Product Review - the Wall Biter Picture Hanger

We just moved into our new house and unpacked the billions of packing boxes, including the ones that had our framed pictures. I didn't look forward to hanging them, however, as the new home had sheet-rock walls. Our previous dwelling was a log home, and you could hang a small car on the solid log walls.

Now I'd be punching holes in the walls as I attempt to line up and hang our framed treasures. As part of the new home owner ritual, we went to a nearby Lowe's in search of picture hangars. My wife had seen a commercial on TV, and as usual, couldn't remember the name of the product. I had seen it also, and also couldn't remember it.

As we were completing mile four of our walking tour of the discount store, we found the right section. Then we saw them: the Wall Biters! As seen on TV! A warm glow enveloped both of us as we stared in awe at the shiny brass hangar things. I only bought a box of four,, as I've been duped before by things "as seen on TV".

While the little lady was at work, I mustered up the courage to let the Wall Biters loose. I armed myself with a measuring tape, a tack hammer and repertoire of vulgarities as I well knew what would happen.

The vulgarities never left my lips, as the Biters bit beautifully into the wall. You simply mark your spot for the picture, taking into account the measurement difference between the top of the wire on the back of the frame and the top of the frame itself.

Then, you press the bottom of the Biter into the wall, then the large, curved hook at the top. At this point, I recommend using a tack hammer and bang the top of the Biter flush to the wall. This is important as it provides the maximum holding strength. Remember your Physics 101? The downward force vector of the hanging picture translates to the large hook in the wall, anchoring said object very tightly.

The Wall Biters come in several sizes and weight ratings. I opted for the 20 lb strength, which has a 30 lb rating if placed into a stud.

I finished hanging a few more pictures before the project Boss came home. She was ecstatic and marveled at my picture-hanging skills.

A tip: when I went back to Lowe's to buy more Wall Biters, I noticed a box of white color Biters. It held a dozen, I think, and was cheaper than the box of four brass-colored Biters. So I bought the white ones as you can't see the hangar anyway after the picture is hung. Or so I thought.

When I went to hang a large print, it had one of those metal, saw-toothed hangars at the top of the frame back. The hangar would definitely show in this instance. But, when I used one of the white Biters, against a white wall, the top of the Biter was the only part that was visible and not a detraction.

A nice feature is the smooth top of the Biter. When you place the framed print against the wall and slide it down, the wire on the back of the frame solidly engages the hook. In the past, when I used the old hangar with a nail, the frame wire would sometimes rest at the top of the hangar rather than down on the hook. That allows it to slip off at times. Not good.

Ready to hang pictures, pardner? Hang'em high with a Wall Biter! Yee hahhhh!