How can I drill holes/nail into plaster?

Question

My walls are plaster and I have bent many nails and stripped many screw heads trying to hang things on the wall. Is there an easy way to hang things up?? It's very frustrating.

Answer 1

I generally just use an 8 penny finishing nail to pre-drill a hole and it generally works. For screws I sometimes use an 1/8" carbide drill bit, but it depends on the size of the hole needed. Your plaster wall may be a covering over brick or rock and if that is the case, use a carbide bit and a plastic anchor should work fine for screws.

Answer 2

I had a project a few months ago with all plaster wall from the early 50's. What I found best was cutting the head off the end of the screw or nail you are using. Then putting it in the drill and using that as the bit to get the hole started. Once you get it about half way in then you should be clear to screw or nail into it. Every bit I tried craked the plaster and caused me more problems. If you set your drill on low torque and follow my steps you should be okay.

Good Luck

Deo

Answer 3

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RE:
How can I drill holes/nail into plaster?
My walls are plaster and I have bent many nails and stripped many screw heads trying to hang things on the wall. Is there an easy way to hang things up?? It's very frustrating.

Answer 4

what kinda plaster do you have ?
never heard of not being able to drive screws or nails into plaster walls, but any way use a drill with a smaller bit than the nail or screw you are trying to put into the wall just drill into wall.

Answer 5

use a concrete drill bit and a lead wall anchor

Answer 6

put masking tape where you drill the hole 1st

you can also make a little waste basket with newspapaer and tape to catch the dust