In today’s quick tip, I’m going to show you how to hang a mirror on plaster and lath walls. Hanging heavy objects on the wall can be tricky, and with all the options available out there, downright confusing. Even more so if you live in an old house with plaster walls.

One foolproof method to hang heavy picture frames or mirrors is to use a molly bolt. This hollow wall anchor will allow you to hang your frame anywhere, without having to find a stud.

Here are the tools and materials you’ll need:

• Molly bolts 
• Drill 
• Drill bits 
• Hammer 
• Painter’s tape 
• Level

How to hang heavy things on plaster walls

I like to start by placing a piece of painter’s tape on the wall, close to where my hanging screws will need to go. Next, I use a level to draw a horizontal line on the tape.

The mirror I’m hanging has 2 keyhole slots, so I started by measuring the distance from center to center. I then transferred that measurement onto my line, making 2 marks. It’s best to use a hard ruler rather than a tape measure for greater accuracy.

You’ll want to use a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than the size of the molly bolt you have. You want to be able to easily tap it in with a hammer, but not have it floating around in the hole.

Remove the tape, then tap in the molly bolt, all the way in, so the “hooks” sink into the wall.

Using a screwdriver, turn the screw clockwise several times until you feel moderate to strong resistance.

If you want to see what happens behind the wall when using a molly bolt, check out this short video.

Next, back out the screw a few turns so it sticks out of the wall slightly.

Now all that’s left is to hang the mirror on the screws. Easier said than done, but eventually you line up the holes just right and it slides into place.