Methods for Locating the Studs in Your Walls

Using the studs inside your walls for anchoring heavy objects reduces the chance for the object to fall. Determining the location of studs inside your walls can be frustrating but there are a few methods that can be used without excessive difficulty. You will need a stud sensor if you have one, a measuring tape, pencil, hammer and a long thin nail. Keep in mind that the studs in most homes are located 16 to 24 inches apart on center. This is the location from the middle of one stud to the middle of the next stud. The width of the stud should also be 1 1/2 inches.

Electronic stud sensors:

The most reliable method for locating studs is by using an electronic stud finder. You can purchase a fairly inexpensive one at most hardware stores. Follow the directions that apply to the stud sensor you are using. By moving the sensor along the wall you will receive an indication of where your studs are.

Mark the location of the first stud you find very lightly in pencil. Also mark both edges, studs will be 1 and 1/2 inches across. If you move the sensor slowly enough you should see or hear where the stud starts and stops.

Take a very thin long nail and gently hammer it into your wall where you think the first stud is located. If you make contact with wood you have found a stud. Keep in mind that drywall is usually ½" to 5/8" in thickness but can be up to ¾" in areas that require a fire resistant barrier.

From the center of your first stud measure 16 inches horizontally and check with your sensor or nail to see if in fact you have a stud in that location. If you do not find a stud try again at a 24 inch mark. Use caution when hammering nails or using drills to avoid electrical wires or plumbing inside your walls. Nails are preferred over drilling as they are easier to control.

Outlet method:

Electrical outlets are normally located on the left side or right side of studs. You can use the location of an outlet to begin your stud search. Do not nail into your wall directly above the left or right edge of the outlet, this is where wires most likely will be attached. Try going ¾ of an inch from the side of the outlet directly to the right or left.

Tapping method:

In some cases you can also tap along your wall with your fist or any object that will not damage your wall. You should be able to hear the difference as you tap. A stud location will sound more solid than when you tap on a hollow area. Use the same steps to mark your first stud location and find the rest of the studs along the wall.

Magnet method:

If you have a very strong magnet available you may be able to use it to determine your stud locations. Wrap the magnet in a cloth to avoid damaging your wall and then very slowly run it along your wall. The magnet should cling to any nails that are hidden in your wall indicating a potential stud location. Unfortunately you will need to work in both a horizontal and vertical direction and this method can be time consuming.

If none of the these methods work you can simply tap nails into your wall along a horizontal line about one inch apart until your locate your first stud. From that point use your measuring tape to measure 16 or 24 inches to the next stud. Try the 16 inch measurement first. Tap a nail in at this location to see if there is a stud there. This is really not the best method as you may a large number of nail holes before you locate your studs.

Remember to use the thinnest nail possible and be cautious in areas that may contain electrical wires. You may also find locations that have two studs side by side; this may be the case around window frames.