Keep Pictures Snug in Frames

I no longer fumble with glazing points or brads when I assemble custom picture frames. After cutting the frame pieces to length, I rout the usual rabbet in the back of the frame to accept the art. I then cut a ³⁄₁₆ "-deep groove in the rabbet, as shown in the Section View above, and assemble the frame. After placing the glass, picture, and backing, I insert friction-fitting wooden splines into the grooves. The splines are easy to remove.

The groove has another nice feature: To hang the frame, I simply drive a couple of screws into the wall, level with each other and slightly protruding. The heads of the screws fit right into the groove and keep the top corners from sagging.
—Dom Fetterer, Southport, N.C.