Top 10 best Framing Tools products

A Comprehensive Guide to Framing Tools: Essential Equipment for Precision and Efficiency

If you've received your canvas print or fine art paper without a frame, you'll likely need to undertake the framing process at home. The following guide presents various options for both metal and wood frames, along with instructions on mounting a rolled canvas onto stretcher bars. Whether you're a framing novice or an experienced enthusiast, and regardless of your budget, these tips aim to assist you in creating a stunning display for your artwork.

Point Gun

A Point Gun, also known as a Point Driver, Tab Gun, or Tab Driver, resembles and functions like a heavy-duty staple gun. Instead of staples, it propels small metal rods into the wooden picture frame. Once inserted, these pins can be bent back, facilitating easy artwork changes. This method is effective for both temporary adjustments and permanent mounting.

It's important to note that the Point Gun is suitable when the contents of your frame (glass, mat, artwork, and backing) are positioned below the wooden frame edge. The points are fired into the side of the frame, requiring a portion of the frame to be visible above the backing.

For individuals frequently framing artwork, investing in a point gun is advisable. This entails acquiring both the tool itself and the points for optimal usage.

Fitting Tool

A tool known as a "point driver" resembles a vise and serves a similar purpose to a point gun. The point or tab that needs to be inserted into the frame is placed into one end of the tool, while the opposite end applies pressure against the exterior of the frame. When these two ends are brought together, the point is pushed into the frame.

This tool provides an alternative for more delicate frames or artwork, where the potential impact of a point gun could lead to damage. Additionally, it is considered a safer option. Depending on the type of points acquired, this method can be employed for attaching either permanent or interchangeable artwork.

Widely used in photo frames for effortless picture changes, flexible points possess sufficient rigidity for permanent installation. Multi-points are utilized to secure decorative fillets or fasten work mounted on stretchers, such as oil paintings or embroidery.

Glazier Points

Glazier points present a cost-effective choice for softwood frames, designed to securely affix artwork permanently. These L-shaped points feature a pointed end that is inserted into the frame.

To insert glazier points into the frame, one can employ a putty knife or a flat head screwdriver. Alternatively, a "point inserting tool" is available for purchase, typically priced around $12.

The versatility of Glazier Points extends to various projects. They prove useful for holding glass in a sash before applying putty, as well as framing pictures within wooden frames.

Taping

If you wish to secure your artwork permanently within its frame, consider using tape to affix the backing in place once it has been secured with points or tabs. This precautionary measure helps prevent dust and unwanted pests from finding their way into the small gaps between the backing and the frame.

Various types of wide tape can be employed for this purpose, with fabric or paper tape being particularly suitable. While cost-effective, these tapes are often available in packages containing multiple rolls.

To apply the tape, cover approximately half an inch of the frame and an equal or larger portion of the backing. Press down firmly to ensure a secure seal. Ensure that each side of the tape overlaps the other, creating a neat and straight seam all the way around. If you have received rubber or felt bumpers, affix them to the bottom corners of the frame after completing the taping process.

Turn Buttons

If your artwork aligns with the back of the frame, turn buttons can be employed to secure it in position. These petite components are affixed to the wooden frame, allowing the extended tab to reach over the backing. By slightly loosening the screw, the buttons can be swiveled, facilitating easy artwork changes.

For artworks that are marginally thicker or thinner than the frame, a bent turn button may be suitable. Bent buttons are attached in the same manner as flat buttons, but the extended tab bends downward or upward to secure the backing.

Regardless of the turn button type chosen, it is essential to evenly distribute them around the frame's circumference. Smaller frames may only require a single turn button at the center.

Fitting Metal Frames

In contrast to most wooden frames, metal frames typically feature a track where the contents (glass, mat, artwork, and backing) can smoothly slide in, eliminating the need for clips on the edges. However, the track needs to be sufficiently deep to accommodate a relatively thick stack, which may result in it being too wide for a snug fit of your contents.

To address this issue, the hardware assembly kit includes spring clips – U-shaped rods of thin metal. Once your frame is assembled, position a spring clip on the backing with the arch side facing up, close to the frame.

It's essential to distribute the clips evenly around the perimeter. For smaller frames, you likely received four clips, which can be placed in the middle of each frame bar. Larger frames may come with 6 to 8 clips.

Press down on the center of the spring clip and slide it between the backing and the frame. This action will push the contents towards the front. Once all the clips are properly in place, your artwork will be securely held, tight against the front of the frame.

Offset Clips

Offset clips provide a cost-effective solution for securing your artwork when it extends beyond the depth of your frame, such as a stretched canvas. They are versatile and suitable for use with both regular frames and floater frames.

These clips feature one end that is "stepped" higher than the other. The lower end can be affixed to the frame's back using screws, forming a lip that securely holds the canvas in position. By placing offset clips on all sides of the canvas (typically requiring only one per side, regardless of the canvas size), you effectively secure the canvas against the frame.

Offset clips are manufactured in various depths, starting from as little as 1/8", making them adaptable for mounting canvases into floater frames as well. It's important to note that the installation of these clips requires a screwdriver or electric drill.

Conclusion

Investing in high-quality framing tools is essential for achieving precision, efficiency, and safety in construction and carpentry projects. The right set of tools can make a significant difference in the speed and accuracy with which framing tasks are completed. Whether you are a professional carpenter or a DIY enthusiast, having the appropriate framing tools in your arsenal is key to the success of your projects.