Hanging a large mirror adds a new dimension to any room because of the light it reflects and the illusion of depth that it
creates. The dry walls that are so popular in the UK these days make things a little harder where big and heavy mirrors are concerned. You could attempt to do the job yourself, or Find a Handyman on Mr-Skill instead.
There are two ways to hang a heavy mirror: (a) if they are securely framed on a strong piece of picture wire stretched between two eye-hooks securely screwed into the frame, and (b) if they are frame-less, attached with suitable mirror clips top and bottom to the wall.
1. Mark the position of the mirror where it will hang, taking care not to obstruct electric sockets or switches, or cover points where water pipes and electric cables may be concealed. Measure and mark the centre point of the top of the mirror on the wall.
2. Stretch the picture wire tightly as if the mirror were hanging from it and measure the distance between the midpoint of the wire and the top of the mirror frame. Make a second mark on the wall this same distance below the first mark that you made – this is where you are going to set the screw from which the mirror will hang.
3. Tap the drywall around that point with the back of a screwdriver handle to see whether your point it is fresh air or against a piece of the wooden frame behind the wall, In the latter case you are lucky and just need to drive a wood screw into it until just 1/8th of an inch protrudes. If not, you will have to use a toggle-bolt. Now you can hang the mirror. A Handyman with London Experience will often test the mirror carefully on the basis that if the attachment fails, at least the mirror is still in strong hands.
4. If the mirror is frame-less attach mirror clips according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Set the bottom ones in place first making sure they are level, (and leaving them still slightly loose at this stage). Then fit the mirror temporarily so you can mark where the top of the mirror will be and install the other clips. When this is done, attach the mirror, set the clips and tighten gently.
Hanging a heavy mirror is definitely not a one-man job. You need the right tools and two pairs of strong hands. If in any doubt rather get a Handyman Quote instead – the last thing you need is a broken mirror and the mess that goes with that.
