How to Hang Stuff Up on Plaster Walls

Items Under 10 Pounds

• 1

  Determine where on the wall you wish to hang the item. Place the item against the wall and then make a small pencil mark indicating where the anchor will go.

• 2

  Drill a hole into the wall at the pencil mark. Use a drill bit that will create a hole large enough for the end of plastic expansion anchor to fit tightly into. Ensure that the hole is not too large so that the anchor slips in too easily. You want to encounter some resistance.

• 3

  Insert the plastic expansion anchor into the wall. Hammer it gently until it's flush with the wall.

• 4

  Fasten the item into the wall by using a screwdriver to insert the screw. Ensure that the screw is snug. Do not overtighten, as you risk cracking the plaster by doing so. If you’re hanging something small, as in a picture, leave the screw extended from the anchor about a half-inch.

Items Over 10 Pounds

• 5

  Mark each point on the wall where a toggle bolt will go. For larger items, such as a long mirror, you’ll likely need two bolts. For smaller items, one will suffice.

• 6

  Drill a pilot hole that’s large enough to accommodate both metal arms of the toggle bolt when they’re compressed. The size of the hole depends on the size of your toggle bolt.

• 7

  Unscrew the metal arms of the toggle bolt from the screw itself. Place the screw through the pre-drilled hole of the item you’re fastening to the wall. Place the metal arms back onto the screw.

• 8

  Pinch the metal arms and place them through your pilot hole. Fasten the item by drilling the screw into the wall. Once the screw is tight, stop so that you do not crack the plaster.