Tag: Magnetic Stud Finder

Dear Mr. Electrician, How do I find a wall stud? Answer:  The methods I use to find a wall stud were learned before the invention of electronic stud finders.  We used other, less technical means to find a wood stud in a wall or a ceiling joist above. NOTE: Some text links below go to applicable products on Amazon.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Using my links helps to keep this website FREE. Table of Contents: Measuring Finding Wall Studs using Electrical boxes Using Magnets to Find a Wall Stud Probe For a Wall Stud We identified the locations of the studs mostly to confirm hollow wall spaces and for attaching electrical boxes when installing wiring inside existing finished walls. MEASURING TO FIND WALL STUDS In most cases, residential wall studs are 16" apart on-center (Approximately 14.5" in-between studs).  However, some residences have their wall studs spaced at 24" on-center. Regardless, there is always a wall stud four feet from the corner of the wall. This is because wall coverings such as drywall, plywood, and paneling are four feet wide.  When installed, the drywall edges must land on a stud to be stable and have something to fasten to. So I would measure four feet from the wall corner and then measure 16" to each stud. To confirm a stud where my measuring said there was, I would hold my lit flashlight against the wall while shining the beam across the finished surface to look for nails starting to come out (Nail pops) or dimples where the drywall mud or joint compound wasn't evenly applied.  This usually doesn't work for walls and ceilings that have been plastered. Top Of Page ELECTRICAL BOXES Another method of finding a wall stud is to remove the wall plate on an electrical receptacle or wall switch and see which side of the electrical box is mounted to the wall stud.  I can then measure 16" from there. I can also insert a fish tape or a thin screwdriver alongside the electrical box to probe inside the wall to find a stud. Top Of Page MAGNETS A magnet can also help find a wall stud inside the wall.  If you gently move the magnet up, down, and across the wall, you will feel the magnet stick to a nail head. I had a small, powerful magnet on a string that I would dangle along the surface of a wall until it stuck. I don't own one, but I suppose a metal detector could be used to locate the nails in a wall. Top Of Page PROBING Some people like to confirm that they found a wall stud where they want it by inserting something long, thin, sharp, and stiff into the wall close to the floor or baseboard.  A thin awl works or a short piece of fish tape without a hook. A sharpened coat hanger may work, but the metal is soft and bends easily.  Tapping a finish nail with a hammer into the wall at floor level would also confirm a stud's presence.  However, If you...