Find a wall stud without a stud finder
Hang heavy things on wood, not just drywall. Studs follow a predictable pattern.
- Find an outlet or light switch. Electrical boxes are usually fastened to the side of a stud.
- In most US homes, studs are 16 inches apart, center to center. Measure along from there.
- Knock along the wall: hollow sounds are between studs, a duller, solid sound is a stud.
- Confirm with a strong magnet slid across the wall. It sticks to the drywall screws, which line up along a stud.
Tip: Drill a small test hole somewhere a picture will cover before driving a big screw.
Try it now: Knock along a wall at home and listen for where the sound changes.