The Best Anchors for Plaster Walls

When selecting anchors for the plaster wall, steer clear of anchors that are self-tapping and drywall anchors. They will pull away from the plaster because the two materials are very different.

Choose an anchor designed for masonry or is specifically designed for plaster walls. Instead of using plaster anchors, look into the use of toggle bolts and molly bolts in order to attach pictures and other decorations securely to walls.

Furthermore, a variety of options such as picture rails or hooks for plaster are a great alternative to anchors to hang objects on the plaster.

In this article, you are going to find a list of the best anchors for plaster walls.

Do Drywall Anchors Work on Plaster Walls?

Drywall anchors aren’t designed to be used on plaster walls. In many instances they take off from plaster. This is because anchors designed for drywall penetrate drywall 5/8-inch thick.

Then, they extend outwards at the point of application creating two “wings” which are braced against the wall from behind. This method isn’t suited for walls made of plaster because it can be too heavy.

The majority of plaster walls are more one inch in thickness. The anchor won’t penetrate the wall and expand it the way it’s intended to, and therefore can’t be pulled out with ease.

Beware of drywall anchors when building plaster walls. They are made to be used with thin drywall, not for thick lath and plaster.
Don’t use self-tapping anchors for plaster walls. The lath and plaster are too thick and hard for anchors to be able to penetrate.

Self-tapping anchors made to be used in drywall aren’t suitable for plaster walls. Self-tapping anchors can be identified by their screw’s shape and pointed tips.

Plaster and wood laths are much more durable than drywall, and self-tapping anchors can be destroyed by the plaster.

It’s not just that, the attempt to insert a self-tapping anchor in the plaster without drilling an opening could damage the surface of your wall.

5 Top Anchors to Plaster or Lath Walls

Since drywall anchors don’t work on plaster walls a lot of have incorrectly stated that anchors made of plastic won’t be effective on plaster. It’s not true.

If you do not want to use anchors for drywall and self-tapping anchors, then you can select an anchor made of plastic that will work great for plaster walls. There are also metal bolts that serve as great anchors for plaster.

Anchors for Expanding

Drywall anchors aren’t able to work with the plaster, but anchors for expansion specifically designed for masonry can. The majority of these anchors have a blue color.

This kind of anchor is intended to expand in order to hold the hard, brittle wall that has a similar consistency to that of plaster. The anchors will not pull away from the wall.

These anchors made of plastic are specifically designed to be used in masonry. They are ideal for plaster walls.
Like drywall anchors anchors will not pull away from the plaster.
Expansion-type anchors for masonry can be suspended up 20 to 20 pounds (9 kg) in each anchor.

To make it easier for hanging objects on walls and ceilings, masonry anchors are the best option. They’re affordable, are readily available and will make the task easier.

Specialized Plaster Anchors

To address the problem of anchors made of plastic being pulled out of plaster, certain manufacturers create anchors that are specifically designed to fit on plaster walls. They function similarly to masonry anchors, however they have two different components which allow them to grow and grip walls.

The anchors are designed to stay the wall with a firm grip.
Anchors made of plaster are usually flexible enough to be utilized in the drywall industry but not vice versa.
Plaster anchors can be used to hold objects that weigh as much as 20 pounds (9 kg)

Since plaster anchors are made to withstand the pressure of being used on the toughest of materials, they may also be utilized on the drywall surface. If you are still trying to determine if your walls are made of plaster or drywall, it is possible to utilize plaster anchors in your house.

Toggle Bolts

Instead of using plastic anchors to fix things to walls, many prefer making use of toggle bolts. They are made of metal and are inserted into two metal wings which can fold one way. To make use of them, simply make a hole in the wall and then insert the bolt.

Once it is inside the wall the bolt’s wings will expand and will brace to the wall’s back lath and the plaster. This is a highly safe method of anchoring plaster walls.

They toggle bolts provide a stronger alternative to anchors made of plastic.
Make a hole in the lath and plaster. Then, install the toggle bolt until the toggle’s wings are folded and then brace it against the wall’s back.
Certain toggle bolts can be used to secure items of as heavy as 40 pounds (18 kg).

To increase the safety of toggle bolts on plaster, place the bolt such that the toggle’s wings are straight upwards and downwards (toward towards the ceiling or the floor). This will allow the toggle to be anchored against two pieces of lath instead of putting the stress on one portion of the wall.

Molly Bolts

Like toggle bolts, Molly bolts are an entirely-metal replacement for anchors made of plastic which can be used to anchor plaster. Molly bolts are bolt that has a sleeve of metal around it.

Once it is placed in a hole that has been pre-drilled and put on a tightening, the sleeve that surrounds the molly bolt expands and form a three-pointed anchor that connects to an exterior wall of plaster as well as lath.

Utilize these Molly bolts for anchors in plaster walls.
Similar to a toggle bolt, you need to drill an opening, then install the molly bolt then tighten.
Once tightened to a certain degree, the sleeve that is attached to the bolt of molly will bend to create an erect brace that is similar to a tripod against the lath’s rear and the plaster.
Molly bolts are a great way to hang objects that weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kg)

Because they’re easy to set up and you don’t need to be concerned about choosing the correct toggle bolt or molly bolt, they’re the most reliable solutions for hanging things on walls made of plaster.

The purchase of a braced bolt as this will eliminate the need to look for the perfect anchor in plastic.

Anchor Alternatives and Other Options

In most cases it is possible to hang things on walls made of plaster without anchors in any way. There are a variety of other options, such as picture rails, hooks for plaster and adhesive hooks work for plaster.

If you’re hanging pictures on plaster walls, you should consider considering these alternatives to wall anchors.

There are a variety of alternatives to traditional wall anchors that are suitable for plaster walls.
Picture rails, hooks for plaster, anchors for drywall, and other adhesives can be used as wall anchors.
If you’re drilling screws through wall studs, there is no need for anchors.

If you’re hanging objects on the walls of your plaster using screws that have been set into studs there is no need for wall anchors in any way. You just need to pre-drill a hole in the lath and plaster and drive the screws directly through the hole.

How Do You Anchor Into Plaster Walls?

It is essential to drill into the wall before you attempt to put in anchors, screws or bolts. Plaster is soft and can be broken when recklessly inserting screws and screws. To stop this from happening:

Set a piece or painter’s tape to the wall near the spot that you would like to put your anchor.
Draw a line on the tape in the area at which the anchor is to be fixed.
The tape is drilled through and into the wall. The tape can help to keep the surface from cracking.
Make sure you drill fully through the lath and plaster.
Take off the tape.
Check the anchor’s fit. It should be sturdy but not too loose so that the anchor can be gently hammered in place.
Screw a drive through the hole.

Following these simple steps, you’ll have an anchor and screw set on a wall. Keep in mind that the most important rule for wall plaster is that you make an opening for a pilot hole.

Do You Require an Anchor to Plaster Walls?

If you’re not directly screwing into a stud that is behind the wall it is necessary to anchor your screws to the wall with a plaster. Screws that aren’t secured can be pulled out of the plaster, damaging the wall, and cause the decoration you’ve hanging to fall.

The most effective methods to secure objects to plaster walls are:

Do not purchase products advertised as self-tapping anchors.
Utilize masonry anchors, which are sometimes referred to as “expansion anchors.”
Pick a specific anchor made of plastic designed for use with plaster.
Make use of toggle bolts instead anchors made of plastic.
Consider molly bolts as a strong option for anchoring your objects to your wall.
Explore other methods for hanging your plaster such as hooks for plaster and adhesive.

Avoiding products that are specifically designed for drywall and selecting anchors that you are confident will be able to work with the plaster, you’ll save yourself from a disaster and guesswork. With the right anchors you’ll be able to relax about hanging decorations or picture frames on walls made of plaster.

Things to Think About When Buying Screws for Plaster Walls

Screws

There are the following factors to ensure you’re the one to beat the rest when choosing the screw for your wall. Below , we’ll discuss the most important things you should remember when buying the perfect screw for your plaster walls.

Durability

The most important thing to think about when choosing a screw to hang on the wall is its their durability. Different screws are constructed of different materials, however the strongest anchor screws made from zinc-plated steel, which has the best ability to hang and won’t break during the installation.

Sizes

Size is another crucial aspect that is why you require different sizes of screws for different work zones. If you are considering buying an screw, you should choose the diameter of the screw that you require.

Variety

There are usually different types of screws that are available, like anchor screws, screws with a wall plugs or molly bolt screws, and many more. So, first, it is important to choose the type of screw you’d like to use. Anchor screws are the most commonly used to be used on plaster walls. However, even so, we’ve included different types of screws in our selection to help you choose the best screw for your needs.

Installation

Different screw installation procedures are different, and that’s why it is important to consider prior to buying the process of screw installation is simple or difficult. Easy installation process will allow you to install it flawlessly without causing damage.

Multiple Surface Usability

It’s a second essential component to consider if your anchor screw is reusable and ideal for different surfaces? Since there are multiple surfaces that can be used, screws are more robust and durable than ordinary screws. It is also possible to apply plaster or plaster walls and other surfaces later.

The Best Screws for Plaster Walls Answers to FAQs

What anchors should you use for a plaster wall?

Molly bolts and zinc-plated anchor screws can be the ideal anchors to use on plaster wall. But, when in the process of selecting a screw it is important to consider that the length of the screw you choose is appropriate to fit the walls you are building.

What the weight can a screw-in wall be able to support?

Metal screws are used to are used to support drywall and plaster to take on loads of 25 -50 pounds and more. However the plastic screw can be used to support 10-25 pounds.

Are toggle bolts compatible with plaster walling?

Metal toggle bolts are ideal for transferring heavy loads onto plaster walls. However, if planning to hang medium or light items, it’s better to not use toggle bolts. Installation can be somewhat difficult for novices.

What kind of drill do I need to use for a plaster wall?

When drilling using a standard drill bit there is a risk of breaking the masonry walls that are behind the walls of the plaster. Therefore, a carbide drill is ideal for a plaster wall.

Conclusion on Anchors for a Plaster Wall

You are aware that hanging any item on walls of plaster is extremely complicated; in this situation it is a matter of select the right screws you will not be able hang the weight in a proper manner, there’s a risk that you will get injured.

In this article we recommend you the best plaster screws in different sizes and designs to make it easier for you to locate the most suitable screws for your plaster walls. How much weight should they hold? Will you use them for curtain rods? Should you choose toggle or molly bolts?

Now you can accept typical plastic anchors for a plaster wall easily.

I hope this article given you the confidence in finding the best screws for your wall surface.