I'm dealing with a 100-year-old house where locating studs has become quite the challenge due to plaster, horsehair, and chicken wire. I've struggled with my stud finder, so I'm on the lookout for reliable wall anchors to securely mount heavy art and shelves. Any recommendations?
3 Answers
Hanging heavier items on old walls can be tricky! The first thing to consider is that the wall itself needs to support the weight. If you're having trouble finding studs, one technique is to use a torpedo level with a rare earth magnet to detect baseboard nails, which typically indicate a stud. This can guide you in locating studs every 16 inches if the original builders did it right. Additionally, always do a little test drill with a small bit to confirm the stud's location before hanging anything heavy.
Toggle bolts work really well in drywall. I've mounted a heavy TV using them without any issues. Just make sure you check the specific weight limits for the toggle bolts based on your wall type.
You really need to find those studs, especially with plaster walls. One tip is to look near power outlets; they’re usually mounted on studs, and that can help you figure out where they run. If you can't find any studs and need to use wall anchors, you might want to consider 1/4 inch toggle bolts. They can hold quite a bit of weight depending on your wall material, so check their capacity and remember they come with a safety factor.