Technique: Pull Tab Picture Hanger

Quick, easy, free trick for hanging lightweight items.

  • Add Note x
  • x 6

Shown here is a simple method for A) removing a stay tab from a soda can with the rivet-ring intact, and B) attaching the tab to a wooden frame or board using the rivet ring. The pull-ring is then conveniently used for hanging from a nail.

Sections
Tools
Relevant parts
  • Soda can, empty with intact stay tab
  • Screw, wood to fit rivet hole in tab
first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2

Add Note Edit Step 1 — Turn tab around  ¶ 

  • Rotate the tab around the rivet until the pull ring is directly over the open mouth of the can.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 2 — Remove tab  ¶ 

  • Grasp the short end of the tab with a pair of pliers, as shown.

  • Bend the tab down into the mouth of the can while pulling up at the same time.

  • The tab should pop neatly off the rivet with the ring intact.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 3 — Attach to frame  ¶ 

  • Mark a convenient centered location in the upper back surface of the piece to be hung.

  • Set the tab in position with the rivet hole over the mark.

  • Drive a short wood screw through the tab's rivet hole into the marked location.

  • If your piece is softwood, like pine, a pilot hole is probably not necessary. If it's hardwood, you may want to drill a very small pilot hole first.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 4 — Bend ring out, if needed  ¶ 

  • You may find that the pull ring on the mounted tab does not have sufficient clearance from the wood to go over a nail head.

  • If so, insert a flat-blade screwdriver under the pull ring, as shown, and gently pry it out away from the wood.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 5 — Hang it up  ¶ 

  • Drive a small nail in the wall where you want the picture to hang. A slight downward angle is best.

  • Slip the pull ring over the nail head.

  • Straighten the picture, and you're done.

  • (And yes, before anyone asks, we know the inscription on the back is upside-down. Mom was very upset with herself.)

Obviously, one should use caution when hanging heavy, valuable, or fragile items, but you will probably be surprised at how strong these hangers are.

For more information, check out the Recycle category page.

Did you successfully follow this guide?

This guide has been completed 6 times.

Comments Add Note Comments are onturn off

Guide Add Note

why is it upside down?

Rainier Islas montoya, · Reply

You dont need to use plyers to remove the tab. Just rotate it and push backwars.

Rodrigo Pessotti, · Reply