How to Use a Stud Finder

You'll need to find the studs in your wall for many home improvement or design projects. You may want to hang a heavy piece of art or shelving, or you may want to cut an opening in a wall between two rooms. The easiest way to locate these support pieces is to use a stud finder. The precise directions may vary with different models of stud finders, but they all work with the same basic principle.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil

Instructions

1. Clear space to stand in front of the wall you will use the stud finder on. If moving furniture is impossible or impractical, at least remove all breakable items from the area so there is no danger of knocking anything over.

2. Turn the stud finder on. It will beep to let you know the power is on.

3. Hold the stud finder flat against the wall to the left of the location you are planning to work on.

4. Press the "Locator" button. The stud finder will beep continuously while it calibrates. Do not move until the stud finder is silent again.

5. Hold the "Locator" button down and drag the stud finder slowly along the wall, moving it to your right.

6. Watch the progression of lights on the stud finder. The red lights will flicker on as you get close.

7. Watch the stud finder and when the green light illuminates and a loud, continuous beep sounds, you've found the edge of the stud.

8. Hold the stud finder steady and release the button.

9. Mark this edge with a pencil. The detection zone on the stud finder is usually at the top and center.

10. Move the stud finder at least 8 inches to the right of your mark. Repeat Steps 5 to 9, now moving the stud finder to your left. Now you have found both outside edges of the stud. If you want to hang a shelf or picture from the stud, choose the center of your two marks to drill or nail into the stud. This will give you the sturdiest hold.

Tips & Warnings

• You can start on either the right or left side of a stud. The important thing is to find both edges so that you know the exact location and center of the stud.

• Studs are usually 2 inches by 4 inches in size and set 16 inches apart. "Two by four" is the common name, but usually they measure 1 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches. When locating a stud, the edges should be close to two inches apart. If it is closer to four, this is a double stud. If you want to hang a picture or shelf where a double stud is present, avoid the center where the two studs join together.

• Do not use pen, marker or other permanent writing instrument on any wall surface that will be visible now or at a later date. Some inks can even bleed through one or two coats of paint, so you want to use a marking device that will not damage the appearance of your walls. As an alternative, apply a piece of painter's tape across the stud area and make the marks on that.

References

• Zircon: How to Use a Stud Finder
• XProTec: Stud Finder/Laser level