If you've ever tried to securely hang a stained glass panel, you know how frustrating it can be.  By using Handy Hanger Inserts, there will be no more drilling holes in the frame, no more bending wire, no more paper clips, no more key rings, no more washers, etc.

The solid brass Handy Hanger insert, was invented specifically for hanging all metal-framed panels.  All framing is done before the Handy Hanger inserts are installed.  Handy Hanger inserts are made of solid brass and are designed to be inserted inside all zinc, brass or copper U-Channel frames.

The tab is inserted into the opening, leaving only the eye exposed.  Heat is applied with the tip of the solder iron causing solder to flow the length of the hanger, thus allowing Handy Hanger inserts to become an integral part of the finished piece.

Handy Hanger inserts work with a variety of shapes. They are easy to use, securely hold the panels yet do not detract from the beauty of the panels.

Square or Rectangle Frames

Let side pieces of the frame run full length so that the tops will be open to accept the Handy Hanger.  Stand the panel with the side flat on a work bench.  Insert the Handy Hanger, flux and solder.  Cap off the ends with solder after the Handy Hangers are in place.

Mitered Corners
After cutting all framing to fit, the 2 sides and bottom of frame should be assembled and soldered together.  The top portions of each side should be fluxed as well as the Hangers.  The Hangers should then be inserted in framing leaving only the eye exposed.  Solder Hangers in place.  Stained glass panel can now be inserted into frame.

Trim 3/32 off each end of top framing piece, put in place and solder.

Butt Joint Corners
Stained glass panel should be completely framed and soldered together before Handy Hanger inserts are installed.

Be sure the side pieces of the frame run full length so that the tops of frame are open to accept the Handy Hanger inserts.  Stand the panel with the side flat on a workbench.

The Handy Hanger and the opening are fluxed.  The tab is inserted into the opening, leaving only the eye exposed.  Solder is applied with the tip of iron causing solder to flow the length of the Hanger.

Cap off ends with solder after the Handy Hanger inserts are secure in place.

Round or Oval Frames

After the framing is complete, decide the 2 points where you want to place the hangers.  Then, simply file a groove across the frame (using the edge of a half round bastard file). Insert the Handy Hanger tab into the groove up to the eye.  Flux and solder.  On small diameter frames using narrow zinc, you will need to give Hanger tab a slight curve to conform to the panel diameter.  This can be accomplished by using breaker pliers.

Hanging Round or Oval Panels
After frame is formed and attached to stained glass panel, decide where the Hangers should be placed.  At these 2 points either file a groove across the frame (a half-round file works best) or using a band saw cut notches.  At this point using your breaker pliers, bend the Handy Hanger slightly to conform to the radius of your frame.

Using a generous amount of flux, flux notches and also the Hangers.  Install Hangers and solder in place, being sure to solder closed any spaces.

Octagon & Hexagon Frames

Joints are the best points to install the Handy Hanger.  Using the edge of a half round bastard file, simply file a groove across the zinc.  Insert the Handy Hanger tab into the groove up to the eye.  Flux and solder.

Inside Corner with Half Frames

Insert Handy Hangers in open ends of frame.  Flux and solder.  Using small screws, attach frame to wall openings.

After completing your corner panel and framing with zinc, flux inside each end of zinc and also tab end of Hanger.  Insert Hanger into zinc up to eye and solder in place (illustration #1).

For a flush mount, bend one tab of Hanger 90 degrees and solder against zinc border side with top face of Handy Hanger level with top edge of zinc (illustration #2).  The tab is now your place of attachment to window or door using small screws (illustration #3).