I have been trying to hang pictures in my new farmhouse built in 1890 but it has plaster walls and even with those special anchor screws it just aint working. All I am doing is having to fill holes with spackle...argh!
We had plaster walls in an old farmhouse that I grew up in. We used a electric screwdriver to put the screws in. Is that how you've been putting the anchor screws in? Plaster walls are nice, but hard to maintain. Good luck with your project.
It sure helps if you can find a stud. I'm not sure if those stud finder gadgets will work on plaster walls (I hear that they are magnetic - they hone in on the nails that hold the sheet rock to the studs in a modern wall, but there might be nails all over the place in lathe and plaster). I'd really like to hang some shelves at my house, but I've been holding off because I expect it's going to be tricky.
My dad used to find the studs at my childhood home by tapping gently along the wall with his hammer. The studs sound different than the hollow places in between (but it's sure not obvious to me!) If you really have to hang something heavy and you NEED to find that stud, you could remove the baseboard at the bottom of the wall and then you'll be able to see them.
I did use an electric drill but I'm just making holes.
When I look at the basement stairs and look at how the plaster was laid on there it looks like the wood beams were laid horizontally not just vertically like in new construction. Are there special anchors for plaster walls??
You should get some wall anchors. you have to drill a hole about 1/4-3/8 inch and gently hammer in the anchor and then set a screw in the anchor. the anchor will expand a bit when it goes into the plaster and the screw will hold the anchor tight in the plaster hole. they come in different colors for different sizes, you may want smaller ones for whatever you're hanging.
Hey Jenn~ I have plaster walls as well. I don't use the screw in anchors in the walls ever. My grandfather would roll over in his grave. If you want to hang something very heavy I would suggest finding a wall with a good strong stud. If you don't have one where you want to hang the picture/mirror try a new location. I have hung a 40 pound mirror with only a nailed in heavy duty picture anchor hook hanger in a stud. No drilling was needed. They also sell those nail in picture hooks in various sizes to fit the job you need it for. (they make it so the nail goes in at an angle.) Just be careful that you chose the right size because as you know the old plaster and lath walls are not very durable. I also have crown molding in my house so I am able to string either ribbon or fishing line down to hang pictures.
Christina Farmgirl Sister #195 Although no one can go back and make a brand new start; anyone can start from now and make a brand new end.
Try those magic hangers that the guy who sells OxyClean advertises. They are also called monkey hangers. They make a really small hole and would probably work on plaster. Also, try "blue screws" - you can get them at any hardware store like Lowe's or Home Depot. My mom's house had plaster walls and the only that worked was blue screws. Good Luck!
Make It Easy: How do I hang pictures in plaster walls??!!
How do I hang pictures in plaster walls??!!
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 11:19:34 AM
