Though there are several methods of locating studs or supports behind the wall the most reliable is using a magnetic stud finder.
Hanging heavy things on plasterboard walls.
For lighter items simply screwing into the plaster with a 1 1 4 drywall screw is usually enough to get the job done.
If you re hanging heavy objects use screws with anchors for added protection.
The best option mostly depends on the weight of the picture in question.
Plaster walls have a tendency to crack and crumble if you attempt to hammer a nail directly into the wall.
Unfortunately there are no plasterboard fixings.
Adhesive picture hooks are the best way to prevent damage when hanging a picture but pre drilling the hole will usually prevent cracks and chips from forming as well.
If you can hang your heavy object in line with a stud and screw a long screw directly into the stud that s always the best option.
However this isn t always possible especially if there s an exact location you want something hung and there s not a stud behind it.
While providing a seemingly durable surface the crushed gypsum plaster held together with cardboard is actually only about a half inch thick and won t hold your heavy objects without some extra help.
Ideally you want to hang heavy things from your walls by using the studs as the anchor.
One of the questions i get asked regularly is how to fix heavy items such as a tv to plasterboard or drywall.
Screws and screws with masonry anchors for heavy items are your best choice for hanging things on plaster walls without picture rail.
As mentioned earlier the wall stud is where the wooden lath attaches to the wooden frame behind the plaster.
Hang heavy objects carefully.
It s actually not too hard to hang things on plaster walls however as long as you use screws and work slowly and carefully.
Even more so if you live in an old house with plaster and lath walls.
How to hang heavy things on plaster walls using a wall stud generally speaking it s best to hang heavy pictures on a wall stud.
Pre drill the holes and use fairly long screws to ensure a secure fit.
Learning how to hang heavy objects on drywall will probably be the best place to start as this is the most common wall material.