EARTHQUAKE-PROOFED MY FIRST BUILDING AND IT ACTUALLY WORKED
Molly bolts are a lifesaver, though. Old plaster walls really do keep you guessing… and patching.
I get the appeal of molly bolts, but I’ve actually had mixed results with them in my 1920s place. Maybe it’s just the way my walls are built—horsehair plaster over lath, and every time I try a molly, half the time the plaster just crumbles around it. I’ve ended up with more patch jobs than I care to admit. The finish nail trick works for finding lath, but even then, sometimes there’s just nothing solid behind where you need it.
What’s worked better for me is using those old-school picture rail moldings. Not exactly a modern solution, but they’re original to the house and let me hang stuff without putting any new holes in the plaster. Plus, if you’re worried about earthquake safety (which, after last year’s little shaker, I definitely am), the rails seem to flex a bit and absorb some movement. I know it’s not as secure as anchoring straight into a stud, but at least I’m not dealing with chunks of wall coming down.
I’ve also tried those self-drilling anchors that claim to work in plaster, but honestly, they’re hit or miss. Sometimes they just spin and chew up the wall. Maybe I’m just unlucky, or maybe these old walls have their own rules.
Curious if anyone’s actually had long-term luck with molly bolts in real plaster, not drywall. For me, it’s been more trouble than it’s worth.
- Totally get where you’re coming from—molly bolts in old plaster are a gamble.
- Picture rails are underrated, honestly. They save the walls and look cool if you’ve got the original trim.
- Earthquake-wise, I’d rather have something flex and shift than rip out a chunk of 100-year-old wall.
- Those self-drilling anchors? Same experience here... sometimes they just spin and make a mess.
- You’re not alone—these old houses really do play by their own rules. Nice work finding what actually works for your space.
PICTURE RAILS FOR THE WIN (AND LESS PATCHING)
Yeah, those self-drilling anchors are a joke in my place—half the time they just chew up the plaster and leave a crater. I’ve started using picture rails for anything heavier than a calendar. Here’s my go-to: 1) Find the stud (if you can—old houses love to hide them), 2) Use a long screw with a washer, 3) Hang from the rail with wire. Bonus: no patching holes every time you rearrange. Learned that the hard way after a shelf took a nosedive during a minor quake...
Yeah, those self-drilling anchors are a joke in my place—half the time they just chew up the plaster and leave a crater.
Preach. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to patch up “easy” anchor holes that turned into full-on excavation sites. Picture rails are such a lifesaver, especially in these old houses where the walls are basically made of crumb cake. I once tried to hang a mirror with those toggle bolts—thought I was being clever. Next morning, mirror’s on the floor, wall’s got a hole the size of a grapefruit, and I’m rethinking my life choices.
Honestly, I wish more folks would use rails. They’re not just practical, they look good too if you pick the right style. And yeah, rearranging art is actually fun when you’re not dreading the spackle-and-paint routine. Only thing is, sometimes finding a stud in these walls feels like playing hide and seek with a ghost... but hey, at least the art stays put when the ground shakes.
Only thing is, sometimes finding a stud in these walls feels like playing hide and seek with a ghost...
Yeah, that’s the truth. Stud finders just laugh at me in these old places—half the time I’m drilling blind and hoping for the best. I’ve given up on anchors for anything heavier than a picture frame. Rails are underrated, honestly. Less patching, less swearing, more time actually enjoying your space.
