Plaster washers hold sagging plaster to the lath
When old plaster pulls loose from the lath, it sags and cracks, and eventually it comes down. Plaster washers stop that. Each one is about the size of a quarter. You run a drywall screw through the washer and drive it into the wood lath behind the plaster, and the washer pulls the plaster back tight against the lath.
The countersunk design anchors the plaster firmly, which is what stops the cracking and sagging. They’re the go-to for holding up a sagging ceiling so you can save the original plaster.
The details
- Zinc-plated steel, countersunk
- 1-inch diameter
- 25 washers per pack
Frequently asked questions
How do plaster washers work?
A drywall screw runs through the washer and into the wood lath behind the plaster, and the washer pulls the plaster back tight against the lath. The countersunk design clamps the plaster down and stops the cracking and sagging. Each washer is about the size of a quarter.
Do plaster washers work to hold up a sagging ceiling?
Yes. When old plaster pulls loose from the lath it sags and cracks, and plaster washers stop that. They are the go-to for holding up a sagging ceiling so you can save the original plaster instead of starting over in drywall.
What screws do you use with plaster washers?
You drive a drywall screw through the washer and into the wood lath behind the plaster. The washer is zinc-plated steel, countersunk, and 1 inch in diameter, and the pack includes 25 washers.
Repairing old plaster? These guides from The Craftsman Blog show you how to fix cracks, sags, and holes without tearing it out.
Watch the tutorial
How To: Repair a Plaster Ceiling
Plaster ceilings take the full brunt of gravity, so sagging and cracks are common — and fixable. Scott covers everything from hairline cracks to reattaching sagging plaster. Plaster washers are key to pulling a sagging ceiling back tight.
Related tutorials
From The Craftsman Blog
5 Worst Mistakes of Historic Homeowners (Part 4 Plaster)
Tearing out original plaster is one of the worst mistakes an old-house owner can make — and Scott explains what's lost when you do. Plaster has real benefits over drywall. Good motivation to repair instead, with washers to re-secure what's loose.