How to mount on older plaster and lath walls., by The Z Group NY Real Estate on YouTube. 2 min 27 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 27 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Run a magnet stud finder across the wall to find the nails that hold the lath. Mark each nail head with a pencil; the stud runs along that line.
Check both sides of the wall for sockets, switches and pipes. Keep your fixings clear of cables and water lines before you drill.
Confirm the stud with a fine drill bit or a small test hole. Go slowly so the plaster does not crack or crumble.
Stick a strip of masking tape over the drill point and drill at low speed without hammer action. Stop as soon as you reach the wood.
For a heavy mirror, drive long screws into the studs at the bracket positions. Aim for at least 50 mm of thread in the wood.
If the brackets miss the studs, use heavy-duty toggle bolts rated for the mirror's weight. Drill a hole the same size as the bolt.
Hold the bracket on the wall, check it with a spirit level and mark the screw holes. Drill those holes before fixing.
Screw the brackets in place, hang the mirror and check the level again. Tighten the fixings until the mirror sits flat.
Tips and common mistakes
A cheap magnetic stud finder often works better than an electronic one on lath because it finds the nails directly.
Never hammer a nail into plaster and lath; the shock breaks the plaster keys and the wall crumbles.
For a very heavy mirror, screw a wooden cleat across two studs and hang the mirror from that.
Drill slowly and without hammer mode to avoid blowing a large hole in old plaster.
Questions
How do I find a stud in plaster and lath without a stud finder?
Look for the nail lines along the baseboard and around outlets, then use a strong magnet to find the lath nails. The stud sits on that line.
Can I hang a heavy mirror on plaster without studs?
Yes, but only with heavy-duty toggle bolts that clamp the wall, and only if the plaster is sound. A wooden cleat fixed to studs is stronger.
Will drilling crack the plaster?
It can if you use hammer mode or a blunt bit. Use masking tape, a sharp bit and low speed.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
