How to Use Magnets to Locate Studs

As great as technology is, sometimes it falls short. A case in point is the electric stud finders that often fail to locate their intended targets. For various reasons such as thick texture, obstructions and thick walls, these electronic tools fall just short of their purpose. One viable and cheap option to electric stud finders is the use of magnets to locate studs in walls of the house.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fine string or thread
• Magnet
• Pencil

1. Obtain a magnet to use for stud location. This magnet can even be a regular refrigerator magnet.

2. Locate some string or thread to connect to the magnet. This can be any fine string or thread. Even dental floss can be used.

3. Tie the string or thread securely around the magnet. Simply take the string and a loop it around the magnet until it is secure.

4. Dangle the magnet against the wall until it moves toward the wall due to magnetic attraction. A person is looking for the nails and metal fasteners used to secure the studs. These nails and fasteners will provide the magnetic attraction for the magnet.

5. Mark the spot on the wall where the magnetic attraction occurred. Take a pencil and make a mark for a future point of reference.

6. Repeat the process as many times as necessary to locate the stud with the magnet. Sometimes the stud in the wall has additional support near it, so the first try may not be the stud, but a support beam installed next to it. That is why the process should be repeated, unless you only need one point of support.