Here’s how to find a stud in the wall quickly and easily, with or without a stud finder:

  1. Locate the nearest light switch or power outlet. …
  2. Look for dimples in the wall. …
  3. Use windows as a guide. …
  4. Tap the wall. …
  5. Drill a hole. …
  6. Fish around with a wire hanger. …
  7. Try a stud finder app. …
  8. Or just use a stud finder!

How do you know what kind of studs are in the wall?

The stud finder scans the density of the wall, then shows where the studs are located. Simply make a mark on your wall where the stud finder beeps, and you’ll find something solid underneath to hold a nail or screw.

How can you tell if drilling into a stud?

What is this? Simply drill or nail into the wall at the location you found with a stud finder. If it goes in and gets stuck, you’ve hit the stud. If it suddenly slides into the wall and is easy to pull out, you’ve gone through the drywall and hit air!

How do I know if I can drill into a wall?

To find a safe spot to drill into, you need to move the device across the wall with equal pressure. Always keep in mind that you should only move it along the x-axis. So, if you are moving the device horizontally across the wall, you should grip the device from below.

How do I know if my wall studs are wood or metal?

To determine whether the stud type is metal or wood, it is best to use a magnetic stud finder. The finder will only stick to a screw, but you should be able to feel a weaker attraction along the stud if it is steel. If it is wood, you won’t feel any attraction in between the screw heads.

Can I use my phone as a stud finder?

Stud finder app for iOS and Android brings the simplicity and effectiveness of a real stud detector tool to your iPhone or Android device. The app uses your device’s compass (magnetometer sensor) to pinpoint metal studs, nails, and screws embedded in all wood wall studs.

How thick is a wall stud?

1 1/2 inches thick

Studs are vertical boards — they are generally 2 x 4’s, although they actually measure 1 1/2 inches thick and 3 1/2 wide — and are installed at intervals inside a wall to strengthen it and support the wallboard, paneling or plaster.

Why can’t I drill into a stud?

The most common reason a drill won’t penetrate a wall at all is because the drill is spinning in the wrong direction. If the drill bit enters the wall and then hits resistance, the typical cause is a metal plate or masonry obstruction.

Do you drill into a stud or avoid studs?

Studs are the vertical beams that support and frame the house. Drilling into a stud allows for objects to anchor better into the wall than just drywall. Because studs are not often apparent from outside of the wall, purchasing a stud finder tool will help find the studs faster and help you know where to drill.

Can you screw directly into stud?

Whether fastening a framed picture, mirror, shelf, or curtain rod to a wall, it’s always best to screw or nail directly into a wall stud. Unfortunately, studs are seldom, if ever, positioned exactly where you need them, but that’s okay.

How do you find a metal stud in a wall?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So it's just as easy as just going up to the wall. And in the approximate location just rub the magnet on the wall until it sticks to one of the nails.

How do you find studs behind drywall?

Here’s how to find a stud in the wall quickly and easily, with or without a stud finder:

  1. Locate the nearest light switch or power outlet. …
  2. Look for dimples in the wall. …
  3. Use windows as a guide. …
  4. Tap the wall. …
  5. Drill a hole. …
  6. Fish around with a wire hanger. …
  7. Try a stud finder app. …
  8. Or just use a stud finder!


Are all studs magnetic?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You'll find screw heads about every twelve or sixteen inches apart up and down the entire length of the stud. This method is so effective I carry magnets with me everywhere.

Do wall studs have metal?

What is a wall stud? Studs are vertical 2 by 4 inch beams that support the frame of your home. You can find them behind your drywall, usually spaced 16 or 24 inches apart. Since studs are made of thick and sturdy wood or metal, they can securely hold screws better than wall materials like drywall.

How do I find a wall stud without a finder?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If you're having trouble locating which side of the box the stud is on one easy thing to do is take the switch plate off and actually look in the box for the nail that nails the box to the stud.

Can a magnet find a stud in the wall?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: In this video K&J magnetics we use some neodymium magnets to find the hidden studs behind drywall we start using this large magnetic thumbtack on which we put up piece of scotch tape.

How far apart are studs?

The general spacing for wall studs is 16 inches on center, but they can be 24 inches.

How do I find a stud with a flashlight?

The secret to finding your drywall studs is looking for these holes with the help of a flashlight.

  1. Turn off the lights in the room.
  2. Aim your flashlight at a steep angle against the wall so the light beam spreads across the wall.
  3. Look for small dimples in the wall, which indicates a drywall screw.

How do you find a stud in a thick wall?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Turn the tool to deep scan mode now place the tool on the wall. Then press and hold the power button a beep. And the word stud flashes to confirm the tool is calibrated. And ready to scan.

How do you mount a TV on a plaster wall without studs?

How to mount a tv on a plaster wall without studs using toggles

  1. Place your TV mount on the wall. …
  2. Use a level to make sure the mount is levelled properly.
  3. With a pencil or marker, draw marks on the wall.
  4. Put aside the TV mount.
  5. Use a drill bit as large as the toggle when folded.
  6. Drill the holes.

Can you hang a TV on plaster walls?

You most certainly can mount this on lath and plaster walls. The key is finding the studs – and honestly finding the center of the studs. The mount itself is really heavy, and then you’re putting a heavy television on the end of a long lever.