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Yes, you can hammer a nail into a wall stud. But before you do, it’s important to confirm that you’re actually nailing into a stud—and not wiring, pipes, or ductwork. To check, find a few more studs in the wall, then measure to make sure they’re either 16 or 24 inches apart.

You’ll get better results if you soundproof the whole wall. A hole through which light can pass can also let sound waves in. Acoustical or silicone sealant applied to holes and cracks can block enough sound to make a difference. However, the more layers absorb vibrations and slow or stop sound waves, the less noise you’ll have. 

Plastering and skimming are two different techniques for finishing walls. Plastering involves applying a thick layer of a plaster mixture—typically containing gypsum, lime, cement, sand, and water—to create a new surface. This process often requires multiple coats and is used for repairing significant damage or creating decorative textures. Skimming, on the other hand, is a technique that involves applying a thin layer of drywall compound or joint compound over an existing surface to smooth it out, covering minor imperfections, small cracks, or uneven textures for a polished look. Plastering is generally more costly and labor-intensive than skimming. Although some people use the terms interchangeably, they refer to different processes and materials.

Whether you can reuse a drywall anchor depends on its type, material, and how it is removed. Plastic anchors, such as expansion or self-drilling types, are generally considered single-use because they are designed to expand and are likely to break or become deformed upon removal. Metal anchors, like toggle bolts, are more durable and can often be reused if they are not damaged during extraction. However, with toggle bolts, the toggle mechanism can fall inside the wall when the bolt is removed, making it difficult to retrieve. If an anchor is damaged or must be cut for removal, it cannot be reused regardless of its material.