Screws and screws with masonry anchors for heavy items are your best choice for hanging things on plaster walls without picture rail.
Mounting shelf to plaster wall.
Measure and mark the spaces on the wall on both ends of where you want the shelf to go.
Locate and mark your shelf.
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Fit the item to be anchored over the bolt then insert the toggle and tighten.
Next you will need to mark your mounting brackets.
Some older plaster walls have a thin strip of wood that runs around the perimeter of a room usually between 1 inch 2 5 cm to 1 foot 30 cm below the edge of the ceiling.
Note the placement of the screw holes which will be on the ends.
The shelf comes with three parts.
When working with molly or toggle bolts screw them in until the back part has expanded completely and is securely holding the bracket to the plaster wall.
Mark the screw holes for the shelf s mounting brackets on the wall.
You might need a helping hand for this step.
Some mounting brackets have multiple holes but this will depend on the type of bracket used.
Use the level and mark the location with your pencil on top and on the sides of your shelf.
For lighter items simply screwing into the plaster with a 1 1 4 drywall screw is usually enough to get the job done.
Use a picture rail if you have one.
Here are links to the product we used in this video.
Mark the mounting brackets.
Metal toggle bolts can support heavy loads in drywall plaster and hollow core concrete block.
Plastic versions hold medium loads in drywall and plaster.
Drill a pilot hole through the plaster and into the stud at each mark using a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the bracket mounting screws.
Using a level draw a discreet line in pencil across the wall to ensure that your shelf will sit.
Position the mounting brackets against the wall.
Position the bracket on the wall and fasten it to.
Now that you have located your wall studs set the spot for your shelf on the wall.
Bore a hole in the wall large enough to accommodate the toggle.
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Over tightening can damage the plaster so stop once the bolt is secure.
The actual shelf itself an adhesive strip that has a marked center point and a built in level and two metal pieces that you push through your wall on each side the adhesive strip has little notches so you know where they go.