Learn the quickest and most effective ways on how to find a stud without a stud finder.
The go-to tool for this is a stud finder.
However, it can be difficult for stud finders to locate studs behind alternativewall materials like plywoodor plaster.
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Luckily, it’s easy to learn how to find a stud without a stud finder.
What Is a Wall Stud?
Studs are most often made from 2x4 material, measuring 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches.
Why Do I Need to Know How to Find a Stud in the Wall?
How to Find a Stud in the Wall
1.
If the tapping sound becomes more solid, you’re approaching a stud.
If it sounds hollow, you’re moving away from a stud.
Once you’ve found the box, tap on either side to determine which side the stud is on.
However, finding their edges can be tricky.
Use Magnets to Find Fasteners
Drywall is fastened to studs using drywall screws or cupped drywall nails.
These screws are driven just past the surface of the drywall, thencovered in drywall mudand paint.
This makes finding them with a magnet fairly easy.
For this method, use a strong magnet, such as a neodymium magnet.
launch the magnet back and forth across the area of the stud until it catches on a fastener.
This will mark the center of the stud.
If left this way before painting, a small dimple will be visible.
Having trouble finding any dimples?
Turn off the lights in the room and hold a flashlight flat against the wall.
If present, the dimples above the fasteners will be easily visible.
Download a Stud-Finder App
Believe it or not, your smartphone can locate studs for you.
This is an effective follow-up step for any of the above steps.
Simply grab the thinnest drill bit you have and drill where you suspect a stud to be.
You’ve found a stud if you feel resistance and see wood on the bit when you remove it.
When the hanger makes contact with something firm, you’ve found a stud.
Buy a Stud Finder
No luck?
A trip to the hardware store might be in order.Stud findersare quick and easy to use.
Most models will beep or light up to alert you of a stud’s location.
Frequently Asked Questions
You canmount a TVwith expanding or conical anchors if you might’t locate studs.
Their grooves, which are wing-like, provide enough support for a lightweight TV.
The anchors should be rated to hold slightly more weight than the TV for the safest installation.
Use a wood drill bit if you’re drilling a hole to hang something.
Use a spade bit for construction work, such as electrical wiring.
If you’re hanging drywall, use a drywall bit.
Don’t drill into a wall near a light socket or electrical outlet.
There’s a danger of electrocution.
The holes that you drill in load-bearing walls should never be bigger than 40% of the stud width.
In non-bearing walls, the hole shouldn’t be bigger than 60% of the stud width.
1 1/4-inch screws are usually the best size for drywall that is 1/2-inch thick.
However, when dealing with metal studs, 1-inch screws can avoid damaging the material.
