Honestly, load distribution on old plaster walls is a headache. Here’s what’s worked for me: First, I always try to find a stud—nothing beats solid wood for heavy stuff. If that’s not an option, I use toggle bolts instead of plastic anchors. They spread the load out better behind the wall, especially if the plaster is crumbly. For shelves or mirrors, I’ll sometimes run a horizontal piece of wood (like a French cleat) across two studs and hang from that. It’s not always pretty, but it saves a lot of stress down the line. Plaster just doesn’t play by the same rules as drywall...
I get where you’re coming from—toggle bolts are definitely a go-to for a lot of folks. But I’ve actually had mixed results with them in old plaster, especially if the lath behind is brittle or there’s a gap between the plaster and lath. Sometimes the toggle just crushes the plaster more. What’s worked better for me is using a combination of adhesive (like construction adhesive) and mechanical fasteners, especially for lighter shelves or art. It spreads out the load even more and doesn’t rely as much on the wall’s integrity. Not perfect, but it’s saved me from patching up craters more than once...
Yeah, I’ve run into that same problem with old plaster—toggle bolts just make a bigger mess sometimes. I actually tried those plastic anchors once, thinking they’d be gentler, but they just spun in place. Ended up using a combo of adhesive and some short screws into the lath, kinda like you mentioned. Not the prettiest, but it’s holding up my kid’s bookshelf so far. Load distribution is such a weird science with these old walls... nothing ever feels totally secure.
Man, plaster walls are like a box of chocolates—never know what you’re gonna get behind there. I’ve seen toggle bolts just chew up the wall and leave you with a crater, and don’t even get me started on those plastic anchors. Sometimes I swear the lath is playing hide and seek. Ever tried those metal self-drilling anchors? They’re hit or miss for me, but sometimes they grab just enough to keep things from crashing down. Curious—anyone ever had luck with French cleats on plaster, or is that just asking for trouble?
Honestly, I’d skip the French cleats unless you’re absolutely sure you’re hitting studs. Plaster and lath just don’t inspire confidence for heavy loads, no matter how you try to spread the weight. I’ve had better luck using a stud finder, drilling pilot holes, and going straight into the studs with long screws. Anything else feels like a gamble—especially if you’re hanging something valuable. Those self-drilling anchors are a last resort for me, and even then, I don’t trust them for anything heavier than a picture frame.