How to Pick a Stud Finder
Stud finder appliances are essential tools for those who add mounting equipment and shelves to the walls of a home. The drywall sheets in a home are mounted to vertical and/or horizontal house framing studs, but there is a hollow space between the studs, and if you're mounting something between studs, the mount screws will pull out of the drywall when anything of weight is placed on the bracket or shelf. To prevent this from happening, you must be able to select a good stud finder to be sure you are screwing your mounting brackets directly into the stud supports. There are different types of stud finders, ranging from magnetic to electronic. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Determine the thickness of your walls and the type of material used in your walls. A set of house plans for your home will provide you with this information readily.
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Purchase a magnetic stud finder if your walls are made of drywall that is 3/4 inch thick or less. A magnetic stud finder is strong enough to hold itself on the surface of your wall when the magnet finds a drywall hanger or nail. This is the most convenient method, as all walls are connected to the studs with hangers or screws.
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If your wall covering is thicker than 3/4 inch, you will want to purchase an electronic stud finder rated for a depth that exceeds the thickness of your wall covering. When comparing electronic stud finders for such a wall, look for the device rating on the package.
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Tips & Warnings
If you purchase a quality electronic stud finder, the device should have a battery strength indicator LED, or display. Replace the batteries when they are half depleted or when the yellow battery level indicator lights. Electronic stud finders send specific signals through the wall coverings, and if the signal is only at half-strength, your stud finder may not locate the studs properly.
