Wall clocks:how to safely hang a heavy clock

Usually, when you hang up a wall clock, it's the battery operated kind that has either a plastic or a light wood case. That's how many clocks are made today- light weight and simple. However, if you have an antique clock from days gone by, or, even an expensive wood clock, then it's going to be relatively large and weigh quite a bit. The light weight type of clocks can easily be hung on a wall by using a common nail or screw. Heavy wall clocks, on the other hand, can weigh twenty pounds or more, so they can't be safely hung up on a wall by using a common nail or screw. They need special attention so that once they are hung up, they stay safe and secure until you take them down.

To hang a heavy clock on a plaster wall, you'll first need to determine where on the wall you want the clock to hang. Then, you'll need to use a stud finder in order to locate a wood stud inside the wall. If you can find a stud that's close to the place where you want to hang the clock, then you can proceed to the next step. Otherwise, you'll need to reconsider where you want the heavy clock to hang.

Once you find a wood stud, lightly mark the spot on the plaster with a lead pencil. Then, use a hammer or a screwdriver to place a long, thick nail, or, a long, heavy duty screw at that spot. Leave an inch of the hanger sticking out of the wall. Test the strength of the nail or screw by yanking on it. If it holds up, carefully hang the heavy clock onto the nail or screw, and make sure it's hung straight. If, by chance, the hanger is not strong enough to hold the heavy clock on the plaster wall, then you'll have to try again.

If the wall where you want to hang the heavy clock is brick or masonry, then you'll need to mark the exact location where you want to hang it with a lead pencil. Use an electric power drill with a masonry bit to slowly drill a hole into the wall. Then, insert a metal anchor into the hole in the brick or masonry. Place a long, heavy duty masonry screw into the anchor, then use a screwdriver to screw it in. Leave at least an inch of the screw hang out, but make sure the screw is inserted into the anchor far enough so that the anchor has spread open securely. Test the strength of the masonry screw by grabbing it and trying to wiggle it. If it doesn't move in the brick or masonry, then carefully hang the heavy clock onto the screw. Otherwise, you'll need to remove the screw and the anchor and repeat these steps.

Finally, the easiest type of wall to hang your heavy clock on is, of course, a wood wall. If you have real wood paneling in your home, or, if you live in a log cabin, then you're probably going to hang your heavy clock on wood. To do this, all you need to do is to use a long wood screw. Mark the location where your clock is going to hang on the wood wall. Then, use a screwdriver to insert the screw at the location. As always, double check the wood screw for durability by tugging at it. If it's secure, then safely hang your heavy clock on it. If not, repeat these steps until it is.