Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

 

YouTube video (click on the image)
How to install the STAS picture hanging system? how to install stas
How to use the STAS drilling template? STAS drilling template
How to shorten a STAS rail? How to cut a STAS rail
How to connect STAS rails in a corner? How to connect STAS rail
How to remove the STAS picture hanging system? How to remove STAS rail

How do I install a STAS rail?
Installation videos can be found on the product pages for the different rail types. Or view all installation instructions here.

On which wall types can I install a STAS rail? Can I install the rail on a plaster wall?
STAS rails can be installed on almost all wall types.
On concrete and brick walls, the rail can be installed with the provided plugs.
On timber walls, the rail can be installed just with the screws.
On plaster walls, the rail can be installed with special plugs for plaster walls.
Installation on glass is not possible. We recommend purchasing separate rawl plugs from a local hardware store to suit the screws you are using and the different thicknesses of plasterboard.

What is the best way to install the rail perfectly level?
Mark the wall on both ends with a small dot about one inch from the ceiling. We recommend using a chalk line between these two dots (requires 2 persons). If your wall and ceiling are completely smooth, flat and level, it is also possible to use a wooden strip of about two inches wide. Simply hold it to the ceiling and mark a short line underneath along the wall at every 10 to 16 inches. The brass clips / clip screws and fasteners can now be installed on this line. When the rail is mounted, the pencil marks will no longer be visible.

Note: when installing STAS j-rail, STAS j-rail max, STAS multirail crown or STAS multirail flat, it is also necessary to mark the drilling spots on the chalk line, since the holes have been pre-punched into the rail.

At what distance from the ceiling should I install the rail?
For ceilings that are completely smooth and even, we recommend drilling at 0.75 – 1 inch below the ceiling. For textured (popcorn) ceilings or uneven ceilings, we recommend drilling at about 2 inches below the ceiling. Also keep in mind that the drill leaves marks on the ceiling if you are drilling too close to it (this is a common mistake).

You can download a handy drilling template here to help you install your picture hanging system at the correct height.

Can I cut the rail to size?
Yes, the rail can be easily cut to size using a hacksaw. Remove any burrs after sawing (to avoid scratching the rail lacquer).

Caution: when sawing one of the STAS multirail systems, it is vital you use the included wooden strip to keep the copper wires in place.

Can I paint the rail? If so: which type of paint do I need and which pretreatment is necessary?
Yes, the rail is paintable. Gently sand down the rail with very fine sandpaper and make sure the rail is clean, dust free and greaseproof. Next, paint the rail with acrylic paint.

For powder coating please consider using the aluminium option of rail as that is more suitable. Unfortunately we do not offer a powder coating service. 

Can I mount the rail in or on a corner?
Yes, two rail segments can be connected in or on a corner with the help of corner connectors (aka combicaps). These are available in our webshop.

Can the rail be installed diagonally?
No, the rail must always be installed horizontally.

For unusual wall types consider using the STAS qubic is a compact and square hanging system ideal for hanging art on some 'difficult' places, such as a stairwell or a sloping ceiling.

How many metres of rail do I need?
For optimal flexibility and the sleekest look, we recommend installing rail across the full length of your walls. The rail can be easily cut to size.

Please email info@hangingsystems.com with your measurements or drawing of your room and we can send you a quote.

How can I remove the rail again?
The best way to remove the rail from its clips, is to use a screwdriver. Wrap a piece of cloth around the screwdriver to prevent damage to the rail. Place the screwdriver at the bottom of one end of the rail, between the rail and the wall. Now carefully move the screwdriver upwards, pulling the rail loose from its installation clips. Once you have made a start, you can gently loosen the rail by hand.

Is the rail suitable for paintings only or could I also hang a whiteboard, clock or mirror?
Our hanging systems will accommodate many diverse objects like whiteboards, clocks, mirrors, quilts, seasonal decoration and any other object that is flat enough, has proper hanging hardware and doesn’t exceed the maximum load capacity. So feel free to get creative!

Which hooks and cords should I pick?
This depends on the type of rail you have chosen, the weight you wish to hang from the rail and the look you prefer.

The perlon cord is transparent and therefore hardly visible. The steel cable (also available in black and white) is suitable for hanging heavier decorations and has a more industrial look.

Several combinations can be made per rail type. Rails in the STAS j-rail series use different hooks and cords.

STAS minirail, STAS cliprail, STAS cliprail max, STAS cliprail pro, STAS decor rail, STAS u-rail, STAS multirail:
Weights up to 8.8 lbs / 4 kg: STAS smartspring on STAS perlon cord with cobra tip
Weights up to 22 lbs / 10 kg: STAS zipper on STAS black / white steel cable with cobra tip
Weights up to 33 lbs / 15 kg: STAS zipper on STAS perlon cord with cobra tip
Weights up to 44 lbs / 20 kg: STAS zipper on STAS steel cable with cobra tip

STAS j-rail:
Weights up to 8.8 lbs / 4 kg: perlon cord with disk + cylinder hook + STAS smartspring
Weights up to 8.8. lbs / 4 kg: S-hook + perlon cord with loop + STAS smartspring
Weights up to 33 lbs / 15 kg: perlon cord with disk + cylinder hook + STAS zipper
Weights up to 33 lbs / 15 kg: STAS j-rail rod + spring hook
Weights up to 33 lbs / 15 kg: S-hook + perlon cord with loop + STAS zipper
Weights up to 44 lbs / 20 kg: S-hook + steel cable with loop + STAS zipper

STAS j-rail max:
Weights up to 88 lbs / 40 kg: STAS j-rail max rod 4x4 + STAS j-rail max hook for 4x4 rod
Weights up to 88 lbs / 40 kg: STAS j-rail max security rod 4x4 + STAS j-rail max security hook + optional theft-delaying STAS j-rail max security cap
Weights up to 220 lbs / 100 kg: STAS j-rail max rod 4x10 + STAS j-rail max hook for 4x10 rod

Can I hang multiple pictures from one cord or cable?
Yes, you can. You can use multiple STAS smartsprings or STAS zippers on a single cord or cable. Just make sure the maximum allowed weight of the cord is not exceeded. Also keep the maximum weight capacity of the selected rail system in mind.

Can I cut the perlon cord or steel cable?
Basically, the perlon cord can be cut. However, this may cause problems: the use of unsuitable scissors may create a burr, making it difficult to slide the picture hook onto the cord. We recommend rolling up the overflowing piece of cord and tucking it away behind your artwork (if necessary, use an elastic band, some tape or a paperclip). Steel cable cannot be shortened.

How wide is the steel cable?
The steel cable is 1.8 mm wide.

How wide is the perlon cord?
The perlon cord is 2 mm wide.

How long does a steel cable last?
The steel cables have a limitless life span.

How long does a perlon cord last?
We recommend replacing a perlon cord every five years due to exposure to climatological influences.

What is the weight capacity of a zipper and a smartspring?
A smartspring on perlon cord can carry up to 4 kg.
A zipper on perlon cord can carry up to 15 kg.
A zipper on steel cable can carry up to 20 kg.
Combining a smartspring with a steel cable is not possible.

The STAS smartspring is creating tiny cracks in the cord, how is that possible?
This is caused by the self-locking mechanism of the smartspring. The hook latches onto the perlon cord for grip. These surface cracks do not influence the quality or the load capacity of the cord.

How can I make sure the hooks are not visible above the painting?
This differs per type of painting, depending on where the hanging hardware is situated at the back. Is your painting hung from steel wire hardware? If so, make sure the steel wire isn’t too long. The painting will also tilt forward if this is the case.

The use of a sawtooth hanger can be a very good solution in all cases.

How do I prevent a painting from tilting forward when hung?
If your painting is tilting forward, you may want to check the hardware at the back of it. Chances are the wire is too long or attached too low.

Use d-rings rather than screw eyes, d-rings lay flat against the back of the frame, so there is less forward-tilt.

If using d-rings, place the smartspring or zipper hook through the d-rings either side and use two cords where possible.

You can use small flat spring clips to pull the cord towards the frame at the top, closing the gap down.

You can try using felt bumper pads or distance caps to push your frame away from the wall at the bottom: STAS self adhesive distance caps 13mm (per 4 pieces) 

Spring clips and Felt bumper pads are available to purchase at most do-it-yourself framing supplier stores. 

More details can be found here on the latest Blog.

I want to move the STAS cobra to another place in the rail. Can I just pull the cord to the left or right?
No, we emphasize that the STAS cobra is specifically designed to hook into the rail at any desired location. If the cord is pulled too hard under a certain angle, there is a chance that the STAS cobra will be bent. This is due to incorrect use of the system and STAS is in that case not responsible for consequential damage.