How Do I Locate A Stud In The Wall?

How To Find A Wall Stud | Securely Hang Photos & More!

Before you hang a picture, mount a TV or install shelves on a wall, find a wood stud behind the wall to attach them to.

If you try to hang something heavy on drywall alone, it eventually will fall to the floor and could rip a hole in the drywall. That’s neither safe nor attractive. So nail your hooks and hangers into studs.

What Is A Stud?

A stud is a two-by-four or two-by-six wooden beam that “frame” a wall. Over top of that wood frame is a layer of drywall, which is painted and makes up the interior wall of your room. However, you cannot see the studs because they’re behind the drywall. Don't worry, you don't have to bust into your wall to find them.

Here Are Four Ways To Locate Wall Studs:  

1. Make a fist and knock on the wall with your knuckles. In some places, you’ll hear a hollow sound. Other areas will sound more “solid.” The “solid” sound indicates you have knocked on a stud. Studs are located about 16 to 24-inches apart. Measure this distance away from either side of the first stud and knock on the wall again to hear if you’ve hit another one. This is a fairly reliable way to find studs, but not the best. 
2. Invest in an electronic stud finder. This is a tool that measures the density of a wall and beeps or blinks when it touches a place where the wall is thicker because it’s reinforced by a wooden stud.
3. Studs contain nails or screws. Before there were electronic stud finders, do-it-yourselfers used magnetic stud finders which locate the nails and screws.
4. Look for an electrical outlet. It’s probably fastened to the side of a stud. The stud runs the vertical length of the wall, so you can estimate where it is by following that line up to the spot where you want to hang your picture.

Once you’ve found a stud, use a power drill with a tiny drill bit to poke a small hole in the wall. You’ll be able to tell if you hit wood if you feel pressure against the drill bit.

Rosie eStore Product

If you are looking for a quality stud finder, head over to the Rosie eStore and check out Franklin Sensors Professional Stud Finders!

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