What anchors for lath and plaster?

What anchors for lath and plaster?

Plastic wall anchors, Molly Bolts or Toggle Bolts? Plastic wall anchors don’t work with lath and plaster walls. Instead, use plaster anchors made of metal like a molly bolt or a toggle bolt. Be sure to use one that’s long enough to get behind the plaster and lath.

Can you use toggle bolts in lath and plaster?

Metal toggle bolts can support heavy loads in drywall, plaster and hollow-core concrete block. Plastic versions hold medium loads in drywall and plaster. To install: Bore a hole in the wall large enough to accommodate the toggle. Fit the item to be anchored over the bolt, then insert the toggle and tighten.

Can you use anchors in plaster?

Hanging Objects From Plaster Walls With Drywall Anchors Drywall anchors can be used on plaster walls the same way they’d be used on drywall. However, in many cases, they’re not necessary, because it’s easier to get a screw into the lath.

Can you use self drilling anchors in plaster?

Self-tapping anchors designed for drywall are not suitable for plaster walls. You can identify self-tapping anchors by their screw shape and pointed tip. Plaster and wood lath are much harder than drywall, so self-tapping anchors are often defeated by plaster.

How much weight can toggle bolts hold in plaster?

Metal toggle bolts can support heavy loads (25 pounds to 50 pounds) in drywall, plaster and hollow-core concrete block. Plastic versions hold medium loads (10 pounds to 25 pounds) in drywall and plaster.

Can you mount a TV on lath and plaster?

You most certainly can mount this on lath and plaster walls. The key is finding the studs – and honestly finding the center of the studs. The mount itself is really heavy, and then you’re putting a heavy television on the end of a long lever.

What size molly bolt do I need for plaster?

The short is for 1/2-inch walls, typically drywall; and the long has a 3/4-inch shoulder for plaster walls. The two diameters cover different load ranges. The 1/4-inch can be used for up to 25 pounds and the 3/8-inch goes to approximately 50 pounds. I use the 1/4-inch for curtain rods, towel bars and large pictures.

Is a Molly the same as an anchor?

The name Molly was formerly trademarked but is now often used in generic reference. Other names used for this same general type of fastener include hollow-wall anchor and hollow-door anchor, sometimes with design variations but always with the same design theme of expansion via deformation as the screw is tightened.

How do you use anchors in plaster walls?

Lath and plaster walls can’t accept typical plastic anchors. Toggle or molly bolts are required. Be sure to use ones that are long enough to get behind the plaster and lath. Drilling a hole with a masonry bit will be required, more below on installing toggle and molly bolts.

How far apart are studs in lath and plaster walls?

They’re always spaced either 16 or 24 inches on center (measured from center to center) along the wall and run between the floor and ceiling. Drywall or lath (for plaster walls) attaches to the edge of the studs.