I've bent a zillion nails and even broke drill bits trying to go into the plaster walls! Very old house and am redecorating. Any suggestions please.
2007-01-23 06:51:57 · 8 answers · asked by amethystfish 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
get concrete drill bits and winged mounting bolts when bolts tighten the wing nut will open and secure on back of wall will hold up lots of weight as long as plaster is good
2007-01-23 07:04:29 · answer #1 · answered by tiquillabitch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure I understand what you mean by "soft". Do you mean the walls are drywall or gypsum board? If so, the sheets of drywall must be attached to wood framing somewhere in the wall, Buy a stud finder at the hardware store -- it has a magnet inside that will detect the nails in the studs and tell you where the boards are behind the wall. These are usually 16" apart across the wall. Once you have located the studs nearest where you want to hang the picture, the best way to hang it is to use what is called a "french cleat" which you can also buy at a building center or hardware store. This is a pair of angled strips. You attach one to the wall between two studs (so it is longer than 16") and the other to the back of the top edge of your picture frame. This is the safest way to hang a heavy item on the wall. If the picture is narrower across than 16", just hammer one strong picture hanging hook (you can get this at the hardware store) into one of the wooden studs you find inside the wall. The suggestion to use toggle bolts might work but it is risky and also rather difficult to hang a frame this way. If the frame is too heavy it could rip large holes in the wall board.
2016-05-24 01:27:15 · answer #2 · answered by Sandra 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
use 'J' hooks and drill down on an angle with a 1/64" carbide drill bit and then follow up with a nail.
Use the appropriate amount of 'j' hooks for the weight of the mirror etc. Usually a 1 1/2" inch J hook is good for 50# of weight. The pkg's will depict the amounts. Usually one on each side is sufficient.
2007-01-23 07:03:38 · answer #3 · answered by ticketoride04 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same situation in my 94 year old house. I use plastic anchors. using a carbide bit, start by drilling a very small hole. then gradually make the hole wider by using progressively larger bits. Trying to drill a big hole first will not work, and usually ends up in bent or broken bits, or a jagged,crumbling hole. once the hole is wide enough you can pound the anchor in and then use the screws.
2007-01-23 07:34:47 · answer #4 · answered by mickey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might try the Command brand removable hooks, they come in assorted sizes and styles for holding different weight items. I don't know for sure if they work on plaster, but I don't see why they wouldn't. They should be available in a large supermarket or discount department store. If you can't find them there, I know Lowes or Home Depot has them.
2007-01-23 07:05:29 · answer #5 · answered by Lucie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it is an old home with true plaster wlls, there is a "picture moulding running just under the ceiling with about a half inch clearance between the top ot the moulding and the ceiling...that is there to hang pictures from...use fine wire...they work very well, any art gallery person can instruct you in the proper use.
2007-01-23 08:34:20 · answer #6 · answered by captsnuf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OI, the only way I know to hang anything heavy, in whatever wall, is to use tap cons. Tap cons are like wall mounts for screws. All you have to do is put the tap con in, and you should be able to then screw a mount on, and mount the mirror, etc.
2007-01-23 07:24:04 · answer #7 · answered by hammettgoddess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no clue!!! but I'd like to know too!!!
2007-01-23 06:57:46 · answer #8 · answered by fireyirishgirl79 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋