We're in a rented place and just wanted to find out whats ok in relation to hanging up pictures. I've got two large framed ones which each weigh 4 kg. I tried hanging with some picture hooks from Ikea but they are too heavy.
Is it ok to just bank a nail into the wall or is this seriously unacceptable in switzerland (and maybe not a good way to hang a picture??).
Other option is to get some reasonably big screws - is there a difference between screws that you get for wood and for walls (these are very solid old walls). What would you do - do you need to drill a hole in preparation.
Sorry, but I haven,t got a clue when it comes to this type of stuff. I'm keen to give it a bash but don't want to mess it up. Advice would be appreciated.
If it is a solid, brick-kind-of wall then you'll need a drill that can handle that type of wall. You drill a hole, put a in a plug and screw the screw into the plug.
If it is a plaster-wall (gips), then you need a special screw that expands in the void behind the wall.
Regarding what you may do in a rented apartment. Well, you can make as many holes in the walls as you want as long as you fill them when you leave. As the walls here are normally rugged white it is usually not to much of a problems. A secret tip: Elmex toothpaste :-)
For plaster, you can drill a pilot hole and use an expanding wall anchor. This is assuming that you have a solid wall. If you have traditional plaster & lath, with hollow walls (pretty rare in Switzerland), then a spring loaded toggle bolt would be better.
But if it were me, I'd try to locate some of the 3m brand command hooks. These are plastic wall hooks ( Kunststoffhaken) with a special, releasable adhesive. The larger ones will support 2 or 3 kg. For a 4 kilo picture, I'd use 2 or 3 of them. The neat part is that they have a release tab on the bottom.. so when you go to move, you can pull the tab and the directional adhesive releases, usually without any wall damage at all. Works well if your walls are smooth surfaced. I have seen them in the larger Migros DIY shops.
Ah yes, the ubiquitous stipple that adorns many a wall here (hate the stuff). I think you will end up having to drill a hole for an anchor. But at least the stipple texture will probably do a good job of concealing the repair when you ultimately move.