How to Drill Into an Exterior Plaster Wall

Plaster walls have a network of horizontal wood pieces known as laths as support. Plaster, which is a mixture of sand and cement, is then applied over these laths. It squeezes through the gaps between the wood laths and dries there, locking in place. Dried plaster is extremely hard and strong, but you can drill into it if you are careful about it. If your home has a synthetic plaster exterior wall rather than the traditional sand-and-cement plaster, consult the manufacturer for detailed instructions on drilling into it to retain your warranty.

Things You'll Need

• Drill bit
• Hammer drill
• Turkey baster

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Attach a drill bit to a hammer drill. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than any nail or screw you intend to drive through the exterior plaster wall. This allows the nail or screw to hold onto the plaster.

   • 2

     Drive the drill bit into the exterior plaster wall. If you want to insert a nail or screw through the hole, drill at the angle of the path of the nail or screw.

   • 3

     Blow out any plaster dust from the hole you just drilled. Use a turkey baster or another tool that can release air.