Advice
You are always welcome to call us for advice, however, you may find the answers to any questions in the list of FAQ's below.
- Which system is right for me?
- How do I select items that work together?
- How much do I need?
- Should I continue the top rail over doors and windows?
- How do I describe what I want?
- Do I have to make the hangers myself?
- Do the hangers come in different lengths?
- What is the maximum weight restriction on the Locator systems?
- How do I fix it?
- Can I use one hanger?
- What do I do with the excess hanger?
- Can you hang clocks on a picture hanging system?
- I already have Victorian hooks, can I use these to make my own hangers?
- Do you sell Stas Cliprail Max?
Which system is right for me?
We have several for you to choose from, you may click on our 'Products' link for help in choosing the right system. You will find a short description for each to help you select one that is right for you. If you require further assistance or would rather speak to someone then please feel free to give one of our friendly staff a call.
How do I select items that work together?
For a complete system you will need RAIL, HANGERS and HOOKS. Match the hanger colour, in the case of stainless steel and nylon cable this will be just the top bracket, to the rail, usually indicated by the last letter in the code i.e. BOW and BR15W (W=White).
The hanger length is indicated by the number in the item code i.e. AN15W meaning 1.5m. Is this long enough for your requirements? The bottom of the hanger needs to come down to at least chest level, as this would usually be the lowest point at which you would place your hook. Remember that stainless steel and nylon cables can be coiled up and hidden or cut off if they are too long but it is not desirable to have a rigid hanger visible beneath the picture.
The description by each hook tells you with which hanger it is compatible. When joining two lengths of Locator top rail, you will need a connector (LC), and if the end of the rail is exposed you need some endcaps, available to match the colour of the top rail (white or silver).
How much do I need?
There are two ways to measure how many rails you require. One is simply to measure each wall, in metres, add them all together, and divide by 2, (each rail is 2m long). When doing this you MUST add between 5 and 10% to the total, otherwise on the last section of wall you'll be fixing a long line of short offcuts together.
The preferred method is take each wall as a separate section. Say your first wall is 4.8m, you will need 3 whole rails leaving 1.2m of offcut. When measuring the next wall and it's, say 5m, you will need 2 whole rails and the 1.2m offcut. As you measure each wall, keep a note of the offcut size so you can use it where appropriate. If a wall is 2.2m long it is best to use 2 pieces cut to 1.1m than a long and a short. With the Avanti and Boyer rails you will obviously need at least 2 fixing holes available per rail.
We recommend using two hangers and hooks per picture, so estimate the likely number of pictures you'll be displaying at any one time and multiply by two. Bear in mind that hangers and hooks are always readily available so you can always order a few more if you need to. There is no minimum order or restrictions like 'You must buy a pack of ten'. If you have more pictures than you could ever hang at once, and they're mostly of an average size, allow four hangers per rail. You may want twice as many hooks than hangers as you can hang pictures one above the other on the same hangers.
Should I continue the top rail over doors and windows?
In most cases we suggest you continue the top rail over door frames and windows, this is because it looks neater and won't impose on the display. If you were to break the top rail you would be using end caps on all open ends to finish it neatly.
How do I describe what I want?
For all of our hanging systems we use the terms 'RAIL', 'HANGER', and 'HOOK'. These describe the main features that make up each system.
The RAIL (sometimes referred to as TOP RAIL), is simply the picture rail, to be fixed horizontally at, or near the top of the wall, sometimes on the ceiling, occasionally at an angle following a staircase or on the top edge of a partition.
The HANGER is the vertical piece that hangs from the RAIL, either a steel or brass rod, a stainless steel cable or a crystal clear nylon line, easily adjusted from side to side, on to which you place...
The HOOK. All of them easily adjustable up or down, and most of them self-locking (just let go and they stay in place), so you can position your pictures perfectly and easily.
Do I have to make the hangers myself?
No, we do that for you. All hangers are made to your specifications, we can advise you on the best type of hanger for your environment if need be.
Do the hangers come in different lengths?
Yes, we manufacture the hangers here and therefore can make them to any required length. Please contact us for a free quotation. 1300 88 36 45.
What is the maximum weight restriction on the Locator systems?
The Locator Classic/Extra systems have a maximum weight capacity of 25kgs per lineal metre on the top rails, 15kgs per nylon hanger, 30kgs per steel hanger, the hooks have various maximum weight ratings which can be found in the description column on the product's info and pricing pages.
When using two hangers and two hooks for one picture (recommended for stability), you can double the maximum weight capacity.
The Avanti system is rated at 30kgs per lineal metre on the top rails, 15kgs per nylon hanger and 40kgs per stainless steel hanger again hooks can be found on the product's info and pricing pages.
How do I fix it?
The skill level required is similair to that of putting up kitchen cabinets or a row of shelves. 1. Decide at which level you would like the rail. Check around the whole room/area to see if that works everywhere, it's better to have it all on one level. If there is a coving then tight up against that is ideal; the rail is then almost invisible (especially if painted to match). If there is no coving then it is recommended that you use the 'Locator Extra system', otherwise the rail should be fixed two or three inches below the ceiling for the following reason; it's very difficult to physically drill the required holes so close to the ceiling. For very high ceilings you could, of course, install the rail much lower, due to the possibility that you may need to reposition the hangers frequently. 2. For the Boyer or Avanti systems, offer up the rail with a spirit level (where needed), and mark the holes. Drill the holes (6.5mm drill bit for masonry walls), insert suitable plug (plugs supplied for masonry as std), and fix with screws supplied. When you have marked the holes for the adjoining rail, drill erring towards the previous rail. This will ensure the join is nice and tight (Avanti and Boyer systems only). Towards the end of one section or wall, make sure you won't be left with a section of rail long enough only for one fixing hole, you may need to cut the last two pieces and allow for at least two. 3. For the Locator systems simply draw a straight, level line at the chosen height, make two marks no less than 50mm in from either end of where the first rail will be, (to allow for the connector, LC), then four more marks evenly spaced between. Make sure the drill is horizontal so as to fasten the fixing bushes (supplied) flat to the wall, allowing for successful 'snapping' on of the rail. Where there is a long run of continuous Locator rail or it runs wall to wall, a notch can be cut from the back lip of the hanging channel, at one end of each rail if necessary, to facilitate the insertion of the standard hangers. The main principles for installing the Victorian top rail have already been described although there is a slightly higher level of skill required. The rail, however, is mitred at both ends so you can start from an internal corner of the room working from the left. The mitres at either end where they meet will enable a professionally concealed join. Fill holes with appropriate wood filler, then carefully smooth over with sandpaper for an almost invisible fixing.
Can I use one hanger?
In all cases we recommend you use 2 hangers per single picture or vertical row of pictures and 2 hooks per picture. This will hold the picture straight and keep the whole display neat and tidy.
For small pictures?
Small pictures use exactly the same theory as above. In a vertical display, if you use one hanger for a vertical row of small pictures the hanger will act as a pivot for the top pictures caused by the weight of the bottom one pulling away. The vertical row will look untidy.
What do I do with the excess hanger?
The excess of the hanger should be coiled up and tucked behind the picture, this way you are able to re-use the hangers when you change the display.
Can you hang clocks on a picture hanging system?
We have hung clocks successfully on the our systems before however there are a few things to consider: The centre of gravity on clocks due to depth versus height and the glass adding weight in the front can make the clock lean forward, the best thing to do as all clocks vary so much is to try it and see. Longer clocks (pendulum) will site straighter.
I already have Victorian hooks, can I use these to make my own hangers?
Yes, you will find looped hangers on our 'Accessories' page. They can be added to your existing hooks to create the same effect. (N15/S15).
Do you sell Stas Cliprail Max?
Yes, we distribute Australia wide for Stas who are based in Holland. We hold a large stock of Stas products, however if there is something in particular that you require, we are more than happy to order any item from the Stas product range for you especially.
