Hanging pictures has to be one of the most frustrating things to do. It's no wonder that after a move, pictures are the last to go up. A tool that promises to make this task easier would be a blessing. Let's see how the Hang & Level™ measures up.
Product Description
- Hang & Level™ Picture Hanging Tool made by Under the Roof Decorating
- Has built-in levels
- Hang one or more pictures, vertically or horizontally
- Marks exactly where the nail goes; eliminates mistakes, unnecessary holes
- No measuring required
- Saves frustration, time
- Works with all types of wall decor - pictures, clocks, mirrors, canvas
- For picture wire, use single or double hooks,
- Use single hook for sawtooth, D-ring or keyhole picture hangers
- Patent protected; designed in Canada
- Can be used on all wall materials
- Maximum weight for single hook - 10 lbs; double hooks - 20 lbs
- Learn more and watch the video from manufacturer
- Retails for less than $15
How the Hang & Level Performed
Hang & Level Picture Hanging Tool
Photo © Hang & LevelOctober 3, 2011
Let's just say I approached this test with a little doubt. I love to decorate, but I hate hanging pictures and usually resort to getting my hubby's help with a lot of coaxing. And no matter how experienced we are at it, we still tend to leave a few holes that need repair after the picture is up. After several moves, my hobby woodworker came up with a simple tool of his own, but as handy as his wooden jig is, we still seem to leave holes. Though it has removed some frustration, his simple jig lacks double hooks or levels, a must when you're hanging stuff.
The Hang & Level™ doesn't shout 'impressive' at first glance; you have to put it into use and you should watch the video and read instructions on the UTR site. They make it look easy and it really is. You still have to measure wall space if you want to center a large picture on the wall or measure spaces in between pictures in a group, but this tool does the rest and cuts down on time and frustration. After hanging a 24" x 32" canvas oil by myself on the first try, I now know that I can tackle pictures by myself and get them right.
Notable features: Love the double hook system. Not something I thought I would need to hang a 12" x 14" small but heavy (glass) picture with hanging wire, but it helped to get and keep it level. And the best part, no measuring required between the nails. The Hang & Level has a small notch at the top, you can use it to put a tiny pencil mark as a guide either for the center of your wall or as UTR pointed out in a video, for marking the tool's place, if you have to let go to take a heavy picture off. Then you can reposition and proceed to set the nail mark. You can use the measurements on the tool for spacing guides between pictures and the two levels are an absolute must. I tend to do fine eye balling it, but up close it's easy to be wrong.
The overall width of the tool seems to help when it comes to gauging spacing on either side of a picture. You can use the tool as a straight edge and add a tiny pencil mark for a guide when lining up the bottoms or tops of pictures in a group setting. There's also a hole at the top of the tool, so you can hang it rather than store it in a shop or junk drawer. Soft feet on the back help to make the hanging task nonslip, as well as protect your wall from scratches.
Let's just say I approached this test with a little doubt. I love to decorate, but I hate hanging pictures and usually resort to getting my hubby's help with a lot of coaxing. And no matter how experienced we are at it, we still tend to leave a few holes that need repair after the picture is up. After several moves, my hobby woodworker came up with a simple tool of his own, but as handy as his wooden jig is, we still seem to leave holes. Though it has removed some frustration, his simple jig lacks double hooks or levels, a must when you're hanging stuff.
The Hang & Level™ doesn't shout 'impressive' at first glance; you have to put it into use and you should watch the video and read instructions on the UTR site. They make it look easy and it really is. You still have to measure wall space if you want to center a large picture on the wall or measure spaces in between pictures in a group, but this tool does the rest and cuts down on time and frustration. After hanging a 24" x 32" canvas oil by myself on the first try, I now know that I can tackle pictures by myself and get them right.
Notable features: Love the double hook system. Not something I thought I would need to hang a 12" x 14" small but heavy (glass) picture with hanging wire, but it helped to get and keep it level. And the best part, no measuring required between the nails. The Hang & Level has a small notch at the top, you can use it to put a tiny pencil mark as a guide either for the center of your wall or as UTR pointed out in a video, for marking the tool's place, if you have to let go to take a heavy picture off. Then you can reposition and proceed to set the nail mark. You can use the measurements on the tool for spacing guides between pictures and the two levels are an absolute must. I tend to do fine eye balling it, but up close it's easy to be wrong.
The overall width of the tool seems to help when it comes to gauging spacing on either side of a picture. You can use the tool as a straight edge and add a tiny pencil mark for a guide when lining up the bottoms or tops of pictures in a group setting. There's also a hole at the top of the tool, so you can hang it rather than store it in a shop or junk drawer. Soft feet on the back help to make the hanging task nonslip, as well as protect your wall from scratches.
Overall Impresion
Hang pictures without leaving a few nail holes? Really, it does work. Hang & Level is a handy tool if you want to reduce the hassle usually associated with hanging pictures. It's a must-have for those who move a lot or like to rearrange their living space often. With this gadget, you'll be anxious to get your pictures, paintings or wall decor up and running.
What did I learn? A homemade jig lacks the essential features you need to hang a picture - Hang & Level has it all. I've found that there's a tendency to hang pictures too high - I prefer mine hung at eye level. This tool seems to help when it comes to gauging how high to place them. How could I have doubted this tool. After all, it's made by a professional decorator. Who else better understands the need for a picture hanging tool that works. I'm hooked on the Hang & Level.
The Hang & Level would make a cute (and cheap) housewarming or hostess gift, gift basket item for those who love to decorate or a nice 'welcome to the neighborhood' gift. For the men on your list that hate to hear "Hon, can you help me hang pictures?", it's the ideal stocking stuffer.
What did I learn? A homemade jig lacks the essential features you need to hang a picture - Hang & Level has it all. I've found that there's a tendency to hang pictures too high - I prefer mine hung at eye level. This tool seems to help when it comes to gauging how high to place them. How could I have doubted this tool. After all, it's made by a professional decorator. Who else better understands the need for a picture hanging tool that works. I'm hooked on the Hang & Level.
The Hang & Level would make a cute (and cheap) housewarming or hostess gift, gift basket item for those who love to decorate or a nice 'welcome to the neighborhood' gift. For the men on your list that hate to hear "Hon, can you help me hang pictures?", it's the ideal stocking stuffer.
About the Manufacturer and More
UTR Decorating is an innovative and creative Canadian decorating firm that besides offering their decorating expertise to clients, have developed the Stoppy™ Door and Window Stop, Deco Nails™, Hang & Level™ and Anchor Points™ - all handy tools that make decorating tasks a breeze. Liette Tousignant and Kelly Krake are the company's founders.
More About Gadgets and Home Essentials
Compare Prices of Picture Hanging Hardware
Compare Prices of Home Decor Items Manage Wires & Cables
DIY Projects - Do it Safely
Stoppy - Door & Window Stop by UTR Decorating - Review
Make Product Safety a Priority
InterDesign Kitchen & Bath Cabinet Hardware
Starting Out? The Basics
Go to Home Page
More About Gadgets and Home Essentials
Compare Prices of Picture Hanging Hardware
Compare Prices of Home Decor Items Manage Wires & Cables
DIY Projects - Do it Safely
Stoppy - Door & Window Stop by UTR Decorating - Review
Make Product Safety a Priority
InterDesign Kitchen & Bath Cabinet Hardware
Starting Out? The Basics
Go to Home Page
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
