Knock on the wall when you re over a stud the sound will be a more solid thump.
How to hang heavy items on a plaster wall.
As mentioned earlier avoid using nails on plaster wall because they will likely cause the drywall to crack.
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.
Check for nails along your baseboard.
How to hang heavy objects on plaster walls.
Light items screws and screws with masonry anchors for heavy items are your best choice for hanging things on plaster walls without picture rail.
Pre drill the holes and use fairly long screws to ensure a secure fit.
They can generally support pictures of up to 20 pounds.
For lighter items simply screwing into the plaster with a 1 1 4 drywall screw is usually enough to get the job done.
Use a stud finder which you can buy at your local hardware store.
Move the stud finder approximately 16 inches to the right or left of the mark.
When finder passes over a nail the magnet.
They re typically placed on the stud line.
Even more so if you live in an old house with plaster and lath walls.
Plaster hooks or hanging picture hooks are a common solution for hanging pictures on plaster wall.
Instead use a screw because they won t break the plaster wall.
If you re hanging heavy objects use screws with anchors for added protection.
This is the standard.