These Under-$15 Picture Hooks Require Zero Tools and Hold up to 65 Pounds

The do-it-yourself projects that often get the most attention are the ones that provide the biggest visual and functional transformations. They involve outdated kitchens that get blown out into modern open-concept ones, cramped bathrooms that are exchanged for bright sanctuaries, and boring bedrooms that suddenly rival hideaways in hotels. Smaller upgrades can get ignored in the midst of all this upheaval — cast aside for days-long demolitions and wider budgets. 

But what if I told you that I was able to completely change the look of a blank wall in the time it took to listen to three songs? 

I’ll be honest: I’m not the type of renter who wants to make big changes in my home. I can work with the white paint and gray vinyl plank flooring that sweeps across my building, and I’m generally satisfied with its hardware and cabinetry. Heck, I even approve of the carpet. So when it came to adding personal touches to the place, I kept my concerns to eye-catching designs that’ll be easy to take down. To put it more simply, I want to cover the white walls with art. 

There are a few ways to go about this, of course. I could pick out a roll or two of peel-and-stick wallpaper, but unfortunately, my apartment’s dividing lines have an orange-peel texture — a certain no-go for this trend. I could hang posters with putty like I did in college, but seeing that my knees crack regularly and my back aches almost daily, I feel like I’m too mature for that. I could try Command strips, which were also a dorm-room staple when I was a coed and have since only grown in popularity. 

But then I came across 3M Claws on my 2,567th visit to Target in the days following my move. These drywall picture hangers run about $10 for a five-pack of the 15-pound size, and can be pushed in a wall using two thumbs. You place an included triangle sticker against the wall to start, mark where you want the claw to go using a pen, pull off the sticker, and push in the claw. After that, you can hang your art. 

The 15-pound weight limit of each of these hooks appealed to my penchant of being overly prepared, and will likely leave two slit-like holes the size of a small nail clipping when removed using a flat-head screwdriver. I threw a package into my cart, plus a pair of matching artwork — that’s Target for you — and headed home. Then, I put on music and finished this task in less than 15 minutes. It took me longer to make sure the spot where the claws would go was in the middle of the wall than pushing in the claws themselves. And admittedly, I used a hammer on one claw that just didn’t budge with the force of my thumb. 

As is the case with any DIY project, even one this straightforward, it’s important to read the directions carefully before getting to work. The biggest tip to remember is that these claws are made to hang on drywall and won’t be as secure on other surfaces. I checked with Mallory Micetich, an Angi home expert, to get her take. And sure enough, she says to stick with drywall only.

“While some might find success using the 3M claw hooks on wood or plaster walls, they were designed specifically for drywall so the hooks or artwork could cause damage to those materials,” Micetich says. “I highly recommend following the product’s instructions or consulting a handyman if you’re still unsure.”

For anyone who does have drywall, though, there are a range of sizes to choose from — all the way up to one with a 65-pound rating, which could conceivably hold a mirror. All of the packs are priced under $15. So there you have it: This is a DIY project you can do for less than the price of dinner, in the time it takes to get through a mere three songs on Spotify, and will surely make a lasting impression in your home all the same.