How to remove the ‘Slimline Art Hanging System’ track from the wall?

Moving home and want to take your ‘Slimline Art Hanging System‘ track with you? While it’s definitely possible to remove the track, we generally recommend leaving it in place for the next occupants and purchasing new track for your new space. Why? Well, removing it can be tricky and often leads to wall damage that will need repairing—so in many cases, replacing the track is actually the more economical option.

But, we understand that sometimes the track just needs to come down! Whether you’re rearranging or relocating, here’s the process I’ve found works best when removing the track from the wall.

A Quick Note Before You Begin:

If your track was installed directly into plasterboard using ‘Wall Mates,’ keep in mind that this process might cause some or all of the ‘Wall Mates’ to pull through the plasterboard leaving larger holes behind. Unfortunately, this is usually unavoidable. However, if your track was anchored into studs, masonry or a brick wall, the following steps should work smoothly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing the Slimline Art Hanging Track:

1. Locate the first anchor: Start at one end of the track. To find the nearest anchor, either peek underneath the track or gently run a fine paperclip along the back of the track.
2. Pry the track from the anchor: Find something soft (that won’t damage the track) to pry the track off the anchor. I personally use a 14mm wide x 2mm deep section of aluminum bar that I picked up from the hardware store which I insert into the channel of the track on top of an anchor location. While it might bend, it’s gentle on the track’s fascia and gets the job done without causing damage.  A flat head screw driver could be used but will cause damage, so it is best to look around and see what you can find.  Work gently and take your time, this is not a fast process.
3. Work along the track: Once you’ve unclipped the first anchor, continue along the track, unclipping it from each anchor in sequence.
4. Slide the track off: When there’s only one or two anchors left holding the track, you may be able to slide the entire track off those remaining anchors.
5. Remove the anchors: With the track down, you just need to unscrew and remove the anchors from the wall.

The process is a bit tricky, so take your time and work methodically.  🙂

Good luck,

Ed Banks

Shakespeare Solutions.

‘Mutto Dots are a characteristic family of hooks that make a friendly addition to any wall’ is what is written on the box and I quite agree!

The problem with these friendly hooks is that they can be decidedly unfriendly if you are trying to install them into a hollow wall as inevitably your better half will not want them placed inline with the existing studs. This means you have to try and secure the large (14 gauge) self tapping screw which comes with the Muuto Dot directly into the board; a task which means installing extra timber in the wall, patching and repainting… until now…

The GeeFix Fixings are the ideal solution to this problem. The fixing itself is more than capable of handling the weight of your wifes handbag, your Child’s school bag or evening your child! (Although climbing on them is very much not recommended!) More importantly they are able to accept a wide range of threads including that which comes with the Muuto Dot.

We recommend the following installation method in plasterboard or hollow board walls:

1. Decide where the ‘Muuto Dots’ are to be installed and lightly mark with a pencil.
2. With a stud finder (or the tapping method) identify if any are on or near the studs. Any that are on the edge of a stud consider moving across.
3. Install any that are on the stud by drilling a hole and screwing the ‘Muuto Dot’ in.
4. Where a stud cannot be found, install a ‘GeeFix’ Fixing as per the instructions. (In addition to the fixing you will require a 25mm hole saw or spade bit)
5. With the GeeFix Fixing in place, simply screw the ‘Muuto Dot’ into place.
6. Stand back and enjoy your handy work, knowing the Dot has been well secured and will not require further attention in the future.

Can I use this method if I has already tried installing the ‘Muuto Dots’ without the ‘GeeFix’ Fixings?  Yes, absolutely! One of the great features of these fixings, is that you can remove any existing fixing by drilling around it with a hole saw and replacing with a ‘GeeFix’

‘GeeFix’ Fixing can be purchased in packs of 5 or 50 on the product page. Alternatively if you are interesting in retailing the ‘GeeFix’ Fixings please contact me directly.  Please do let me know if we can assist with this product or any of our Picture Hanging Systems.

That’s all for this week!

Cheers,

Ed Banks
Shakespeare Solutions.

One of the beauties of using a picture hanging system is the ability to hang more than one piece per dropper in a column, however, sometimes getting pieces to sit neatly can be a challenge!  Generally the issue occurs because the pieces ‘interfere’ with one another.  By that I mean the lower piece will often lean out from the wall and pull the top piece off the wall and cause it to swivel around the dropper.  Let me walk you through my approach to overcoming this issue. 

(Naturally, before beginning it is important to ensure than the total of the pieces to be suspended is with in the weight rating for the dropper.  Two droppers can be used if required and the process remains the same.)

Ok, so the first port of call is to use a HangRight Clip on each piece to limit the forward lean as mentioned in the ‘How to Hang Pieces Flat on a Picture Hanging System’ post.  Then, we look at how to ‘push’ the bottom of the pieces from the wall and in doing so allowing a gap for the wire to pass through without hindrance.  Sometimes this gap will need to be 12mm before this occurs and whilst this may sound a lot, it does lead to the best outcome possible.  

Usually when building up the bottom left and right corners I use felt pads from a hardware store (usually used for protecting wooden floors from furniture) these are often about 6mm thick and can be doubled if required.  In the not too distant future we will be able to provide you with these also.  

With the top of the frames pulled back and the bottom pushed out your pieces should be sitting beautifully on the wall. 🙂

Have a question or require further information, please contact us to discuss your needs.

Cheers, 

Ed – Shakespeare Solutions

Our standard length dropper is 2 metres long.  We find that this covers 99% of our clients needs and is suitable for track mounted up to about 3.5 metres high depending on the gallery requirements.

This being said often our clients will not use the entire length of the dropper and may wonder what to do with the left over material.

Firstly, if you are using the stainless steel droppers, what ever you do, DO NOT cut the wire.  The stainless steel wire is actually a braid of smaller wires which have been thermally bound at the bottom to prevent unravelling.  By cutting the wire you allow the braid to loosen, unravel and eventually cause the early demise of the dropper.  Furthermore, cutting the dropper also determines the droppers maximum length in further circumstances.

Instead, we recommend rolling the wire up, folding the end through several times and placing it behind the lowest piece on the dropper; out of the way, safe and sound and ready to be used at longer lengths next time!

When the clear tape droppers are used however, the approach may be slighting different.  If the lowest piece suspended on the dropper allows, I would still recommend rolling the tape up and securing it with a zip tie or some sticky tape.  This will most likely be possible where the piece has a cavity at the back.  If not possible, then it is best to cut the clear tape with a sturdy pair of scissors.  When cutting the clear tape, I recommend keeping it as long as possible without having it visible at the bottom of the piece.  This way the clear tape still has the greatest adjustment potential when redeployed.

Cheers for now,

 

Ed – Shakespeare Solutions.

PS. find out more about our picture hanging systems here!

One of the questions regularly asked by potential clients is ‘should I be using 1 dropper or 2 to hang my artwork?’

The honest answer to this question is, ‘it depends…’

Firstly, it is most important to considered the weight specifications of the droppers to be used and the piece to be suspended.  Naturally, if you are starting to approach the weight rating specified for the dropper then it is a good idea to use two.  This should bring you well inside the specified weight rating and provide a large load margin.

The second consideration is the style of piece.  Most balanced portrait pieces will very happily sit on a single dropper without becoming askew.  Landscape pieces on the other hand are far more likely to fall out of a level position and often using a second dropper is the best solutions.  This is certainly the case in a space which may be exposed to a light breeze.

On that note, thirdly, consider the atmospheric conditions.  If your gallery space may be exposed to a breeze, perhaps from a regularly opened door, then it may be worth while using a second dropper per piece to ensure everything remains level and in place – there is nothing more frustrating than having to position all the pieces every time someone enters or leaves the gallery!

Finally, aesthetic considerations.  This is a personal choice, in my home, I prefer the minimal look of a single dropper on most of my pieces, however others may prefer the sturdy look of two.

Either way, it is worth considering the above to ensure that your picture hanging system not only performs inline with your expectations but also because different providers will have a different approach which can significantly effect the cost of your system.

Have a question or require further information, please contact us to discuss your needs.

Cheers,

Ed – Shakespeare Solutions.

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Short Notes on 1 dropper or 2

1. Is my piece inside the weight rating of my dropper? No – used two, Yes – one it is!
2. Will my piece stay balanced? – portrait usually, landscape less easily (but worth trying first).
3. Is there regularly a breeze in this space which could move the artwork?  No – use one, Yes – perhaps use 2
4. Assuming one can be safely and practically used… do I prefer this look?

In comparison to a traditional picture hook, picture hanging systems do not offer the same ‘pull’ into the wall and this can sometimes cause pieces to lean further forward than desired. This will effect pieces of different formats, sizes and weight differently. Here is a guide on how to deal tackle this issue.

Firstly, is this actually a problem for you? Put your pieces up and decide whether it is actually a concern. In some circumstances the lean can be quite acceptable and add to the viewing angle of the piece.

However, in other circumstances the effect can be quite pronounce and undesired; I found this to be especially the case in small hall ways were piece on either side cause quite a narrowing effect!

The solution is to lock the top of the piece to the dropper with our HangRight Clips and push the bottom of the piece out from the wall slightly by installing our felt wall protectors. This solution ensures the piece sits as flat on the wall as possible whether using 1 or two droppers to hang.  It is also very useful technique when trying to hang multiple pieces in a column but this is a topic for another post!

Any questions, please let me know.

Cheers for now,

 

Ed – Shakespeare Solutions

Hanging Quilts can be a fabulous addition to your home or office and a great way to display the fruits of your labour.  However, as you add to and change your collection you will find that hanging different sized quilts from the same wall hooks doesn’t do justice to your creations or the walls on which they hang!

This situation leads to quilts not being hung, those that are hung never moving or your wall resembling swiss cheese with the number of holes created by all the different hooks.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way! Our hanging systems are an inexpensive and flexible way to hang your quilts.  Once up you can add new quilts or move existing quilts easily and quickly.

Which system to choose?

Ultimately it depends on whether or not you’d like to add our lighting system to your quilt gallery, however, in the vast majority of circumstances clients hanging quilts have opted to use ‘The Slimline Art Hanging System‘ with clear tape droppers and standard adjustable hooks.

To watch a brief video on our art hanging systems please click on the links below:

The Slimline Art Hanging System – most popular for hanging quilts

The Gallery System – when you might light to add lights.

How is the quilt held by the system?

For those new to quilting (or the idea of hanging their quilts), preparing your quilts for hanging on your walls is simple; if you have managed to create the quilt you have all the skills required.  Please watch this short video outlining how to add loops and dowel to your piece in preparation:

When your quilt is ready to hang it is simple a case of placing two hooks underneath the dowel and rolling any excess dropper behind the quilt.  If you have used a dowel or rod that is too large for the hooks we recommend placing some curtain rings around the dowel or rod and hooking these onto the system.

Please contact us if we can assist further, we’d love to help you get your quilts up and onto your walls!

Do you have the dilemma of owning a number of pieces of art and being unable to put them on display because you are currently in a rental property and are not permitted to place a hook on the wall?

The answer is not to put the hook in anyway and deal with the problem later but rather to have a open conversation with your landlord / agent about installing a picture hanging system.

In our experience landlords are quite receptive to requests of this nature as it adds future value to the property, saves on costly repairs and reduces the frequency of re-painting.

Furthermore, you’ll have the flexibility to move your pieces around and add to the collection at any point; knowing that you can enjoy your art work in a guilt free fashion.

For the majority of domestic applications we suggest considering the ‘Slimline Art Hanging System‘ as it is unobtrusive and easy to install whilst also very capable in terms of capacity.

Should you require assistance with quoting or working with your landlord / agent please don’t hesitate to contact Shakespeare Solutions via email, telephone or via our online chat box below.

Happy Hanging!