As a dad, there’s something almost sacred about being the go-to person for fixing, hanging, building, and—yes—sometimes breaking things in the name of progress. We’ve all been there. You want to hang up that new mirror, mount that family photo collage, or finally put up those shelves your spouse has been reminding you about since last fall. But what starts as a simple “I’ll do it in 10 minutes” task ends up becoming an hour-long ordeal with wall anchors, drills, screws, patch kits, and maybe a few choice words whispered under your breath.
Enter: The CLAW Drywall Picture Hanger from 3M.
This thing? It’s a game-changer. A dad’s best friend. A no-nonsense, no-tools-needed drywall anchor that’s strong, simple, and actually lives up to the hype.
In this post, I’ll break down exactly what The CLAW is, how easy it is to use, why it works so well, and why every dad needs this in their toolbox (or even just the junk drawer). Let’s get into it.
What Is The CLAW From 3M?
The CLAW™ Drywall Picture Hanger is exactly what it sounds like: a cleverly designed metal hanger that lets you hang heavy items directly into drywall—without tools, wall anchors, or studs.
Yup, you read that right. No stud finding. No anchors. No mess.
It’s designed with a special hardened steel design that “claws” into the drywall for a secure grip. All you do is push it into the wall, and it’s ready to go. It’s simple, sturdy, and shockingly strong for something so small.
There are a few versions available depending on what you’re hanging:
- 15 lb version – great for small frames, decorations, etc.
- 25 lb version – good for medium-sized shelves or heavier art pieces.
- 45 lb version – perfect for big mirrors, heavy shelves, or even large wall décor.
And the best part? They all install in seconds. No drill. No screwdriver. No sweat.
Why Dads Love The CLAW: It’s All About Ease and Efficiency
Let’s be real—most of us aren’t looking to make projects harder than they need to be. The CLAW™ is like the fast-forward button for home improvement projects. Here’s why dads (and anyone else doing DIY work) are loving it:
1. It’s Ridiculously Easy to Use
Seriously, if you can push a thumbtack into a bulletin board, you can install The CLAW™. No joke.
Just press it into the drywall using your thumb or a small tool if needed, and it locks into place. Hook your picture or shelf bracket onto it, and you’re done. It’s so easy, you’ll start looking around the house for more stuff to hang.
Perfect for:
- New dads who don’t have time to dig out the toolbox
- Experienced DIYers who are tired of fussing with drywall anchors
- Anyone who wants a reliable hold with zero hassle
2. No Studs? No Problem.
Normally, hanging anything heavy requires tracking down a stud. And let’s be honest, using a stud finder can feel like black magic—beep here, beep there, then silence. Where is that stud? Who knows.
With The CLAW™, you don’t need one. It grips straight into the drywall, holding up to 45 pounds without needing to hit wood. That means you can finally hang that mirror exactly where you want it—not just where the stud happens to be.
3. It Holds Strong and Comes Off Clean
Not only does The CLAW™ go in easily—it stays put. It’s been tested and proven to hold weight securely, so there’s no guessing or worrying about whether your art is going to fall at 2 a.m.
And when it’s time to take it out? It comes out with minimal wall damage—just a small hole that’s easy to patch with spackle if needed. Way less hassle than traditional anchors.
How to Use The CLAW™ From 3M
Using The CLAW™ is as easy as it gets—no tools, no drills, and no stud-finding required. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you get it right the first time:
- Choose the Right Weight Rating
First, decide what you’re hanging and pick the correct CLAW™ version: 15 lb, 25 lb, or 45 lb. It’s important to match the weight of your item to the hanger for safety and performance. - Mark the Spot
Use a pencil to lightly mark where you want the item to hang. For things like shelves or multiple frames, a level might help keep everything straight. - Push It In
Align The CLAW™ with your mark and push the pointed ends straight into the drywall. You can use your thumbs, or a small tool for extra pressure if needed. It should “click” into place with minimal force. - Hang Your Item
Once The CLAW™ is in the wall, you’re ready to hang. Whether it’s a frame wire, sawtooth bracket, or hook, it’ll fit securely on the CLAW’s built-in hooks. - Done and Done
That’s it. No drills, no anchors, no stress. If you ever need to remove it, simply pull it straight out and patch the small holes if needed.
Let’s Talk Real-World Benefits
When you think about home improvement, it’s not just about tools—it’s about time, effort, and keeping your household running smoothly. The CLAW™ checks all the boxes.
Saves Time
The typical drywall anchor process takes 10–15 minutes (if you’re lucky), and that’s assuming you don’t mess up and have to start over. The CLAW™ takes under a minute to install. Multiply that by 5–6 things you’re hanging, and suddenly you’ve got a whole Saturday back.
Built for Strength
With options that hold up to 45 lbs, you can trust The CLAW™ to handle most everyday projects. That means fewer returns, fewer accidents, and more peace of mind—especially if you’ve got kids or pets running around the house.
Tool-Free
How many times have you said, “Let me grab my drill,” and then forgot where the battery charger went? With The CLAW™, you don’t need to dig out anything. It’s ideal for small projects where pulling out the full tool kit feels like overkill.
Less Mess
No wall anchors to drill in. No dust. No torn drywall. No problem. It goes in clean and comes out even cleaner.
My Experience: A Dad’s Honest Take
I recently used The CLAW™ to hang:
- A large mirror above our hallway console
- A set of floating shelves in the kids’ room
- A heavy wood-framed canvas art piece in the living room
Each project took less than five minutes, and the results look just as good (if not better) than when I used screws and anchors. I didn’t have to measure to find studs, didn’t put any extra holes in the wall, and most importantly—I didn’t get frustrated. That alone is worth the price.
Plus, my kids thought it was cool watching me “push a claw into the wall like a superhero,” which earned me some extra dad points.
When Should You Use The CLAW?
Pretty much anytime you’re hanging something in drywall that’s under 45 lbs. Some perfect uses:
- Wall art and framed photos
- Shelves and organizers
- Wall-mounted lights or décor
- Clocks, signs, bulletin boards
- Light storage solutions
And because it’s so easy to install and remove, it’s great for:
- Renters who want strong support with minimal damage
- Parents who constantly update kids’ rooms
- Homeowners who like to redecorate often
- DIYers who want results without the drama
A Few Tips for Using The CLAW
- Read the instructions – Yes, it’s easy, but still… give the packaging a quick look.
- Start with a test hanger – Try one on a hidden part of the wall first if you’re unsure.
- Use the right size – Choose 15 lb, 25 lb, or 45 lb versions depending on what you’re hanging.
- Avoid using on plaster walls – It’s made for drywall only. Don’t go clawing into plaster or concrete.
Where to Buy The CLAW by 3M
You can find The CLAW™ online or in most hardware stores, including:
- Amazon
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Target
- Walmart
They usually come in packs of 2–4, and the price is super reasonable considering the time and hassle you save. Worth every penny.
Final Thoughts: Why The CLAW Is Dad-Approved
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY warrior or a weekend fixer-upper, The CLAW™ from 3M is the kind of tool that makes you feel like a genius with zero effort. It’s fast, clean, strong, and stupidly simple—and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need as dads.
We’re all about saving time, getting the job done right, and avoiding unnecessary trips to the hardware store. The CLAW™ lets you hang things like a pro, without all the tools, stress, or wall damage.
So next time your partner says, “Hey, can you hang this real quick?” you’ll already be halfway done.
Bottom line?
If you can push a thumbtack, you can use The CLAW. And once you do, you’ll never go back.