So, I’m Joe. And I’m here to tell you a little story about the time I tried to hang a picture in my apartment.
I was feeling all DIY and decided to tackle this project on my own. I grabbed my trusty stud finder and started scanning the wall.
Low and behold, I couldn’t find a single stud. I mean, I knew they were there, but my stud finder wasn’t picking up anything.
I tried different spots on the wall, different angles, even tried tapping the wall to see if I could hear any differences in sound. But nope, nothing. I was starting to get pretty frustrated at this point. I mean, how hard could it be to find a stud?
So, I decided to take a break and do a little research. And you know what I found out? That my stud finder was a piece of crap.
A total dud. And that there are actually a few different ways to find a stud without a fancy stud finder.
The easiest way to find a stud is by using a combination of tools, including a hammer, a small drill bit, and a level.
Table of Contents
The Tools You’ll Need
- Hammer
- Small drill bit (1/16 inch or smaller)
- Level
The Method
First, you’re gonna want to locate the studs in the area you’re working on. The most common stud spacing is 16 inches on center, but it can vary. Once you have a general idea of where the studs might be, it’s time to get to work.
Take your hammer and small drill bit and make a small hole in the wall where you think a stud might be. If the drill bit goes through the drywall and hits wood, congrats! You found a stud.
If it goes through the drywall and hits nothing, you’re gonna want to move over a few inches and try again.
Once you’ve located a few studs, use your level to make sure they’re all lined up. If they’re not, you might have hit a stud plate (a piece of wood that runs along the top of the studs) instead of the actual stud. In that case, move down a few inches and try again.
Repeat this process until you’ve found all the studs you need.
Are Studs Every 18 Inches?
Nah, bro.
Most studs are spaced 16 inches on center, but it can vary. 18 inches is a little too far apart for most residential construction, but you never know. It’s always best to double-check.
Are Studs Every 12 Inches?
Sometimes, studs can be spaced 12 inches on center, especially in commercial construction. But again, it’s always best to double-check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I can’t find a stud?
If you’re having trouble finding a stud, try tapping the wall to see if you can hear any differences in sound.
Also, check for any electrical outlets or light switches on the wall, as these are often located near studs. If all else fails, you can always call in a professional to help locate the studs for you.
Q: Can I use a magnet to find a stud?
Technically, you can use a magnet to find a stud. Since most nails used to secure drywall to the studs are made of metal, a magnet will stick to them.
However, this method is not very reliable and can be time-consuming. It’s best to stick with the hammer and small drill bit method.
Q: Can I use a phone app to find a stud?
There are a few apps available that claim to help you find studs using your phone’s microphone. However, these apps are not very reliable and can give you false readings.
It’s best to stick with the tried and true methods.
In Conclusion:
Finding a stud doesn’t have to be rocket science. Just grab a hammer, a small drill bit, and a level and you’re good to go.
And remember, always double-check your work to make sure you’re hitting the right spot. Now, excuse me while I go hang that picture I couldn’t hang before.