How To Find A Wall Stud Without A Stud Finder

The best way to hang things on a wall is to mount them directly onto a solid wall stud. What exactly is the wall stud, wall stud finder, and how to find it without a stud finder?

A wall stud is a vertical member in the light frame construction techniques of a building’s wall. Wall studs are unseen as they are already covered with drywall. Traditionally, studs were made of wood, usually 2x4 or 2x6 dimensional lumber.

In North America, studs are typically placed 16 inches (400 mm) from each other’s centre, but sometimes also at 12 inches (300 mm) or 24 inches (600 mm).
Steel studs are gaining popularity, especially for non load-bearing walls.

When hanging a heavy item such as a large screen TV to a wall and maximum strength is desired, the goal is to attach the object to the studs in the wall, as mounting to drywall or plaster is only as secure as the material being mounted to.

When anything is hung from a wall by nail or screw, the nail must be hammered into a stud for solidity so as not to tear holes in the plaster, wallpaper, paneling or other wall covering. Stud finder may not work for very thick plaster, or plaster walls built with wire-lath.

Watch the video how to find a stud in the wall without a stud finder. Just take your measure tape, pencil, nail and hummer. Watch now…