Struggling to Nail Into Plaster Walls – What’s the Deal?

I feel you! If your house is older, the plaster can be extremely tough. I usually pre-drill the holes because going in with just a hammer tends to make things worse. Plus, if you hit anything solid, like a lath or mold, it can bounce right back. Another thing to consider is that older houses might have brick walls just behind the plaster, which can complicate nailing. If you're seeing metal when you check with a magnet, definitely back off a bit before you poke a hole through any wires!

I'd suggest investing in a wall scanner or stud finder. Those things can be a game changer! They’ll help you locate any metal plates or wooden studs in your walls so that you don’t accidentally hit something important and end up causing damage. Just check carefully where you’re nailing. And by the way, command strips can be tricky – if not applied correctly, they might just take your art down with them!

It sounds like you might be hitting some protective plates for wiring or plumbing. These are often put on studs to prevent nails from damaging anything behind the wall, and you definitely don't want to drill into those! A stud finder could really help you identify if that’s the case. If you’re finding it tough, you might also need to try using some fine thread drywall screws instead of nails, especially with plaster, which can be pretty brittle. They tend to hold better and won’t damage the wall as much.