Don't laugh....I hung a painting over the mantle last

[malta blue]

night using 3 of those picture hooks. The walls are plaster. About 15 minutes later the entire thing came tumbling down and destroyed my antique clock.:cry:

What should I use to hang the painting - there are 5 more of similar size and weight so that I don't lose any more of my precious antiques?

[eleny]

1. I'm so sorry this happened to you

Curses come to mind but they won't help. So, I'll just give ya a hug. :hug:

I wish I could help more. But our interior walls are cinder block just like the exteriors. So, we have a whole different way of hanging anything. We have to drill, insert anchors into the wall and then use screws.

[malta blue]

3. Thanks

I am avoiding really taking a look at the clock right now.

[Longhorn]

2. Will this help?

Mr. Longhorn isn't around to ask but I found this: http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/10117.shtml

Sorry about the clock! :cry:

[malta blue]

4. That is awesome!

This is a huge help! I am forwarding the link to Mr MB right now...and to think he is amused by the fact that I turn to DUers for ideas and assistance...

I was talking about it to Mr MB today and he told me that he didn't think he had hit any studs with the nails last night either:banghead: My poor clock!

Oh well, it is what it is....

[Whoa_Nelly]

5. Also...a little bit more info to add...

From this site about "Understanding Plaster"
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/understandingplaster

Be cautious about trying to drive a nail into a piece of wood lath. If a nail strikes a piece of lath under the plaster there is a good chance it will vibrate, break the plaster keys and loosen the plaster from the lath. A "key" is the term used to describe wet plaster that oozed between the lath when applied and dried partially encasing the lath. These "keys" form a bond between the dried plaster wall and the lath.

You'll be able to tell if the nail strikes a piece of lath - it will bounce back when you tap it with your hammer. If that happens, drill a pilot hole no matter which size nail you use.

For hanging large, heavy pictures, we recommend using a wood screw as hanger if the screw can be installed in a stud or a wall anchor if it does not hit a stud.