Light Cleat 18 inch Metal Frame Kit
S-HWR-171
About Light Cleat 18 inch Metal Frame Kit
- 18" Long Light-Duty Cleat Hanger Set for Metal Frame
- For metal frames over 30 inches wide
- 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 18" cleat - for the wall
- (5) #8 x 1" screws - to attach cleat to wall
- (5) #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 backchannel 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 backchannel, 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 backchannel 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 backside 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
- This 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.
- Place the wood frame or panel face down on a blanket or soft surface and attach the second cleat provided to the back of the frame's top rail, slightly down from the top edge and centered on the rail, using the #8 x 1/2" screws provided. The cleat should be mounted so that the screw holes are on the top and the bottom edge is open and out from the frame rail. This cleat must be installed as level as possible (positioned down evenly from the top edge of the frame) .
- To hang the frame, place it flush against the wall so that the bottom edge of the frame cleat is positioned slightly above the top edge of the wall cleat and the frame is centered on the wall cleat. Let the frame slide down the wall slowly and evenly until the cleats connect together completely Some side-to-side adjustment can be made by lifting the frame slightly and shifting it to the left or right. When adjusting a wood frame in this way make sure that the frame cleat and the wall cleat are engaged along at least 90% of their length.
- To remove the frame from the wall completely, lift the frame directly upward a couple of inches to disengage the cleats.
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.