It is commonly thought that you need to have a stud finder in order to find a stud in your drywall. But not all homeowners own a stud finder, and probably don’t need one often enough to justify the purchase.
Is a stud finder necessary?
Using a stud finder may seem unnecessary, but it’s probably one of the most important steps when it comes to hanging anything substantial on the wall, says Anna Kroesser of Kroesser + Strat Design, LLC. “When you hang something heavy on the wall that isn’t on a stud, you risk drilling into sheetrock.
Can I use my phone as a stud finder?
Stud finder app for iOS and Android brings the simplicity and effectiveness of a real stud detector tool to your iPhone or Android device. The app uses your device’s compass (magnetometer sensor) to pinpoint metal studs, nails, and screws embedded in all wood wall studs.
Can you drill into a wall without a stud finder?
But if you don’t have an electronic or magnetic stud finder, you can still figure out where studs are pretty easily. One option is to scan the wall for electrical outlets, light switches or where a nail runs through the molding.
Can I use my iPhone as a stud finder?
This app will help you detect ferrous metal objects. It uses the magnetometer to measure the magnetic field when your iPhone is placed near ferrous metal objects.
Are outlets always on studs?
Yes, in general electrical outlets are installed directly next to a stud. However, apartments may have some different things going on: There may be metal studs. These are much harder to find by knocking.
Do all walls have studs?
Although every house is unique, there are some common similarities among most walls in homes. Most homes are built with 2×4 or 2×6 studs and studs can be found typically on the sides of windows or doors. Additionally, most outlets and light switches have a stud location on the right or left side.
How can I hang something without a stud finder?
If you’re able to make holes in your walls, here are some options to consider for hanging pictures on drywall without a stud.
- Drywall anchors. Drywall anchors look like hollow plastic screws.
- Expanding plastic sleeves.
- Drywall nails.
- Tap-in expanding anchors.
- Toggle bolts.
- Anchor wire/monkey hooks.
- Adhesive strip or hooks.
Can you hang a painting without a stud finder?
Lighter or smaller items, including picture frames, canvases, shadow boxes, clocks, decorative plates can safely be hung with a nail without a stud. Make sure to choose a nail sized according to the weight of your piece.
Can you mount a TV without a stud finder?
A toggle anchor or a toggle bolt is a great way to hang a TV without studs. You’ll need to use a hollow wall anchor that looks similar to a regular screw, with a butterfly toggle at the end. Once you’ve placed them in the wall, they’ll attach to the back.
How far apart are studs?
The general spacing for wall studs is 16 inches on center, but they can be 24 inches. At my home, the exterior wall studs are spaced at 24-inch centers, but the interior walls are 16 inches on center.
Can a wall not have studs?
Can a wall not have studs? The answer is no—a wall must have studs to ensure structural support. However, there are some variations in how a wall can be framed and where you will locate studs.
How much weight can drywall hold?
They can hold up to 20 pounds with the proper nail, such as a regular diploma frame. Flat mounted hook and anchor can hold up to 50 pounds.
What is the best free stud finder app?
10 Best Stud Finder and Detector Apps for Android and iOS (Free & Paid)
- Stud Finder.
- Stud Finder – Stud Detector.
- Stud Finder iOS App.
- Metal Detector.
- Stud detector (Metal Detector)
- Metal Detector (PRO)
- Metal Detector.
- Free Metal Detector.
What is a stud finder used for?
A stud finder is a device that locates the stud’s position without penetrating the wall. But first, you need to find the stud. Three categories of stud finders can help: electronic, magnetic, and phone-based.
How do I install an outlet without studs?
Here’s how to install an electrical box without a stud using a winged remodel box:
- Trace the outline of the box onto the wall.
- Use a keyhole or drywall saw to cut out the shape.
- Thread the cables into the box and secure them.
- Push the box into the hole and ensure it is snug.
- Secure the box properly by using screws.
Why do you need a stud finder to mount a TV?
Even the most modern, lightest televisions are quite a bit heavier than your largest framed pieces. Because of this, the location you choose will need a stud (or two) to anchor the screws. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall to determine where you can hang the TV.
How do you find a stud in the ceiling without a stud finder?
Try a Small Nail
If you have access to the ceiling joists in the attic and they are the joists you are trying to find, you can hammer a small nail next to the joist through the ceiling so you can see it from below. While your there, measure the distance between joists to see if they are 16 or 24-inches apart.
Is it OK to drill through a stud?
Drilling. Any stud shall be permitted to be bored or drilled, provided that the diameter of the resulting hole is not more than 60 percent of the stud width, the edge of the hole is not more than 5/8 inch (16 mm) to the edge of the stud, and the hole is not located in the same section as a cut or notch.
Do Apartment walls have studs?
Every legal framed wall has studs, unless it is made from concrete blocks or bricks. Apartments that are built with building permits and framed timber have studs, generally no more than 16 inches apart. An illegal apartment created inside an old house may not. But the studs are not necessarily wood.
Can you hammer a nail into a stud?
Hold the hammer in your dominant hand and hold the nail directly in its center with your other hand. Press the nail against the pencil mark. Hit the nail head firmly with the hammer directly in the center. Remove your finger from the nail once it has been hit and is lodged into the stud.
Contents