Hanging Pictures on Your Brick Walls: Hooks, Hangers, and Anchors

You may think you know how to hang pictures on your wall, but there are huge differences between picture hanging on drywall and on masonry or brick walls.  To hang a picture on a brick wall, it's crucial to use picture hangers that are designed for masonry.  You can use one of two hanging tools depending on the amount of masonry around the brick. Brick clips (or brick clamps) cost approximately $5.00 for a pack of two, and can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, at some hardware stores, or online. You will need not need tools to install these clips, but they're only effective for hanging pictures on brick that is exposed at least 1/8 inch.  To ensure that your picture looks its best in the location you've chosen, I strongly recommend the popular Trade Secrets to Hanging Art Like a PRO! - this handy guide has tips and ideas for hanging art in even the most modest home.

How to hang a picutre using brick clamps:

1. Measure the exposed dimension of your brick to ensure accurate size choice.
2. Install the brick clip onto the exposed end of the brick by hooking the bottom spring end onto the brick then snapping the top tooth end in place.
3. Check to make sure the clip is flush against the brick.
4. If the item weighs more than 25 pounds, add additional clips as needed.
5. Hang your picture using either the top or the bottom hook on the brick clip.

Your second option for hanging a picture on a brick wall is to use a brick hook (also known as a wall anchor). Brick hooks are essentially picture hooks with nails that do not bend. Brick hooks cost approximately $3.00 for a set of two and can be purchased online or in hardware stores; they make great wall hangers for walls where the brick isn't exposed past the mortar. To install these wall hooks, you will need a drill, a 1/8 inch masonry drill bit, and a small hammer. These hanging hooks are best suited to bricks where the mortar is flush with the end of the brick.

How to hang pictures using brick hooks:

1. Measure and mark the place where you will hang the picture. Since you are making a hole in the brick masonry, you do not want to make a mistake.
2. Choose the brick hook(s) according to the weight of the picture you plan to hang.
3. Drill a starter hole with the 1/8" diameter masonry bit into the mortar of the brick. Drilling into the brick may cause it to crack.
4. Install the hook onto the wall by tapping it with the nail into the hole that you started with the drill.
5. Hang the picture on the installed brick hook.