Expert: Ted Barnhill (Principal, Design45 LLC) - 8/16/2007

Question
I am needing to mount a ceiling curtain track to use as a room divider in my kids' room that they share.  I am in a 50 year old building in NYC and the walls are plaster.  I'm assuming the ceiling is too.  I've experienced cracking and chunks falling off the walls when I've mounted a nail or screw to hang pictures on the wall...I don't want that to happen when I mount this track system on the ceiling.  Is there a certain screw I need to use or pre-drill the holes or locate a framing "stud."  I just need this thing to stay UP and not come loose from the ceiling!

Answer
You can use a stud-finder, probably on "deep" setting, to try and locate joists.  If they are located such that you can mount in to them, do so.  Predrill the plaster with a good bit.  If you have to mount between joists, you will need anchors such as toggle bolts, which require a larger hole and more careful predrilling.  Go slow - you are trying to drill through the wood lathe (behind the plaster), not break it.  A new spade bit will help, as it will carve out the plaster rather than shove it out and risk cracking.