Hooks

For some, installing a hook can be a real nightmare. Who has not, at some point, pierced large holes in their walls while trying to install a picture, a clock or a shelf. There is however, a specific type of hook for every object or every type of wall, which should render the job of hanging objects much easier!

Cup hooks, mirror hooks, hat hooks, gate hooks, cupboard hooks, J-hoods, S-hooks, hooks for bicycles, ladders, butterfly hooks, spring hooks, hooks for inside, hooks for outside, screw hooks, glued hooks, nailed hooks…Hooks of every sort! To get a better idea, examine the following charts. They will show you all the little technical details which will allow you to choose the proper hook for every one of your projects.
Project guide service
Page 1/1
CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOOK
Picture hooks
Hooks for plants, lights etc.
Cup hooks, mirror hooks and clothing hooks
Adhesive hooks
Storage hooks
CHOOSE THE PROPER FASTENING METHOD
Toggles
Anchors
An essential accessory
Tricks and expert advice

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOOK

There is a world of difference between “choosing a hook” and “choosing the right hook”. For a perfect support and a suitable installation, you must find the best quality anchorage while keeping in mind specific standards.
  • Which kind of wall will it go into? The type of hook will vary according to the wall, either a solid wall or a hollow wall. The ideal situation is to screw the hook in wood, but you can be just as successful by using toggles or anchors.

  • What do you wish to hang with your hook? There are different types for every weight, use, decor and taste.

  • Is what you are hanging light or heavy? You will not be using the same type of hook to hang a 10 lb plant as you would for a washroom cupboard weighing 60 lbs. When you are buying a hook, it is important to read about the maximum weight this hook can take.

Picture hooks

Which hooks to use when hanging pictures? There are numerous sizes and types of hooks, depending on the weight of the pictures and the consistency of the walls where they will be hung. Masonry hooks, for example, are designed for concrete walls. But the most popular ones are still the ones in which a nail is inserted at an angle. This angle plays an important role in determining the solidity of the hook; during installation, make sure you take the angle into consideration and that the hook is pressed against the wall.
Hooks with nail for picturesFor hanging:
  • pictures

    Up to 100 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • Easy to install

  • The only tool required: hammer
    		• To install:
  • Nail according to the angle of the hook chosen.
    • Masonry hooksFor hanging:
  • pictures

    Up to 25 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • No pre-drilling

  • The only tool required: hammer
    		• To install:
  • Hold the hook against the concrete wall.

  • Hit the nails of the hook with a hammer.
    • Kit for picturesFor hanging:
  • pictures

    Various weights depending on the size of the hooks
    		• Advantages:
  • Holds everything you need, in various sizes, to hang pictures and even prepare the frames before you hang them.
    		• To install:
  • Screw two eyelets into the back of the frame, insert and attach the steel wire. Hang the frame from this wire, on the hooks supplied.
    • Hooks with screwsFor hanging:
  • pictures

  • various objects

    Up to 35 lb, depending on the type
    		• Advantages:
  • Solidity

  • Stability

  • Easy to install
    		• To install:
  • Screw into the gypsum with a phillips screwdriver or pre-drill a hole of a suitable size to hold the plastic bushing.

    • Hooks for plants, lights etc.

    It is entirely feasible to hang a plant or ceiling lamp in two shakes. Again, you must choose the proper hook, according to the weight it will support and the materials. The conventional ceiling hook, for instance, can only be screwed into wood. It comes in various sizes, with open or closed eyelet. If you want a more decorative hook, the choice is yours! These hooks are designed for use in wood or gypsum.
    Ceiling hookFor hanging:
  • plants

  • ceiling lamps

    10 to 35 lb, depending on the size of the hook
    		• Advantage:
  • Very easy to install
    		• To install:
  • Simply screw in. If the wood is hard, pre-drill a hole with a bit smaller than the hole.
    • Swag hooksFor hanging:
  • plants

  • ceiling lamps

    Hook screwed into wood: 45 lb

    Hook screwed into gypsum: 30 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • Comes in different colors and finishes

  • Sturdy
    		• To install:
  • Wood: simply screw into the ceiling

  • Gypsum: pre-drill a hole the size of the butterfly, insert the butterfly in a closed position, slide the latter in the ceiling and screw the hook.

    • Cup hooks, mirror hooks and clothing hooks

    “Everything in its place,” it is often said. We can easily live with cups on the shelves, mirrors on dressers and clothes on the back of chairs. However, we can save so much time and mess by hanging everything with hooks! Even better, is the fact that storage hooks will maximize surfaces and heights, all the while taking functionality and aesthetics into account.
    Cup hooksFor hanging:
  • cups

  • keys

  • everything!

    0.5 to 15 lb according to the size
    		• Advantages:
  • Easy to install

  • Nice finish

  • Some are coated with rubber for a better protection

  • Afford more space in the cupboards
    		• To install:
  • Screw in the hooks by hand (pre-drill if melamine shelves)
    • Mirror hookFor hanging:
  • mirrors

    Up to 35 lb
    		• Advantage:
  • Easy to install
    		• To install:
  • Screw the hook
    • Clothing hookFor hanging:
  • clothing

  • hats

  • coats

    The weight depends on the size of the hook
    		• Advantage:
  • Comes in various models and finishes
    		• To install:
  • Screw the hook or screw the base of the hook into the wall, then slide the hook on its base.
    • Peg hook (or bathrobe hook)For hanging:
  • clothing

  • hats

  • coats

    Weight depends on the size of the hook
    		• Advantages:
  • Comes in various models and finishes

  • Lets you hang more than one item at a time
    		• To install:
  • Screw the hangers or in the case of a door hanger, as shown in the picture above, hang at the top of the door.

    • Adhesive hooks

    Among products for “hanging without punching holes”, you will find adhesive hooks. They are like magic and always practical. The adhesive strip of these hooks sticks to various surfaces and can hold light weight articles and sometimes heavy weight articles, depending on the size, the type and quality of the hook and the adhesive. In any case, the surface must be cleaned of any greasy substance which could hinder adhesion.
    Reusable hooksFor hanging:
  • towels

  • clothing

  • keys

  • various other articles

    Up to 3 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • Can be installed without tools or nails.

  • Adhere solidly to various surfaces, such as wood, glass, plaster and wall paper.

  • Available in various sizes depending on the weight of the article you are hanging

  • Can normally be removed without damaging the paint or leaving any residue

  • Can be used again by inserting a new auto-adhesive strip.
    		• To install:
  • Clean the surface and dry well.

  • Apply the adhesive strips and press hard.

  • Wait 1 hour before using the hooks.
    • One-time use hooksFor hanging:
  • towels

  • clothing

  • keys

  • various other articles

    Up to 2 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • Very easy to install
    		• To install:
  • Clean the surface.

  • Apply.

  • Wait 1 hour before using the hooks.
    • Adhesive hangersFor hanging:
  • small pictures

    Up to 2 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • Made of PVC, thus sturdy

  • Very easy to install
    		• To install:
  • Clean the surface.

  • Dampen and apply.

  • Let dry for 25 min.

    • Storage hooks

    What is a key word in a garage, workshop or around the house? “Practical” is the word. To hang your bicycles, sleds, deck chairs, garden hoses, tool boxes, ladders, garden tools, etc., the solution is storage hooks, which you can hang close to the site where they are most needed. If you need to install them on a concrete wall, use lead anchors or toggles, which are better suited for medium to heavy weight objects. A mural anchoring system is a stroke of genius for acquiring more space!
    Bicycle hooksFor hanging:
  • bicycles

  • ladders

  • hoses and swimming pool accessories

    The weight varies according to the size of the hook
    		• Advantages:
  • Sturdy

  • Are easily and rapidly mounted

  • Afford more storage space

  • Some are trimmed with rubber for a better protection
    		• To install:
  • Pre-drill a hole.

  • Lubricate the screws by pushing them through soap.

  • Screw.
    • Storage hook kitsFor hanging and storage:
  • sleds

  • bicycles

  • pails

  • tool boxes

  • and much more

    The weight varies according to the size of the hook
    		• Advantages:
  • Sturdy

  • Easy to install

  • Multifunctional

  • Maximize surfaces and heights

  • Customize storage
    		• To install:
  • Pre-drill guiding holes and screw.
    • Gate hooksUsed to keep gates closedAdvantages:
  • Sturdy

  • Come in various sizes

  • Come with a clip on top which stops accidental opening or opening by young children
    		• To install:
  • Screw one of the eyelets on the door and the other on the frame.
    • J-HooksFor hanging:
  • clothesline pulley

    The weight varies according to the size of the hook
    		• Advantages:
  • Rust resistant (depending on the models)

  • Super sturdy

  • Easy to install and use
    		• To install:
  • In wood: screw.

  • In concrete: pre-drill a hole with a concrete bit, insert the anchor and screw the hook.
    • Suction hooksFor hanging:
  • various light objects on smooth surfaces

    Less than 3 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • Allow the installation of hooks on smooth surfaces where it is impossible (or not recommended) to bore holes.
    		• To install:
  • Dampen the bottom of the suction cup.

  • Press on a clean and grease-free surface.

    • CHOOSE THE PROPER FASTENING METHOD

    Screwing a hook with screws in a wooden structure is no problem and is an ideal situation. But, as the studs inside the wall are placed at 16 in center to center, there is no doubt that an ideal situation is not often the case. This is why there are different fastening methods for every use, material and weight. To know them is to be prepared for every situation.

    Toggles

    Toggles are designed to offer a solid screwing material when you want to screw something into a brittle surface which is not sturdy enough to hold the screw or the hook solidly, as in the case of gypsum and concrete.

    Gypsum toggles are ideal for uses in situations where there is little tension, for instance, hanging pictures and decorative accessories. Their installation is easy: when inserting plastic screw anchors, you must pre-drill a hole before inserting them into gypsum and before screwing the hook, whereas, for screw toggles made of nylon or metal, you can screw them in directly, with a phillips screwdriver.

    Concrete toggles are essential if you are trying to drive in large screws (for example: bicycle hook) in concrete. They stop the hook from eroding the concrete or coming out of the hole.

    The sizes of the toggles to be inserted must correspond to the sizes of the holes and the screws. With properly adapted toggles, you can hang just about anything!
    Inserted TogglesFor hanging:
  • pictures

  • small decorative objects

  • shelves

    10 to 15 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • The base of the toggles stop any rotation in the hole

  • 4 Expansion points

  • Corrosion resistant

  • Easy installation
    		• To install:
  • Pre-drill a hole of the proper size.

  • Insert the toggle in the hole.

  • Screw in a screw or hook of a diameter suitable to that of the toggle.
    • Driller TogglesFor fastening:
  • pictures

  • bathroom accessories

  • mirrors

  • decorative accessories

    15 to 40 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • Very sturdy and stable.

  • Easy to install

  • Plastic and metal ones are available
    		• To install:
  • First, screw into the wall, then, screw in a screw or a hook.
    • Masonry toggles (lag toggles)Used for:
  • fastening hooks in concrete to hang ladders, storage hooks, hose reels, etc.

    The weight varies according to the size of the toggle
    		• Advantages:
  • Maximum hold in concrete

  • Reinforced anchoring and hold

  • Easy installation: will expand with screwing
    		• To install:
  • Pre-drill a hole with a concrete bit suitable to the size of the toggle.

  • Insert the toggle in the hole and screw in the hook.

    • Anchors

    Very much like the toggles, anchors also afford a solid material to screw in a hook, but they are equipped with a blocking system which can resist some tension as the blocking element is also used to distribute the load on a large surface behind the gypsum.

    These anchors are designed for various uses such as fastening book shelves, kitchen cabinets, handrails, shelves, ceiling lamps and plant containers. The idea is simple: as you are screwing, toggles will spread, then be squeezed or pushed by a spring against the back of the panel. All you need to do is fasten your object!
    Anchoring togglesTo fasten:
  • shelves

  • other medium weight objects

    15 to 20 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • Hold firmly to the back of gypsum
    		• To install:
  • Pre-drill a hole suitable in size.

  • Insert the toggle in the hole.

  • Screw in a screw or hook of a diameter suitable to that of the toggle.
    • Inserted anchorsTo fasten:
  • kitchen cupboards

  • handrails

  • wall bracket for television

  • and others

    20 to 55 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • Vibration resistant

  • 3 different kinds of heads available

  • Special length, for thicker walls, available
    		• To install:
  • With a wood bit, pre-drill a hole suitable to the diameter of the anchor. Drive the anchor into the hole and strongly tighten the screw.
    • Impact anchorsTo fasten:
  • kitchen cupboards

  • handrails

  • shelves

  • wall bracket for television

  • and others

    20 to 55 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • Vibration resistant

  • 3 different kinds of heads available

  • Special length for thicker walls, available
    		• To install:
  • Drive the anchor into the gypsum with a hammer and screw. While screwing, the flared part of the anchor will be pushed towards the inside and segments of the anchor will spread.
    • Toggle bolts (or butterfly)To fasten:
  • plants

  • hanging lights and chandeliers

  • fans

    Between 30 and 40 lb
    		• Advantages:
  • A variety of lengths, depending on the thickness of the materials

  • Very sturdy
    		• To install:
  • Pre-drill a hole, the width of the butterfly.

  • Tighten the screw in the butterfly and close the butterfly.

  • Insert the butterfly into the ceiling.

  • Screw in the hook. The base of the latter will hide the hole in which the butterfly is inserted.
    • Driller anchorsTo fasten:
  • kitchen cupboards

  • shelves

  • plants

  • tool brackets

    Weight depends on thickness of the gypsum:
    3/8’’ - 30 lb
    ½” - 35lb
    5/8’’ - 40lb
    		• Advantages:
  • The only tool required is a screwdriver

  • Heavy-duty and safe

  • Auto-perforator
    		• To install:
  • Simply fasten the anchor into gypsum with a screwdriver.

    • An essential accessory

    To be able to screw directly into the wood is very practical, because it is stable, fast and needs no other step, nor any other piercing of holes. In fact, it is so practical we will often agree to install the picture a little bit more on the left or on the right to adapt to the location of the studs. However, finding these studs can sometimes be difficult. This is why every tool box should have a stud finder.

    This small apparatus acts as a radar and detects the presence of studs so as to let us know exactly where we should screw. As well, some models can even tell you when electrical wires and copper pipes are present.

    If you are moving into a new residence, you will rapidly find that the stud finder is essential, as much as a hammer, multiple-bit screwdriver, measuring tape and utility knife.

    Tricks and expert advice

    • Always make sure there are no electrical wires going through the location where you are screwing the hook. Watch out for pipes: more and more they are made in PEX (a kind of plastic), and cannot withstand a drilled screw going through.

    • You may have to pre-drill a hole before screwing into hardwood. To do this, use a bit of a diameter slightly smaller than the stem of the screw.

    • When you are boring a hole in concrete so as to insert an anchor, make the hole slightly deeper than the length of the anchor, so that the screw can eventually overextend.

    • Be careful of false moves while pre-drilling the holes so as to avoid having to modify their angle or having to enlarge them.

    • You should never use a screwdriver to bore a hole in a gypsum wall. Gypsum used in the production of the panels is a by-product of rock which greatly damages tools.

    • If your plastic anchors are too long or will not drive in deeply enough, you can saw the extended part with a saw blade or a small knife.

    • At what height should you hang a picture? Atop a piece of furniture (sofa, console, etc.), hanging should be at approximately 25 cm (10") above the piece of furniture. And in a room with a 2.8 m (9’) ceiling, for example, a 1.21 × 1.21 m (4 × 4’) picture should be hung at approximately 75 cm (30") from the floor.

    • While decorating, we often wish to move pictures, mirrors, shelves, etc. What should be done with the screwed-in butterfly hooks or toggle bolts? You can remove those by unscrewing them. However, you must leave anchors in the walls; they will fall behind the panels. To leave the walls seamless, simply fill the holes with plaster.
    When you go to the store to purchase a hook, remember not to panic when faced with the vast array of hooks offered. There is a hook for every object, for any weight and for every wall. You can choose with this Hook Guide in hand and by reading the instructions on product packaging. But the best method is to have someone on site advise you as to what you need for the type of hanging you have to do. On your mark, get set, hook it!
    Page 1/1