pictures on plasterboard

HELP tring to put 2 canvas prints up on a plasterboard wall but the nails or screws dont hold the pictures (and they are not that heavy) the wall feels like it crumbles a little, have been told to stick a piece of wood on the wall? anybody have any tips or advice? THANKS in advance

The ideal solution for something as light as canvas prints are metal screw fixings. These come with a fixing and a dedicated screw, and can be bought in the usual DIY stores - I have found that Woolworths has them at a reasonable price. They work better the thicker the plasterboard.
The hollow fixing has a large screw thread that you initially tap into the plasterboard, then screw home with a cross head screwdriver. The fixing expands when you insert the dedicated screw. This screw normally goes through the item being fixed then into the fixing, but you could simply leave the screws protruding and tie some picture wire around each one. They are pretty secure - I have fixed shelves with them and they will hold books, CDs, etc.
The advantage over fixing a wooden strap is that the picture will be almost flush to the wall and you won't have the added weight of the wood.
Good Luck.

DonDiy

I've never had a problem with traditional picture hooks and nails hanging light pictures on plasterboard.

Heavier stuff obviously needs a better solution.

Best invention ever for plasterboard walls - Rayfix -

http://www.phoenixdistribution.ie/hammer_in.html

You'd be amazed at what they'll carry - fitted kitchen wall units which are now full of cups, plates etc - no problem. What's great about them as well is that you can simply pull them out and re-use again and again.

Henrik

I like the cast metal spiral ones, they seem to do the job well & are easily reused.