This simple tool can assist accurately locate bulwark studs for hanging shelf , mounting TVs , and procure expectant furniture .
If you ’ve ever hung a floating shelf , climb on a television , braced a tall piece of article of furniture , or secured any otherheavy objecton your bulwark , you ’re familiar with stud . Studs are the bones of the wall — though you ca n’t see them , they ’re creditworthy for supporting the weight of everything youcansee .
bump macho-man is n’t always gainsay . In fact , there are many ways to find stud without a studhorse finder . Sometimes , it just take a stud poker finder to check accuracy and avoid damaging crucial component in the wall . These gadgets work by find metal nails or density changes . This step - by - gradation tutorial show you how to practice a studhorse viewfinder so you could expend less time prepping and more time embellish .
Credit:Brie Goldman
Brie Goldman
What Is a Stud Finder?
A stud finder is a hand-held pecker that ’s used to identify a stud ’s location inside a wall .
Types of Stud Finders
Not all stud finders are create equally , and your special stud finder may operate other than than another eccentric . Here are the mostcommon types of stud finders .
Magnetic Stud Finder : A simple magnetic stud finder is first-class because it ’s cheap , and you do n’t have to worry about keep up with batteries . This simple tool uses a brawny magnet to locate the fuck in each rivet .
Scan - Style Stud Finder : A scan - panache stud finder scans the walls to bump the edges of a stud . This is what most citizenry picture when they think of a stud discoverer . Many models have a mysterious scan option that scan for other target inside the paries , such as pipe and electric .
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Sensor - Style Stud Finder : A sensor - trend stud finder feature multiple lights across the top that sort out when order over the top of a stud . These are pricey and , while reasonably accurate , can cause confusion in determining what ’s a stud and what is not .
Phone - Compatible Stud Finder : The priciest of the bunch , phone - compatible stud finders tie to a smartphone , utilize its display to show what ’s inside the paries . These can be extremely exact and even differentiate between studs and other componentsinside the paries . Phone - compatible stud view finder are not related to stud view finder apps , which are often inaccurate .
How to Use a Stud Finder
Step 1: Turn On Power
Insert batteries into stud finder . locate the rivet spotter on one end of the wall you ’re checking for studs , then turn the shaft on . check that the stud view finder is calibrated per the manufacturer ’s directions .
Step 2: Move the Stud Finder
lento move horizontally along the wall . A lighting turns on to signal when the viewfinder has find a stud . slow move the spotter toward the rivet , come on from each side to locate the knocked out edges of the macho-man . You ’ll want to recognize exactlyhow wide each stud isso you could work within those parameters . A received scantling ’s width is 1 - 1/2 inches .
To get a cosmopolitan idea of where each stud poker is , tap the bulwark with your finger . A vacuous tapping auditory sensation will indicate no stud behind the dry wall , while a solid sounding tap should be a sign of a scantling .
Step 3: Mark the Stud’s Edges
Mark each edge of the stud with a pencil . Keep moving horizontally along the wall until you ’ve located all of the studs necessary for your project .
Step 4: Verify Placement
Check to ensure that all marks are in reality stud by measuring the distance between each scar . Studs are typically placed 16 in on centre , think there is a 14 - 1/2 - inch crack between each stud ’s edge . If you have a close measurement , this could imply you’vefound a pipeor other element . If the measurement is around 24 inches , there ’s a good chance that your studs are 24 inches on heart rather than 16 inch , which is n’t rare in older place .
If you run a screw or nail into the wall and there ’s no resistance after the drywall bed , you ’ve neglect the stud . Do not assay to hang anything without proceed the fastener over until you ’ve hit the stud .
How to Make Your Stud Finder Last
Unlike a pounding , a stud finder is a relatively delicate tool . Treat it with care , and once you ’re done using your stud finder , withdraw the assault and battery and store it in a protected spot such as ahard toolboxor a drawer .
Frequently Asked Questions
Electronic stud spotter cost $ 50 or more , while magnetic stud spotter can be as short as $ 10 . There are stud finder apps for your smartphone that are devoid to download , as well .
To find macho-man without a scantling view finder , try the wall - tip method to search for the whole strait that indicates a stud is behind a blot . You will often chance studs where electrical outlets are located , and many times , drywall is sucked into the spotlight where wallboard roll in the hay are tie to studs , so depend for dimpling in the walls to find studs .
Credit:Brie Goldman
Credit:Brie Goldman
Credit:Brie Goldman
Credit:Brie Goldman
Credit:Brie Goldman
