When you’re hanging a picture or mounting a shelf, it’s important to find the studs so that you can secure the item properly. There are a few ways that you can find the studs without using a stud finder. One way is to use a small nail or screw and gently tap it into the drywall until you hit something solid – that will be the stud. Another way is to use a magnet – hold it close to the wall and move it around until it sticks in one spot, which indicates where the stud is.
Finding wall studs Without a stud finder
Most homes have walls made of wood studs, which provide support for the drywall. If you need to hang a picture or shelves, it is important to Find the studs so that you can secure the screws. There are a few different ways to Find a stud Without using a stud finder as described below.
1. Tap the Wall
Oftentimes, tapping the wall is all that’s needed to locate a stud’s general location. If the tapping sound grows more solid, you’re approaching a stud. If it has a hollow sound, you should keep walking. Once you’ve discovered the stud, measure 16 inches to identify the next stud, then press to verify.
2. Look for Light Switches and Outlets
It is conceivable to Find a light switch or electrical outlet that is not attached to the face of a stud, although this is quite unlikely. Once you’ve located the container, you can easily tell which side the stud is located by tapping on it.
3. Find Fasteners Using Magnets to Locate a Stud
In this technique, a powerful but compact magnet like a neodymium magnet is used. You can Find the stud by dragging the magnet back and forth across the region until it grabs onto a screw or nail. This will mark the middle of the stud. Once you’ve discovered one fastener, place Magnets on the fasteners above and below to designate a bigger section of the stud.
4. Look for Dimples in Drywall
When drywall mud is applied to fasteners in a building, it can sometimes be sucked into the head of the fastener as it dries. A little dimple will be apparent If this is done before painting. If you can get these dimples in the wall, you have identified a stud.
5. Look for Dimples in Trim
Finish nails in trim, like drywall fasteners, are typically an easy way to pinpoint the placement of a stud. Even If these are patched, a flashlight beam will reveal them wherever they occur along the molding.
6. Measure from the Corner of the Room
Considering that there is most certainly a stud in the room’s corner, the furthest stud from the corner should be located at least 16 inches away. It’s as simple as taking a measurement from the corner to the next stud, and then every 16 inches from there. Since no two rooms are alike, it’s safe to assume that there will be at least one stud closer to the corner than 16 inches.
Anyone who has hung a picture or attempted to install shelving knows that finding a stud in the wall is essential. However, stud finders can be expensive, and they don’t always work reliably. If you find yourself without a stud finder, there are a few other ways to locate a stud.
