Use a stud finder which you can buy at your local hardware store.
How to hang heavy items on a plaster wall.
It s actually not too hard to hang things on plaster walls however as long as you use screws and work slowly and carefully.
They re typically placed on the stud line.
They can generally support pictures of up to 20 pounds.
Plaster hooks or hanging picture hooks are a common solution for hanging pictures on plaster wall.
Even more so if you live in an old house with plaster and lath walls.
Pre drill the holes and use fairly long screws to ensure a secure fit.
As mentioned earlier avoid using nails on plaster wall because they will likely cause the drywall to crack.
When finder passes over a nail the magnet.
Knock on the wall when you re over a stud the sound will be a more solid thump.
How to hang heavy objects on plaster walls.
Instead use a screw because they won t break the plaster wall.
This is the standard.
If you re hanging heavy objects use screws with anchors for added protection.
If you can hang your heavy object in line with a stud and screw a long screw directly into the stud that s always the best option.
For lighter items simply screwing into the plaster with a 1 1 4 drywall screw is usually enough to get the job done.
Check for nails along your baseboard.
Light items screws and screws with masonry anchors for heavy items are your best choice for hanging things on plaster walls without picture rail.