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togadiz OP t1_j6fq33y wrote

Reply to comment by skinnybuddha in Issue when trying to install drywall anchor- HELP? by togadiz

Thank you!

Follow up, would I have known what the wall was made up of ahead of time? Is there a way for a laymen to determine that?

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ntyperteasy t1_j6ft3kq wrote

Try sticking a push pin into it. You will be able to insert a pushpin into drywall. Not into a plaster wall or cement board.

Plaster went out of style (well, cheaper alternatives won) in the 1950's to early 1960's. After that, houses were all drywall. Very old houses will have plaster over wood lath. During the 1950's and 1960's it was usually plaster over a product that looked a lot like drywall, but was made to replace the wood lath. The plaster will be thick and quite hard - makes a nice wall!

That said, it's always better to think of ways to land the screws on studs anyway. Try to re-imagine your plan if you can.

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togadiz OP t1_j6fvdil wrote

Ah that makes sense! I assumed it had something to do with age - the houses I have installed shelves in were all houses that were built in the 90s, where as my friends house , while newly renovated, was from the early 1900s.

Thank you for your thorough answer, it’s really helpful. I’ll look into trying to find a way to revamp the plan to find a stud as well.

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Bearded4Glory t1_j6k3rtj wrote

Plaster over blue board is still common in the northeast. Everywhere else uses drywall. Not sure why.

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Sparkykc124 t1_j6ft6mo wrote

Knock on it. Plaster is much more solid, like concrete. Also, a test hole somewhere inconspicuous is a good idea. The good news is looks like a small toggle bolt will work in that hole.

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togadiz OP t1_j6fvjl3 wrote

That’s what I was thinking re toggle bolt.

It’s funny you say that re concrete, because I did think to myself that it looked/felt more like concrete than drywall. I shouldn’t be allowed to drill holes when rushing before dinner :)

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