To find a stud in a wall use a stud finder and slide it across the wall. Most stud finders beep or light up when they hit a stud. Or look for electrical outlets or light switches as they are usually mounted to the side of a stud. Measure 16 or 24 inches from an edge and you may find a stud as they are usually spaced that way.
Knowing where the wall studs are when renovating or when for hanging heavy objects like wall mounted shelves, TVs or mirrors safely and securely. Wall studs are the vertical beams inside your walls that provide the support to anchor these items. In this guide we’ll cover several ways to find wall studs, both high tech and low tech and no special tools required.
What are Wall Studs and Why are they Important?
Wall studs are the vertical wooden beams that make up the back bone of your walls. Spaced 400mm apart, sometimes 600mm in older or non standard construction, these studs are the foundation of your home. They support the wall itself and are the secure anchor points for hanging heavy objects like wall mounted shelves, TVs and mirrors.
Knowing where the wall studs are is important for any homeowner or DIYer. Anchoring items to wall studs ensures they stay attached and don’t fall and cause accidents or damage. Without a wall stud to support them, heavy objects can pull out of the wall and cause costly repairs and hazards. By knowing where the wall studs are and how to use them you can tackle your home projects with confidence and safety.
Use an Electronic Stud Finder
Using an electronic stud finder is the quickest and most accurate way to find wall studs. Stud finders detect changes in wall density so you can pinpoint exactly where a stud is.
- Steps to Use: Place the stud finder flat against the wall, turn it on and press the calibration button. Slide it along the wall until it lights up or beeps, when it hits a stud.
- Pro Tip: Once the stud finder finds a stud, mark both edges so you can find the center of the stud. This will ensure you’re drilling in the right spot for maximum support.
- Popular Models: Stanley and Bosch are good brands and have models for drywall and even plaster walls. Available in stores like Bunnings and Total Tools.
This method is good for projects that require precise placement like anchoring heavy objects. Electronic stud finders are great for finding studs behind drywall and plaster walls in most homes.
Use a Magnet to Find Metal Screws in Studs
A magnet is a cheap and easy way to find studs. Studs are attached to the wall with metal screws or nails and a strong magnet can detect them among other metal objects.
- How to Use: Slowly move a strong magnet along the wall until you feel a pull, when you’ll find a metal screw or nail within a stud.
- Best Magnet: Neodymium magnets work best because of their strength and can detect metal screws or nails through layers of wall material.
- Limitations: This method only detects nails or screws so you may need to check multiple spots along the wall to confirm the stud’s location.
This method works best for walls where stud finders don’t work and is good for home projects that involve anchoring items like wall mounted shelves or heavy mirrors.
Knock Test to Find Hollow and Solid Sounds
The knock test is an old school way to find wall studs by listening to the sounds. Tapping on the wall will reveal where a stud is, areas with no stud will sound hollow and areas with a stud will sound solid.
- How to Do: Tap lightly along the wall in small increments. Areas with no stud will sound hollow and tapping directly over a stud will sound solid.
- Where It’s Good: This method is good for finding studs in areas where you don’t have access to a stud finder or magnet.
This method is easy but not precise and good for home projects where approximate stud locations are okay, like hanging lighter items.
Measure from Light Switches and Electrical Boxes
Light switches, outlets and electrical boxes are usually attached to the side of a stud. This can give you an idea where the next stud might be.
- Steps: Measure 400 mm from an outlet or light switch, most studs in home projects are 400 to 600 mm apart. In modern construction this spacing is consistent.
- Warning: Don’t drill too close to these fixtures or you could damage the wiring.
This method is good for estimating stud positions in smaller rooms and can find wall studs without special tools.
Use a Wire Hanger or Small Nail to Confirm Stud Location
If other methods leave you unsure about a stud’s location, a wire hanger or small nail can confirm the stud’s location.
- How to Do: Bend a wire hanger into an “L” shape and insert it into the wall where you think the stud is. Rotate it to feel for resistance.
- Alternative: Use a thin drill bit to create a small hole and feel for resistance, which will indicate you hit the stud.
- Warning: Don’t drill near electrical wires, especially near outlets or light switches.
This method is good if you’re still having trouble finding a stud with other tools and want to confirm a stud’s location before hanging heavy objects.
Look for Visual Cues on Baseboards and Wall Trim
Construction techniques often places studs near baseboards, trim and around windows for structural support. Look for these elements to give you an idea where the stud is.
- Steps: Look for visible nails or seams in baseboards or trim, they usually line up with a stud.
- Example Use: In rooms with windows or doors, studs are usually placed near the edges for added support.
This method is good in homes where you can see clear construction cues and is especially good for home projects in rooms with trim or molding.
Stud Finder Apps as a Supplement
Stud finder apps can be used as an additional tool, especially if you don’t have a physical stud finder. These apps uses the phone’s internal sensors to detect density changes in the wall, an alternative for those without a stud finder.
- Best Apps: Walabot and Stud Finder Pro are popular options with easy to use interface. But accuracy depends on wall type and your phone’s sensor.
- When to Use: Use these apps as a supplement when physical methods are not available.
This tool is good for general guidance on stud locations for lighter home projects or smaller items.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Finding Wall Studs
When finding wall studs, several common mistakes can lead to inaccurate results or damage. One of the most common is relying too much on the knock test. While tapping on the wall can help identify hollow and solid areas or where wall insulation is present, it’s not reliable especially on plaster walls where the sound is not as distinct.
Another mistake is using a wire hanger to fish around behind the wall. This method can damage the wall or worse, snag on electrical wires and is a big safety risk. Using a stud finder app without proper calibration can also give you false readings and make it hard to find the wall studs.
Also never drill into electrical boxes or copper pipes. These are usually hidden behind the walls and drilling into them can be a big safety hazard, electrical shock or water damage. To avoid these, always use a stud finder to double check the area before drilling and be aware of the locations of electrical outlets and plumbing.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll find wall studs safely and accurately and your DIY projects will be successful and secure.
Hanging Heavy Objects on Wall Studs
Once you’ve found the center of the stud, make sure to anchor heavy objects correctly so they won’t come loose. For items like TVs, heavy mirrors and wall-mounted shelves follow these tips for safe hanging.
- Use the Right Hardware: Use heavy-duty screws or anchors for wood studs if you’re drilling into drywall. This will minimize the chance of heavy objects coming loose.
- Drill Pilot Holes: Drill small holes before screwing. This will prevent wall damage and make it easier to screw in the hardware.
- Safety Tip: Always find the exact center of the stud for maximum holding power, drilling too close to the edge reduces stability.
Using these tips you’ll be able to anchor heavy objects securely and fasten them properly and reduce wall damage.
Best Practices:
- When hanging objects over 90 kgs always use the center of the stud.
- Use a level to ensure alignment and avoid angled mounts which can put extra stress on the screws.
- If you’re working on buildings with metal studs use specialized hardware as metal studs require different technique than wood studs.
By following these methods you can find wall studs for any home project that requires secure mounting, whether it’s hanging a mirror or installing shelves. Whether you’re using a stud finder, magnet or simple knock test, follow these tips for safe and effective mounting in your home.
Popular Questions
Below are common questions we get asked.
What are the best tools for finding studs in different wall types?
Different wall types may require different tools for stud finding. For plaster walls a magnetic stud finder is often effective since the nails and screws used in construction. For electronic stud finders they can give more precise readings by detecting changes in wall density so they are good for drywall or timber walls. Traditional methods like knock and listen can be used in any wall type but may not be as reliable in older homes with irregular stud spacing.
How can I find studs without damaging my walls?
To find studs without damaging you can use non-invasive methods like the magnet technique where a strong magnet is moved along the wall to detect metal fasteners. Or the knock and listen method where you can hear the difference between hollow and solid sounds without any tools. If you prefer a more techy approach you can use an electronic stud finder to find studs accurately with minimal wall damage.
What if I can’t find a stud where I think I should?
If you can’t find a stud where you expect one it may be due to irregular spacing or construction methods in older homes. In this case try measuring from known points like electrical outlets or corners of the room as studs are usually spaced 450mm or 600mm apart. If all else fails use a metal detector which can find screws or nails deeper in the wall structure.
Can I make a stud finder at home?
Yes you can make a simple DIY stud finder by attaching a strong magnet to a string or dental floss. Move this homemade tool horizontally along the wall and you’ll detect metal fasteners which will indicate a stud. This is cost effective and battery free and calibration free so anyone can use it to find studs easily.