Fitting and hanging new mirrors

There are various methods of hanging mirrors on a wall, if you are buying a mirror from a glass merchants cut to your specific size, a neat way of fixing is to have holes drilled through the glass and to utilise mirror screws. These are widely available from various outlets such as hardware stores and DIY centres. They are typically sold in packs of four. They employ a screw which is tapped in the centre to allow a domed cap to be screwed in after fixing.

If you enjoy a challenge and are brave enough, you could drill these holes yourself. The method is to use a ring of putty surrounding where you intend the hole to be and to buy a glass or tile drill bit, which looks like a speared tip. The notion is to fill the putty ring with a light oil to cut down on glass breakout and to cool the bit, whilst drilling. The initial stage after marking, is to lay the mirror onto a flat surface, ensuring it is well supported. Clamp the mirror in place with some form of cushioning, to avoid cracking the glass. 

Felt pads, self adhesive foam pads or cardboard can be used for this, as long as the glass is prevented from moving. With a hardened nail or tile scoring bit or even a glass cutter, slowly etch your mark on top the glass surface, making a small indentation where the drilling is to take place. Put the point of your tile drill bit in the indentation and drill slowly. Allow the tool to do its cutting and do not force it. Glass/tile drills come in various sizes, but 6mm is the optimum size for standard mirror screws, which are number 8 gauge (4mm). 

Another method for a timber framed mirror, for a more secure fixing, flush to the wall, is to utilise mirror plates. These are typically metal electro-brassed with a key hole type of slot. At least two will be required fixed to the frame at the back at the top. Depending on size and weight, it may be best to use four, one at each corner, then four screws in the appropriate positions to be fixed to the wall. The mirror is then hooked on to these four screws. Accuracy is important, to ensure a firm fixing and a plumb mirror.