I’ve tried those fancy anchors, but half the time I end up with a crater and a lot of cursing.
Yeah, plaster in these old houses is a real headache. Here’s what I’ve learned after patching more holes than I care to count:
- Anchors in plaster are hit or miss. If you’re not hitting a stud, even the “good” ones can just chew up the wall.
- Sometimes, toggles work, but you need a clean hole and a steady hand. Even then, the wall might just flake apart.
- Studs are always the safest bet, but like you said, they’re never where you want them. I’ve had to move shelves an inch or two just to catch one—annoying, but at least you know it’ll hold.
- Crooked shelves? Happens to the best of us. Sometimes it’s just not worth the mess and patching. Priorities, like you said.
Honestly, half the battle is just accepting that nothing in a 100-year-old house is going to be perfectly square or easy. You’re not alone—just do what works and don’t sweat the rest.
Load distribution in these old houses is a nightmare, honestly. I totally get what you mean about the anchors—
That’s been my experience too. Sometimes I’ll try to get clever with French cleats or rails to spread the weight, but even then, you’re at the mercy of whatever’s behind that wall. Don’t beat yourself up over crooked shelves or patch jobs—people pay good money for “character” these days. If it holds and looks decent from five feet away, call it a win.Anchors in plaster are hit or miss. If you’re not hitting a stud, even the “good” ones can just chew up the wall.
Yeah, plaster walls are a whole different beast. I’ve had anchors just spin in place or pull out with barely any weight. What’s worked for me is pre-drilling a tiny pilot hole, then using toggle bolts if I can’t find a stud. Sometimes I’ll even run a thin plywood backer behind the wall if I’m opening it up anyway—spreads the load way better. It’s not always pretty, but like you said, if it holds and doesn’t look awful, that’s a win in my book too.
Yeah, I hear you on the anchors just spinning—drives me nuts. I’ve had better luck with those old-school molly bolts, but even then, plaster can be unpredictable. One time I thought I’d hit a stud, but it was just a chunk of lath and the whole thing ripped out when I hung a shelf. Ever since, I just assume nothing’s solid unless I can see it. Plywood backer’s a good move if you’re already opening the wall, but I try to avoid that mess unless I have to. Plaster’s just never as straightforward as drywall.
Totally get where you’re coming from. Plaster’s a whole different beast compared to drywall. I’ve had those “thought I’d hit a stud” moments too—turns out, lath can really fool you.
That’s honestly the safest bet. Sometimes I wish there was a magic anchor that actually worked every time, but until then, I just brace for surprises. You’re not alone in getting tripped up by load distribution—plaster keeps us all guessing.“Ever since, I just assume nothing’s solid unless I can see it.”
