tools & supplies for installing art
David Reid-Marr applying the final touches on his exhibition, Maranasti: The Elements of Disappearance, Idyllwild Arts, 2022.
Over the course of many years of installing artwork I’ve determined a list of hands-down favorite tools and supplies that I reach for every time. Of course, you don’t need to have all of these items to successfully install art, and I’ve found that installation is often a matter of trial and error and problem-solving using different supplies that will pertain to the space. That said, if I were to open my own gallery from scratch, these are the things I would stock in my cart (I’ll show you a recommended one of those too!).
Keep in mind… I have been very fortunate to install on reinforced walls — 3/4” drywall backed by 3/4” plywood, so I never had to find a wall stud or use drywall anchors. If you’re working in an exhibition space with, say, brick or non-reinforced walls, you’ll need to consider different hardware.
I have no affiliation or relationship with brands listed below. These are just the tools and supplies I prefer and have found to be reliable over the years. I personally own several of the items on this list.
hand TOOLS
Makita 2-Piece Combo Kit - You will benefit greatly from both a cordless driver-drill and the powerful kick of an impact driver for sinking those screws.
This set is less expensive but still an excellent option. Makita all the way.
DEWALT Black and Gold Twist Drill Bit - I know they make larger sets, but this selection has all the bits I’ve ever needed and they rarely snap.
Makita ImpactX Driver Bit Set - A solid variety of driver bits for any hardware you’re likely to go encounter. If you’d rather try out a few bits to start out, my favorites:
TEKTON Star Bit Set - The star bit combined with Grip-Rite screws were consistently reliable for securing hangers into our plywood-backed walls. I liked to keep the 1.25”, 2” and 3” long screws on-hand.
TEKTON Square, Slotted and Phillips Bit Set - Great variety pack to keep you moving.
Kapro Level with Ruler - I credit the amazing ceramic artist, Nicole Seisler, for turning me on to this simple but highly affective hand tool back in 2022 when she was mapping out her collaborative wall-wedging piece Prepared Together. Where I used to have to juggle between a level and tape measure when installing 2D works, this tool cuts my install time in half (I actually own the 32”, and it even goes up to 48”!).
Stanley 9” Magnetic Torpedo Level - A helpful back pocket level for finishing touches.
Bosch Green VisiMax Self-Leveling Laser - I don’t typically use a laser level aside from when I install large grids of artwork, and the self-leveling feature is really helpful.
Milwaukee Compact 25-ft Tape Measure with Fractional Scale - For when every 1/8” counts, this is the best tape measure around for spelling out fractions and I have yet to have it jam, even when pulled out to its full 25 feet.
10 oz Stanley Hammer: Simple, effective, gets the job done.
DEWALT 1/4" and 3/8” Ratchet & Socket Set - Mainly used for installing TV wall mounts
Stanley Plier Set - You will take treasure and use all of these!
Hardware
Hangers - for 2D works that were already rigged with a wire.
Grip-Rite 1” Roofing Nails and Magcraft Rare Earth Disc Magnets - the perfect combo for installing 2D paper artwork on magnets.
Grip-Rite 1.25” General Purpose Phillips head screws - In addition to Star Drive screws mentioned above, I also like having these available for drywall.
SETUP
Utility Cart - Set yourself up with a rolling cart that you can easily maneuver because it will become your loyal companion and follow you wherever you go. These molded plastic carts are so sturdy, never scratch or dent and I’ve even screwed right into them to add an additional hook for a level. I highly recommend you find a cart with two “tub shelves” like this one, rather than a flat shelf on top or bottom, so that your supplies nest right into it.
Cosco 2-in-1 Hybrid Handtruck - Expensive? Yes. But next to my cordless drills, this handtruck gets the most use and enables you to do so much more than you’d think — from hauling pedestals to multiple packages of artwork, it is your second set of hands when you need it most.
3-Step Ladder with Tray - depending on the height of your walls you may need something shorter or taller, but three steps should do you well. The tray is essential for holding your tools!
General supplies
3M ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape - I always have several roles on hand for a variety of tasks, from marking walls for paint touch-ups to installing vinyl. I prefer these widths: 0.7”, 1.41” and 1.8.”
For patching holes:
Red Devil Onetime Lightweight Spackling - I usually find at my local hardware store.
3M Drywall Sanding Blocks (150-220 grit) - I always sand before spackling and then once more after it dries to try for the smoothest finish on wall touch-ups.
Mr. Clean Extra Durable Magic Erasers - try these to care of stray smudges before painting!
Silver Binder Clips - a great option for installing student works on paper using small nails.
Scraper tool - for paint spills on the floor to lifting vinyl off the lobby wall.
Paper - I am a little old school and prefer to hand-draw each installation on plain printer paper when calculating hang height and distance between artworks.
