Suffering From Hang-Ups?

You're standing in front of an empty wall, picture in hand, seized with fear. But it's OK, no one really teaches us to hang things on drywall and plaster.
Most often we use what's handy, a nail or screw, or what looked the least intimidating at the hardware store - probably one of those adhesive backed hangers. But you can quickly discover that it doesn't take much to make drywall crumble away and adhesives usually aren't strong enough. Heavy frames and glass don't stand a chance.

So lets just take this a step at a time...
You're pretty safe with small pictures and light objects because adhesive hooks usually can handle the pressure. If you prefer, try a hook-style hanger that you install simply by putting the flat part of the hanger against the wall and nailing it in at an angle from above. A little bit heavier object may need a wall anchor, giving the screw a liner in the wall so the plaster won't crumble. Drill a hole slightly smaller than the anchor and just deep enough that when you hammer it into the wall, the open end of the anchor is even with the wall's surface. Then put the screw in and tighten it.

With mirrors, light weight-bearing shelves and larger pictures, trust molly bolts. They work by expanding as they're screwed into the wall, so even if you can't find a stud, they'll hold a substantial load. Just hammer or screw it directly in the wall and the molly will begin expanding.

With the heaviest objects, such as railings or heavy shelves, toggle bolts are ideal. This two-piece arrangement is made up of a bolt and a "toggle head," which looks like wings. Drill a hole big enough to pass the toggle through, but before you push it in, put the bolt through what you're hanging, then thread it onto the toggle head just enough that it won't fall off. The ends of the toggle's "wings" should point toward the bolt's head. Fold the wings against the screw and push the toggle into the hole wings first, releasing the wings until you hear them snap open behind the wall. Tighten the bolt and the toggle will grab on from behind.

So grab a hammer and do your magic. From suspending grandma's china to that antique mirror, place with confidence... gravity won't have a chance.