How to Use D Rings for Hanging Pictures

A D-ring is a D-shaped tie-down ring used as a device to hold workers tightly with a rope or cord to prevent them from falling. A belt with D-rings is fastened around either the middle of the back or the hip area.

When you secure motorcycle with ratchet or cam straps, or when you tie-down a canvas or tarp with a rubber tarp strap or bungee cord, you need an anchor into which to hook your strap ends for ultimate security on the road. Bolted D-rings are easy to use and the absolute in reliable tie-down anchors. They can be installed on all metal and wood vehicles, including flatbed trailers, trucks, and enclosed vans.

A full-body harness is used for personal fall arrest to distribute fall forces across the shoulders, pelvis, and thighs. D-rings on the full body harness are used to secure the position of a worker by restricting movement. Full-body harnesses should be selected on the basis of work being carried out, and there are several types of D-rings used for workers among different industries.

Probably the most common method of hanging a picture is to use a pair of D Rings. They are screwed into both sides of the back of a picture frame and provide an anchor point of which picture cord can be looped around. The picture cord or wire is then used to hang the frame onto the wall with a picture hook.

Now, I’ll share the same trick with you on how to hang artwork with “D” ring type hangers.

Step 1.

Turn framed artwork over on safe surface and apply one piece of painter’s tape the entire length of picture over “D” Ring hangers. I try and get it close to the top of the ring.

Step 2:

Try to keep the tape straight, use a level if necessary but it’s not mandatory at this point, and punch small holes at the top of the “D” ring through the tape.  These will eventually be your “hook placement” to hang the picture, you’ll see how.

Step 3:

Remove the tape from the back of artwork and tape will now become the “guide” for you to hang your art, not the art itself.  Of course before this you want to have an idea of where you want the art to go and at what level so you may want to mark the edges of the frame of your art on the wall as a guide for height and centering.

Take the tape and adhere it to the wall where you’d like to hang the artwork. As straight as possible adhere the tape to the spot.  Using your level on the tape now as your “guide” move the level over the tape and level off the blue painter’s tape. Re position the tape as necessary to make sure it’s level.

Don’t worry about the placement of the holes for the hanging, focus on using the tape as your guide and getting it straight, the holes are already marked in the proper place since you punched them in Step 2.

Step 4:

Once your tape is level you may now nail your picture hanger in the hole. If the artwork is especially heavy make sure you secure it with the proper brackets and mounts. For lighter weight artwork (under 25 lbs) the “monkey ring”type hangers work well with this as do any other hanger, just make sure your nails go into the holes you created previously in Step 2.

Step 5:

Remove the tape and hang your picture. Check with your level again if you’re not sure.  (You may want to even keep the tape on the back of your artwork for future use). I hung this picture by myself using the method outlined here.

Types of D-rings include dorsal D-rings, sternal D-rings, shoulder D-rings, and side D-rings. Dorsal D-rings can be found on all safety harnesses worn by workers, and they play a part immediately when a worker falls. However, only one hook should be connected with D-rings to avoid any serious havoc when a fall occurs.

A work positioning system is mandatory for all workers at elevated heights. These workers should use a body belt with D-rings to restrict free fall up to two feet. Some workers need back-mounted D-rings to keep them from reaching a location where free-fall danger exists. Sternal D-rings enable workers to climb a fixed ladder without being connected to an anchor. However, a work positioning system should be used in addition if personnel need to stop and work mid-span. Sternal D-rings can also be used for rescue operations.

Shoulder D-ring harnesses are suitable for construction workers. They are used for work positioning, rescue purposes, and restraint applications. Shoulder-mounted D-rings are used for temporary and portable ladders. Side D-rings are also used for work positioning. According to OSHA guidelines, industries must use such personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of workers in a vertical work position.