Use a stud finder which you can buy at your local hardware store.
How to hang heavy items on a plaster wall.
For lighter items simply screwing into the plaster with a 1 1 4 drywall screw is usually enough to get the job done.
They re typically placed on the stud line.
They can generally support pictures of up to 20 pounds.
As mentioned earlier avoid using nails on plaster wall because they will likely cause the drywall to crack.
Plaster hooks or hanging picture hooks are a common solution for hanging pictures on plaster wall.
When finder passes over a nail the magnet.
Move the stud finder over the plaster wall across the spot where the heavy object will hang.
Pre drill the holes and use fairly long screws to ensure a secure fit.
Even more so if you live in an old house with plaster and lath walls.
Hanging heavy objects on the wall can be tricky and with all the options available out there downright confusing.
Move the stud finder approximately 16 inches to the right or left of the mark.
If you re hanging heavy objects use screws with anchors for added protection.
Instead use a screw because they won t break the plaster wall.
Light items screws and screws with masonry anchors for heavy items are your best choice for hanging things on plaster walls without picture rail.
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.
This is the standard.
It s actually not too hard to hang things on plaster walls however as long as you use screws and work slowly and carefully.