How To Select
Art Suspension
The beauty of the Griplock Art Suspension System is its simplicity and versatility.
Please review the following guidelines and FAQs. We also recommend downloading our Art Suspension Catalog and detailed Mounting Instructions before making your final selection.
The art suspension system consists of 3 components:
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The wall-mounted track, usually installed along the full length of each wall directly below the ceiling.
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3/64” stainless steel aircraft cables that hang from the track and are connected to your artwork.
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Adjustable Griplock Gliders (cable grippers) that attach the cables to your artwork. The Gliders allow the artwork to be raised, lowered and leveled in seconds. No tools are needed.
Estimating track requirements:
Track sections come in 80” lengths. Below is an example of how to determine the number of tracks needed:
Total length of walls: 50 feet
Multiply by 12 to get inches: 50’ x 12 = 600”
Divide by 80 to get the number of tracks: 600 ÷ 80 = 7.5
Round up to the next whole number: 8 tracks are needed
Be prepared to cut one or more of the tracks to fit your walls.
Calculating the amount of cables and Gliders you will need:
Determine how many pieces of art you plan to hang. Most picture frames and art objects should be hung with two cables and two Gliders. This allows for exact and permanent leveling. It is possible to stack several similar size frames using 2 cables. In this case you’ll need 2 extra gliders per frame. Small portrait-style pictures may be hung with one cable & one Glider. See page 4 of our Art Suspension Catalog.
Calculating the Cable length:
The cable length is determined by the height of the track and where you would like to position the piece of art on the wall. Excess cable can always be tucked away behind the artwork. It’s better to do this than to cut the cable. Cable sizes are in 12” increments starting at 36”.
For more information, feel free to call the Sales Team at 805.566.0064.
FAQs
Is it hard to install?
What tools will I need?
What are the dimensions of the track & cover?
Can I cut the track myself?
What color is the track?
Can I paint the track cover?
Can I install the track on the ceiling?
How much weight can one cable support?
How many cables do I need?
How many pieces of art can I hang on one set of cables?
Can I cut the cable if it is too long?
Is it hard to install?
No, but we do recommend that a handy person install the track and cover. Just follow the Mounting Instructions that come with your shipment. If you have questions or concerns about installation, call us!
What tools will I need?
You will need a power drill, a sharp 7/32” drill bit to punch through the track and create a small pilot hole in the wall, and a Philips-head screwdriver attachment. You may also need a stud finder, and a level.
What are the dimensions of the track & cover?
The track is 1” high, 0.45” deep and 80” long. The cover is 1.35” in height and when added to the track brings the overall depth to 0.5”. The cover comes in 82” lengths but is also available in continuous lengths of up to 200’ to cover multiple track sections seamlessly.
Can I cut the track myself?
Yes, you can. The track is aluminum and can easily be cut with a hacksaw or a chop-saw with a fine-tooth metal-cutting blade.
What color is the track?
The track is aluminum and the track cover is made of matte-white snap-on PVC.
Can I paint the track cover?
The track cover easily accepts any decorating paint.
Can I install the track on the ceiling?
The track does not have horizontal attachment points. However, it is possible to attach the track to the ceiling if a vertical attachment point, such as wooden 2 x 2, or an L-shaped metal bracket is installed first.
How much weight can one cable support?
One 3/64” cable can hold 35lbs. If two cables are used to hang your piece of art, the weight load then doubles to 70lbs., as long as the 2 cables are at least 16” apart.
How many cables do I need?
The number of cables depends on how many pieces of art you want to hang and how you want your space to look. In most instances, you will want to use two cables and two Gliders per piece of art. If it is a very small portrait-style piece, it may only require one.
How many pieces of art can I hang on one set of cables?
As many as will fit on the cables up to a limit of 50 lbs. per cable per 16”. This figure assumes that the track has been correctly installed according to our Mounting Instructions.
Can I cut the cable if it is too long?
It’s better to loop and tuck excess cable behind the artwork. If you do want to cut the cables you must use a professional cable cutter as shown in our accessory section. After cutting you should seal the ends with a drop of super glue to keep them from fraying.
