How to hang a painting without a stud-finder?

[TopHatFox]

Knock knock. Who's there? Density.

...

Any other ideas?

[Tyler9000]

How heavy is the painting?

I've hung large ones and never messed with studs. Just be sure to use a picture hanging kit rated for the proper weight. For large/heavy items, use more than one. One trick is to put a piece of painters tape on the wall where you put the nail -- it will help keep the hole from chipping.

The only issues I've had is with brittle plaster walls in old houses. In that case, finding a stud is probably a good idea. But drywall is stronger than you think as long as you don't go overboard.

[jennypenny]

I'm a fan of 3M Command Strips. They hold more than you think.

[Chris]

You could try these hooks; just jab 'em through. And if they don't go through, congratulations, you've found a stud (-:

[arrrrgon]

I'm always more worried about my voltage tester

It depends on how old the house is. Very old houses tend to have a slight outward bend in the wall where the stud is.

[Chad]

I agree with Jenny. The 3M Command Strips work great for small and medium pictures. They are even better for us renters, as no holes in the wall with a nail.

[tommytebco]

I have an older (1954) house with (I think) plaster over lathe walls. I need to hang a 42 inch flat screen TV. How should I do this? I don't want a crash in the night.
Thanks