How to Find Studs With a Stud Finder

If you need to hang pictures, or attach something to a wall or ceiling, it is important to find the studs so you have a solid, rugged place to attach. There is a low cost tool that helps you find the location of studs very easily and accurately called a stud finder. If you don’t have a stud finder, there are other ways to find the studs, but this article tells you how to use a electronic stud finder. It is quicker and easier.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electronic Stud Finder
• Battery for the stud finder (probably 9V but check the instructions for your particular model)
• Hammer
• Thin nail

1. Read the instructions that came with your stud finder. Different models might have different lights, sounds, and buttons. This article will give the general idea, but you need to find out the details for your particular unit.

2. Make sure there is a battery in the stud finder.

3. Calibrate the unit by holding it against the wall or ceiling where you want to find the studs. Make sure you hold it flat with the LED lights facing toward you, and oriented vertically. (Parallel with the studs in the wall or ceiling) Press and hold the activation button. The unit will beep and the lights will flash. This will stop when the unit is calibrated and a light (probably green) will illuminate to let you know the unit is ready.

4. Continue to hold the activation button down and slide the unit along the wall. At some point, the lights will begin to light and the unit will begin to beep. Mark that point along the wall. Then, approach that point from the other direction and mark where it beeps and lights again. Those two points should indicate the two edges of the stud. They should be about 1 ½” apart.

5. Mark the point halfway between your two marks. That is the center of the stud. It is a good idea to test that point with a thin nail to verify you got it correctly. Note that if the two marks are farther apart than that, there could be two studs immediately next to each other. In that case, hammer your nail in one or the other, but not right between them. That’s it! You have found the stud.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that studs are usually 16”, 22”, or 24” inches apart. You can use this information to help you find where to look for the studs.
• Make sure your battery is not worn out or too weak.
• If you find things that seem too narrow to be studs, they could be wires or pipes. Be careful not to hammer into a wire or pipe.

[cherry67]

on 8/17/2009 thanks for sharing