Simply hanging something heavy on a plaster wall can result in damage to the wall and the object if you don t tap into the supporting structure behind the plaster.
How to hang heavy stuff from adobe plaster walls.
Adhesive picture hooks are the best way to prevent damage when hanging a picture but pre drilling the hole will usually prevent cracks and chips from forming as well.
Though there are several methods of locating studs or supports behind the wall the most reliable is using a magnetic stud finder.
How to hang heavy things on plaster walls using a wall stud.
Screws and screws with masonry anchors for heavy items are your best choice for hanging things on plaster walls without picture rail.
As mentioned earlier the wall stud is where the wooden lath attaches to the wooden frame behind the plaster.
Plaster walls have a tendency to crack and crumble if you attempt to hammer a nail directly into the wall.
Hanging things on plaster walls is easy if you have a drill and screws.
For lighter items simply screwing into the plaster with a 1 1 4 drywall screw is usually enough to get the job done.
Generally speaking it s best to hang heavy pictures on a wall stud.
Therefore it s the strongest part of the wall and the ideal place to hang pictures from.