Replies

1. 
   CloudHidden | Nov 29, 2002 04:46pm | #1

   What are you trying to fasten to the wall?

1. 
   cfrcjr | Nov 30, 2002 01:09am | #6

   clothes racks w/4-8 pegs

1. 
   CloudHidden | Nov 30, 2002 01:24am | #8

   Then I'd use toggle bolts. But I'd drill first with a thin bit, and if I happened to hit stud, I'd use a wood screw. If not, re-drill with proper bit, and toggle bolt.

   Also, assuming this is wood lathe strips, I'd orient the "legs" of the toggle up and down (perpendicular to the lathe) so that they'd cross over the lathe and be less likely to bust off the plaster key. Not a big deal, but still...

   Edited 11/29/2002 5:27:30 PM ET by Cloud Hidden

2. 
   andybuildz | Nov 29, 2002 04:50pm | #2

   1-Toggle bolts

   2-Those x-ray glasses

   a

   It's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/29/2002 8:51:01 AM ET by Andy Clifford(Andybuildz)

3. 
   bobl | Nov 29, 2002 09:42pm | #3

   my house is plaster and rock lath

   stud finders don't work for me either, even tried the wizard

   suspect 3/4 " of plaster is too much for them.

   bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's cheat sheet

4. 
   RW | Nov 29, 2002 10:31pm | #4

   1- any kind of molly or toggle with an expanding tail

   2 - hit studs

   3 - if you got a lot of $$, hilti makes a dandy little wall Xray thing for finding rebar in concrete before you diamond core through it. Would think that'd find studs. (Ok, I'm kidding, nobody is going to spend 4 grand to find a stud) . . .

1. 
   benraymond | Nov 30, 2002 12:05am | #5

   My studfinder actually does an o.k. job thru plaster.  I bought my dad a "Videoscanner 5" from Zircon for $40 (no video - don't be fooled by the name) and it has a good "deepscan" setting that will go through plaster no problem.  Tells you where there's unshielded AC as well.

   As for anchors when I have to go between the studs, I've had good luck with the big screw type.  They plaster holding power is useless, but they seem to wedge themselves in the lath pretty well.  They will make a mess of the plaster though if you're not careful.

1. 
   cfrcjr | Nov 30, 2002 01:13am | #7

   I've got the studfinder you are talking about and it is not getting the job done - am I doing something wrong? not replacing batteries enough?

1. 
   benraymond | Dec 02, 2002 04:37am | #11

   Jake, the deepscan seems to work for me.  Maybe my plaster is a bit thinner.  If you're still having trouble finding studs, I'd look at the baseboard.  The finish nail holes holding that on nearly always telegraph through the paint enough to locate the studs. 

   Good luck!

5. 
   coonass | Nov 30, 2002 03:02am | #9

   jakeblake,

   Find the nails in the baseboard, plumb up from there. May have to use a small metal detector.

   KK

6. 
   prairieHOUSE | Nov 30, 2002 03:07am | #10

   My Zircon studfinder has a metalfinder mode. In most lathe and plaster walls I use this setting to find the nails that hold the lathe to each strapping or stud member. Works great.My deep scan mode also workks fairly well.

   gio

   prairieHOUSE Restoration

7. 
   Scooter1 | Dec 02, 2002 05:31am | #12

   If you are trying to hang pictures, just a lead sleeve and sheet metal screw.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927

1. 
   Mongo | Dec 02, 2002 09:42am | #13

   Picture molding.

8. 
   PenobscotMan | Dec 02, 2002 08:18pm | #14

   With a simiular situation, I've ended up drilling exploratory holes just above the baseboard with a narrow but long bit. A bit of spackle and paint hides the damage. Then I attach the whatever to a stud.