Light Cleat 12 inch Metal Frame Kit
S-HWR-162
About Light Cleat 12 inch Metal Frame Kit
- 12" Long Light-Duty Cleat Hanger Set for Metal Frame
- For metal frames 20 to 30 inches wide, also works with some poster frames
- supports up to 50 pounds
- metal cleat works with most Nielsen type metal frames with a 3/8" channel
- made of extruded aluminum 1 1/8" tall by 3/64" thick
- Wall standoff is 1/4 inch
- All necessary fastening hardware required for installation is included
Metal Cleat Kit includes
- (1) 1 1/8" x 12" cleats - to attach to the wall
- (3) #8 x 1" screws - to attach one cleat to wall
- (3) #8 plastic anchors - if needed to attach cleat to wall
Description
Light-Duty Cleat Hangers will fit on all currently manufactured metal frames generically designated as #11 Profile moulding. This includes the metal moulding currently made by Nielsen, Clark, Designer, Alumaframe, Global Art, MCS, Decor and most OEM manufacturers. The #11 Profile category (and compatible profiles) constitute probably 95% of the current metal moulding market.
If you are installing older metal-framed pictures, you should be aware that metal frame moulding design has evolved over the years and the Light-Duty Cleat Hanger cleat may not fit inside the back channel of certain older, now obsolete style metal frames (typically pre-1980 manufacture).
There are a small number of these older extrusion profiles still being made, the so-called #186 Profile and #444 Profile. These profiles have a narrower back channel, measuring about 1/4" wide, compared to the standard 3/8" wide universal channel of the #11 Profile. Light-Duty Cleat Hangers will not fit on #186 or #444 profile moulding.
Wider and complex metal frame profiles where the back channel is set in from the outer edge of the frame cannot be hung with Light-Duty Cleat Hangers.
As long as the corner hardware and channel on the back side of your metal frame looks like this and the channel is 3/8" wide, Light-Duty Cleat Hangers will work.
Light-Duty Cleat Hangers also cannot be used on low-end crimped corner metal frames ("back-load" or "back-loaded" frames). Back-loaded metal frames do not have a universal channel at all and look like this at the corners. This type of metal frame will not work with our cleats.
Instructions
- The cleat must be installed as level as possible.
- Attach the cleat to the wall at your marks using the #8 x 1" screws and plastic wall anchors provided. Small adjustments to level can be made by making use of the slotted screw holes.
- To hang a metal frame, place the frame against the wall with the top rail slightly above the installed wall cleat. Tilt the frame out slightly from the wall at the bottom rail while sliding the frame down the wall to allow the wall cleat to catch inside the universal channel on the back side of the frame's top rail
- A metal frame hung with a cleat hanger can be adjusted side-to-side by sliding it to the left or right while the frame is hung on the cleat.
- To disengage a metal frame from a cleat hanger, pull the bottom edge of the frame off the wall slightly, then lift the frame directly upward a couple of inches.
Related Content
What is a French Cleat Hanger and Why You Need Them
How to Choose the Proper Aluminum French Cleats
Frequently Asked Questions
Q How do I install metal frame hangers and what tools or hardware do I need?
Most metal frame hangers snap, slide, or clip into the open channel of a standard Nielsen #11 profile metal frame—no tools required. Some designs are wire-compatible, allowing you to string picture wire between two hangers. For heavyweight metal frames, our French cleat kits include all hardware for installation. For a detailed guide, check our article: Do's and Don'ts When Using Metal Frame Hangers.
Q Can I remove metal frame hangers without damaging my walls?
Yes. Metal frame hangers attach to the frame's channel, not to the wall, so removing or swapping them causes no wall damage. Simply unclip or slide the hanger out of the channel.
Q How much weight can metal frame hangers safely hold?
Weight capacity depends on the hanger design and whether it's used with wire or as a direct-hang solution. Our metal frame hangers range from lightweight snap-in options to heavy-duty French cleat kits for large metal frames. Check each product listing for the specific weight rating.
Q What metal frame profiles are these hangers compatible with?
Our metal frame hangers are designed for the industry-standard Nielsen #11 profile, which has a 3/8-inch channel opening. This is the most common metal frame profile used by framers and manufacturers. Check the product listing to confirm compatibility with your frame.
Q What kinds of frames or decor work best with metal frame hangers?
Metal frame hangers are specifically designed for aluminum and metal picture frames with an open channel. They work well for framed prints, posters, photos, and certificates in standard metal frames. For wooden frames, see our wood frame hangers and D-ring collections.