed artworks with a wire hanger can be used by placing the wire into the grooved section at the top of the Safe Hook. The system also works with D-ring hooks and gallery rails. The grooved section is pressure-sensitive, so as soon as the pressure is released, the alarm goes off. This is a simple option for extra protection of expensive or precious artworks in the home, and can also serve as a secondary anti-theft device in galleries, offices, or hotels.

Art Guard Safe Hook

Whether you are simply protecting your artwork from rambunctious children, or you require the added security of an alarm, there are affordable and easy-to-use solutions available. At KeenART Media, we can supply you with a T-screw hanging hardware kit for $5 per artwork. When you place your order, just let us know how many kits you will require in the Notes section . If you have any questions about our products or services, do not hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff are always happy to offer advice or suggestions for your next decor project or exhibit.