[Shop-talk] Hanging stuff from plaster and lath

[David Scheidt]

I second the recommendation for a toggle bolt.  Remember that the ceiling is pretty thick— allowing for the keys on the back, mine are about an inch and half — so make sure you get long enough bolts. I recently learned there are toggles that have internal threads, so you can remove the bolt and attach some thing else with out losing the toggle in the cavity. 

Also, on the subject of hanging thing on plaster walls: I have found that the best way to find studs is with a rack-a-tiers studball 

https://www.amazon.com/Rack-Tiers-52300-Studball-Colors/dp/B00JV3JNE6

It’s a very strong spherical magnet in a rubber strap, that will stick to a 3d lathing nail through an inch of plaster. Also useful for finding floor joists through the finish floor. 

(Don’t buy a knockoff, the magnets are not strong enough!)

> On Oct 31, 2025, at 10:38, Tim . <tims_datsun_stuff at outlook.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi all, 
> 
> I just had back surgery last Monday. Healing well and already off the Rx pain meds. However, I am still going to be on minimal activity for a few weeks more. 
> 
> Sooooooooooooo, please have patience while I ask to many questions. This is the first:
> 
> I am wondering the best way to hang lights from a plaster and lath ceiling (that is over 120 years old if this last bit matters). The two plant lights in question weight just under five pounds each. I will also be mounting a bracket that is used to adjust the height of the hanging light--this most likely on the wall but am not sure yet. I know exactly where the lights will hang so most likely won't be able to (find) use a stud. 
> 
> Thanks!
> tim
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> Shop-talk at autox.team.net
> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Suggested annual donation  $12.96
> Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/shop-talk http://autox.team.net/archive
> 
> Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/shop-talk/dmscheidt@gmail.com
> 
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://autox.team.net/pipermail/shop-talk/attachments/20251031/36de4bb8/attachment.htm>