When I find cool tools I instantly share them.
So last weekend I was doing some work in our bathroom.
Installing a pedestal sink to be precise.
I thought I found the stud locations but apparently my stud finder was asleep at the wheel.
DARN IT!!!
Had I gotten the tool I’m going to show you today I probably wouldn’t have torn a hole in my wall.
Don’t miss out on the surprise at the end of this tutorial (or sneak to the bottom, haha).
It’s a good idea to understand some basics about stud walls.
Most of the time, studs are spaced about 16 t0 24 inches on center.
This means that from the center of one stud to the next the distance is 16 inches or 24 inches.
Modern studs (homes build after 1965) are not 2 inches wide, but instead 1.5 inches.
As such the space between studs is about 14.5 inches.
If you have an older home (built before 1950) then your studs could actually be a legitimate 2 inches.
Not everything that is new isn’t better, lol.
Those of us getting older do have hope!!
There are several savvy ways to spot studs without any tool.
Take a look at baseboard trim or crown molding.
Baseboards should be attached to studs and if the spacing of nails is about 16 inches this might be the case.
Spot the nails with your eye then knock on the wall directly above the nail location.
If the you hear a higher pitch sound above the nails then you’ve likely found a stud.
Just be careful if there are pipes in that same wall.
Not a good idea to pound a nail in a waste pipe!!!
So always be sure it’s a stud and not a pipe.
The old tried and true method of knocking on the wall with your knuckles helps find the general location of studs.
As I mentioned above you can tap on the wall with your knuckle.
Move left to right tapping on the wall and when you hear a different pitch that’s likely the stud.
Once you find one location you can measure over 16 inches to find the next stud.
This is a simple way to find studs.
Yet sometimes it’s not full proof.
A third method is to use a strong magnet to locate the nail or screws holding the drywall to the studs.
You can knock on the wall to find the general stud location then confirm using the magnet.
Hard drive magnets are perfect for this (yes, I know the magnet in the picture isn’t a hard drive magnet, haha).
Old computers do come in handy 😀
Once you find the nail or screw just measure over 16 or 24 inches to find each successive stud.
You can also use a level to draw a perfectly plumb line on the stud if you need the entire height of the stud.
One issue with this method is the fact that not all nails or screws will be perfectly in the center of the stud.
Think about it, whoever installed the drywall is only human, not the Terminator with a nail gun.
Although it would be funny to see Arnold Schwarzenegger hanging drywall.
A third thing to consider when using this magnet method is the fact that some studs have metal protector plates.
Plumbers and contractors use small metal plates to prevent screws from piercing pipes that run through studs.
Keep all of this in mind when using the magnet method.
Stud finders: some people love them and some people think they’re a waste of money.
My last stud finder let me down on my last project.
So I went on a quest to find the best reviewed stud finder tool and try it.
Research shows the Franklin Sensor stud finder is pretty AWESOME.
I fell in love with this little tool and you might too…
What’s Next
Having the right tool makes all the difference. This Franklin Sensor is awesome, I highly recommend it.
If you’re doing a bathroom remodel and need help, join one of our online courses – they’ll make your bathroom renovation much easier!
Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to help.
Thanks as always for reading, watching, and being part of our awesome community.
Cheers,
Jeff
My knuckles are bloody from the knocking method! I would love the Franklin Sensor!!!!!
Pam
It can be painful Pam, I think the sensor is a better method for bigger projects 😀
I currently use the tapping method which isn’t very efficient. I would like to try the Franklin Sensor because, it seems quick and easy.
It’s totally quick and is very accurate Kara, I think you’d like it 😀
We have two stud finders…with beeping sounds involved, but they don’t seem to be very accurate. They other way, I don’t recommend. It’s the I’m-sure-there-is-a-stud-here-so-I-drill-a-hole-eesh-there’s-no-stud-drill-another-hole-until-I-can-find-one method. Yes, we’ve had a few Swiss cheese wall moments around here while trying to hang things. Anyway, thank you for the video instruction that you do. I enjoy watching them and learning something new. And if I don’t win the Franklin Sensors stud finder, I may go out and get one anyway because I’m not too partial to Swiss cheese…on my walls.
LOL, I like swiss cheese but mostly in my sandwich. You’ll me able to eliminate the drilling method entirely with this tool Michelle, you’d like it 😀
I have tapped, sensed, nailed, and measured. The stud finding adventure is never dull in my DIY projects, I keep well stocked in patch kits and quarts of paint!
😀
Use a magnet then measure 16″ o.c. after that.
Totally random searching here… lathe and plaster (100 year old house with some drywall on top of plaster)… try to go for the obvious places, but it’s pretty much hit or miss around here… LOL Thanks for the opportunity to win something that would make life a lot easier.
Wish I had some plaster and lathe to test this on Chris. Something tells me it would work but I’d like to try it first and report the results. I guess you could always do a test and if it doesn’t work just send it back. But I might take this other to a rental of mine and see how it performs.
I usually tap, not always so accurate. If I know it is 16″ centers I measure from corner and begin tapping. Would love this tool.
I use an old stud finder that is pretty iffy. Would love this one for hanging shelves.
I’ve tried every method you showed, and I’ve tried several brands and costs values of stud sensors — and every method is flawed. I’ve been a loyal subscriber and trust your videos and now after watching your demonstration of the Franklin Sensor, I want one!
With so many great reviews on Amazon I figured this would work. These days it’s all about the reviews and that’s what I go on when I buy tools 😀
My house was built in 1939 and has rock lath walls—They’re nearly an inch thick with 1/2″ rock lath, covered by a similar depth of brown plaster, and topped with a finish coat of white plaster. The electronic stud finders I’ve used don’t understand walls this thick and with the nails more than 1/2″ from the surface magnetic detection is impossible. Needless to say the thick walls also preclude knocking to find studs—every inch of wall sounds solid!
I recall looking at this Franklin stud finder on Amazon but passing it by after borrowing a friend’s basic-style finder and having no luck; it didn’t seem worthwhile to buy a $50 device. What I didn’t know, however, is that they advertise it for use with up to 1.5″ thick walls, as you mention in the video. I would love to get one of these and give it a try! It’d be a great step up from my current practice of using those large-diameter zinc hollow-wall anchors.
I go with the tapping method, sometimes I am “lucky” and there is a nail pop giving away the studs location. Depending on what I am hanging I have been known to just drill into the wall and find the studs that way. I have up on my dad’s old hand me down stud finder. The Franklin Sensor would be a great addition to my tool bag.
I currently use the knocking method combined with looking for other visual cues to try to find studs. I’d like to try the Franklin stud finder to help tackle larger remodeling projects around the home.
I have plaster walls without lathe. I tap, measure, and probe with small nails. My wife hates seeing me use the last method. A good stud finder would simplify things greatly!
I have only used the knocking method and tried to guess where the studs are. Because of this my house is lacking in quite a few areas ( no towel racks or toilet paper holder in bathrooms ) . My New Years resolution was to teach myself through websites like yours how to tackle these projects! Thanks Jeff, I’ve learned a lot from you and appreciate it !
It’s always my pleasure to help any time Kate. I’d be happy to help you with your new years resolution 😀
My current stud finder gives me such wonky readings. It’ll find a stud one minute and then the stud would have moved 3 inches to the left, or 3 inches to the right, or disappears completely! I resort to sticking tiny sewing pins into the drywall until I hit the stud. The Franklin sensor would make it so much easier!
I try tapping on the wall but I don’t know what I should be listening for – so I just put a nail where I think it should go.
My husband and I just bought our first house together and there are a LOT of DIY projects in our future. In the past I’ve bought cheap stud finders that were very frustrating and not helpful. I’ve tried the knuckle knocking without much success. Just recently found out about the magnet option but your recommendation for the Franklin stud finder is very encouraging. Thanks very much! Would love to win one!
I’ve use magnets and a regular stud finder. This one looks good though.
I usually end up (after tapping) by drilling small holes to confirm. Yeah, I know, that’s a really messy method, but I’ve never had good luck with the rinky-dink stud finders available. I REALLY would love to win this one, as it would make my life so much easier and I could hang stuff that I want/need to. Also, I find it is now necessary to put up some grab bars (for a disabled family member) and this would be most helpful, as I need to not only know that there’s a stud, but exactly where it begins and ends, so I make sure I attach the bars securely to the stud. Thank you!!
My current stud finder is a piece of junk, so I generally use a combination of the techniques you described.
I’ve got a stud finder, but it’s not very accurate. Or maybe it’s operator error! Would love to try yours!
Thank you for demonstrating with the new tool! Makes our lives easier. 🙂
I currently use a hammer, lightly tapping the wall. Works pretty good, I say pretty good because accurate for the middle of a stud, not so much for the edges!! I would take good care of this new baby!
I have one of these stud finders, like it a lot. My son has it right now and I will probably never see it again.
I have a Black & Decker stud finder that i find basically useless! As a designer for furniture showrooms and stores, I do much of the labor myself (hanging art, drapery rods) and always end up running into studs. So frustrating!!! The Franklin Sensor looks awesome and exactly what I need for my business. thanks for the helpful video, Jeff.
Hi Jeff,
I have this stud finder and can attest that it is truly awesome. I was using a different (bad) one and my wall looked like a blind person was randomly drilling holes in the wall! I said no more and bought this one and it is RIGHT every single time.
I’m old school so I’ve always used my knuckles. Using a new stud finder would be awesome though!
I used a pin to try and find the stud to put up my curtain rods – thought the pin hole would be inconspicuous however when you have a line of pin holes across a two foot span they become very noticeable and I never did find the stud. When we renovated a couple of years later we found that there was a space between the drywall and the stud and my pin was not long enough to reach it.Needless to say I am reminded about it every time I want something hung and don’t want to wait for my husband to have time to do it.:(
measuring tape and knuckles!
Can’t claim to have been overly successful finding studs. I usually use try to find them by knocking and then using a hammer and small nail. But that usually results in about 10 holes before I’m successful.
The old Knock on wood method (actually plaster/sheetrock ). Used that method since owned the house, biggest issue I have had is slightly missing the stud!
Fantastic ! I’ve been meaning to tackle putting up a garage flow wall system and this will allow me to streamline through the process! Thanks Jeff, keep them coming!
I have several of the magnet on a pivot sort of stud finder. They are pretty good about 25% of the time, but they keep pointing at my neighbor. I have strings of tiny holes in walls where I’ve been searching for studs. It looks like a mob of ants have been trying to mow me down with Thompson’s machine guns. OK some of the holes are much larger than pin holes. I really need to find something which works, at least 50% of the time. If I ever get around to fixing the holes, I’ll need a few cases of spackle as well. I wonder if I could paint little flowers around the holes and pretend they are just decorative? Hmm now there’s a thought. Of course, being able to locate the studs would be quite a bit easier. HELP ME!! PLEASE!! I need all the help I can get.
If this tool is as accurate as you claim, I would go out and buy one! I have returned several stud finders simply because they don’t work! Very frustrating!
I have a “stud finder” that I found in one of my Grandpa’s tool boxes. However, it has never found one since I’ve used it! Tapping its much better. I end up using mollies to hold in any screws / nails and hope they don’t bust out. ha I’ll have to try the magnet trick.
Thanks!
Hey, Jeff. Great video and a very handy tool.
However, if I want to find a stud in a wall, I usually just step inside.
Have a great Friday!
We have an inferior stud finder that is bloody frustrating to use as we can never get a consistent result. Therefore when that fails, we have used all the above methods you mentioned, plus trial and error with a nail / pin or if in a room that has something hanging that would have required nailing to stud, use where that is nailed as a guide. I have a project coming up I could use a very good stud finder for the kitchen, which would alleviate many headaches.
Cheers
Like many others above, I use a combination of methods to try and verify what my current stud finder indicates (it’s kind of iffy). Just having all those extra LEDs and the way it seems to be sensing does look like a much better method. Thanks for your tips and videos!
Jeff, I must point out that when reading the above “Amazing Bathroom Cleaning Hacks” I came across a comment about older homes which I am copying here: “If you have an older home (built before 1950) then your studs could actually be a legitimate 2 inches.” If they really are 2″ on center, there will be no space at all between studs, unless they are really 2 by 4 inch studs. I must have ADHD or some such as this sort of thing just catches my eyes (yes, I can read with both eyes) and tends to stop me in my tracks, so to speak. I’m just pulling your (proverbial) chain, Jeff. Have a good day.
I’m a knuckle banger from way back. Sometimes I get it right! i usually use a small finishing nail to verify I’ve “knuckled” the right spot but usually end up with a nice row of pin holes in the wall! I have also purchased several stud finders over the years and most beep and a light blinks when I’ve found the stud. I have always been amazed at how often the “Beep” is wrong! Hopefully I’ll win the Franklin Sensor and finding studs will become a joy instead of a treasure hunt. My wife always tells me I should use her because she can spot a stud a mile away! (she has a great sense of humor). Thanks for all of your columns and videos, I’ve been a DIY’er forever and I have found many a great idea from your site that have saved me tons of time and money!
My Stanley finder has been very effective.
I’d love to own a Franklin Sensor and would get a lot of use doing stuff for my family and freinds.
Thanks for your great ideas.
I’ve tried a stud finder, knocking, and measuring and I still can’t find the studs to install shelving. My books have been in a neat stack on the floor for years.
My wife told me once she was a pretty good stud finder. I’m not sure what she meant by that… I’ve got marginal stud finder that sort of works but I’d really like to give the Franklin Sensor a test run, especially in this house where the studs are on 16-inch centers, they’re random…
I use the “knuckle knock” to locate what I think is a stud and then I use a large pin to drive through the drywall and see if I hit something or go right through. Does sometimes look like swiss cheese when I am done but hopefully whatever I am hanging covers it. A stud finder has been on my want list for a while but I’ve always seen bad reviews for them so never bought one. This might be what I have been waiting for.
I currently use the cheap yellow Zircon stud finder, supplemented by my very sore knuckles. It usually takes 5 or 6 sweeps across the stud before I feel confident of its dimensions. Prior to this stud finder, the process was using knuckles and a small nail. Once I think I know the location from knocking on the wall, I would drive a small nail into the sheetrock and hope for the best. This way also improves your drywall patching skills!
I’ve used the knocking method and a stud finder. I found the stud finder to be far more accurate than my knuckles and ears, but even with the stud finder, there’s still many nails that have barely caught, or barely missed, the stud!
Well…Ahem (insert Sheepish grin), my current stud finding method involves… sore knuckles, a drill or nails and sometimes a keyhole saw, also drywall patches and mud to fix the whole mess… need I say more? I actually own a small stud finder which is nothing but an enclosed magnetized arrow (resembles a compass) with a flat side to run along the wall. Unfortunately it is totally inaccurate!
I need a good stud finder, cause I have bought several kinds and they all failed. So I use a very small nail to find stud, but hammering it where I think the stud is. Once I find it, I patch the small hole where the stud weren’t at with a small amount of caulk.
The Franklin Sensor would be so useful on finding the studs, cause I’m constantly hanging pictures, my personal art work and other objects all over my house.
Great video by the way!
I use my old stud finder, but it gives false readings half the time
I use an expensive Zircon stud finder, but since it is not so accurate I usually end up tapping, drilling, and then giving up and molly-bolting on my lathe and plaster walls. I am attracted to classic homes and I always end up with lathe and plaster. Very solid but a pain to hang things on, and cracky (but worth it).
Jeff,
I currently use a beeping stud finder/laser level that honestly has let me down a time or two. I tested it once when we had baseboards off and I could see the stud, it was not accurate. We have a ton of projects coming up in our new house and it would be awesome not to have to also fix the holy drywall! Thanks for the opportunity.
I always ask my wife to help with projects around the house. When I asked to help me find a stud, she said, “I already have you, why do I need another one ?” hmmmm
Anyway, I use the smallest drill bit and drill where the tapping is the ovious and drill 1/2 inch left n right to get the middle. Takes about 4 holes , then patch n paint.
My stud finder works like a charm every time. I simply hold it up close to my chest and it lights up like a christmas tree! Who said a stud finder can’t find a “stud”? LOL Just kidding! Actually I use a combination of the knocking method, looking for nail heads in the wall or baseboards, plus utilizing a stud finder to confirm my findings. Finally I will push a small pin through the drywall to make sure I am contacting a wood surface. This usually works for me, but I would really like to try the Franklin Sensor because my stud finder has been through the war and I am running out of push pins!
Hi Jeff,
You showed how/when the lights come…there were a lot of them…but you never marked on the wall where the actual stud was. With all those lights, which one(s) are actually the stud?
Looks great…would LOVE to have one as we have just moved and need to hang some pics on walls!
The Franklin Stud finder looks great. I have never been able to find a stud using the ‘tapping’ method and have gone through a number of the mounted magnets that twist toward the nail (screw) as you pass over it; very time consuming as you have noted. I really like the LED’s coming one to identify the studs in the wall.
Bob
I’ve been using a C. H. Hanson double-ceramic magnet stud finder. I tie 4-5 ft of string to it with a large safety pin at the end to hold the string vertical (for the stud line). The safety pin also holds the string to the magnet as it’s wrapped around for storage. The Franklin sensor, with the several LED’s, would be much better at indicating the width of the studs.
I currently find studs by the trial and error method. Tapping on the wall or measuring from the corners hoping they are 16″ on center. Not always terribly efficient. The stud sensor would be very helpful in many home improvement projects. It would hopefully eliminate many unnecessary holes and cut down on project time.
I use a zircon HD25, but it’s a major pain to use.
hi…thank you for the tip…its always…hard to find the stud…I usually have to ask someone to find it…last maintenance man…had his own method…which was knocking on the wall….did it work….somewhat….do I need a stud finder…yes…new project is repairing drywall and putting up beams throughout my home..decoration….Question? do you have any suggestions as to what kind of beams I could use…and cost is very important..I was thinking of putting them throughout the house and using 2 x 4 pine stained…..thank you again.
I generally use the DUH method – which is why my pedestal sink still sits on the floor! So, please send me this Franklin Sensor! or a savvy plumber! 😉
We use the knuckle tapping method but often my husband will hammer or drill where we think there is a stud the not to find out it isn’t a stud at all. Just love all the holes we get. Lol. The Franklin stud finder would be great to have! Thanks for the chance to win one.
Yes, my tried and true stud finding method is the knuckle taps. I was so excited when I purchased my very first stud finder complete with a leveling beam. Brought tears to my eyes (sad I know) 25yrs ago when I became a “do it yourself” home owner. Made pretty little beeping sounds. Not so great at finding studs. Though it did beep when I placed it on my father’s chest. My father then showed me the knuckle test after having a wonderful laugh at my expensive stud finder and the holes in my walls.
Getting ready to build closet shelfing and would be very helpful. Thanks
I use the tap and listen method. When I think I hear the correct sound, I tap in a nail just to make sure I am on a stud. I usually end up with 10 holes to fill and touch up BEFORE I begin the project! I could certainly use the stud finder!
I currently have a stud finder from Stanley Tools, but it is about as useful as… let’s just say it’s not very useful, so I end up using the knock method, combined with hammering in a finishing nail to confirm I’ve found a stud, then measuring 16″ centers.
Hey Jeff! Another great tutorial. Great picture of you and your daughter. Have fun at the run. That is such a great cause!
My house was built in 1902, so my studs are the true 2″, but I don’t know what they were thinking when my house was built, because the distance between one stud varies between studs. 🙂
HELPPPPP…. I need one bad…..
hi jeff,
i currently have a stud finder but it doesn’t seem very accurate. i usually use a small 2″ nail to find studs. that stud finder would sure save me alot of hole patching.
You mean there’s a more reliable way than just hammering a tiny nail in the wall over and over until you actually find a stud???? I definitely need a Franklin! Enjoyed the tutorial.
Hey Jeff,
Great timing of the post, as i was looking into how to go about mounting TV on the wall.
I Just bought a home and being a first time home owner I’ve no experience with using stud finders but based on your rave review in the video i would love to try it for mounting my TV.
BTW Thanks for taking time and putting out great, easy to follow tutorials for us.
Webskater
Like many others, I have tried several different stud finding options without any consistent success. One Christmas, while living in a brand new house in Minnesota, I was sitting across the room when our fully decorated Christmas tree started to fall over. We usually tie our trees to hooks in the wall, but hadn’t wanted to do that in the new house – didn’t want to mar the perfect walls. HA! I was able to catch the tree before it went totally over, called my husband to come hold it while I went to get my tools. After putting about 20 holes in the wall, I finally called my builder who conveniently lived next door. It was late, but I thought he should know where he hid the studs! His only suggestion was finding the nails in the baseboard but that wasn’t very accurate either. I don’t remember exactly how we finally found the stud, but I do remember that my poor hubby had to hold that tree up for over an hour while I banged hole after hole into the wall.
Jeff, I really need that stud finder!!! My husband is getting old and I don’t think he could hold anything up for an hour anymore – nor could I!!! BTW thanks for all your help.and novel ideas!
I try using a stud finder but end up tapping in a fine little nail to see if there is actually a stud there. The Franklin sounds great.
Ai yi yi – where were you last night 🙂 I do a combination of stud finder, which is just so so, knocking on the wall, which is just so so, and then there’s drilling and patchin’ – I could so use the “best stud finder ever” !!! Thank you
I use the “hit or miss” method so how can I go wrong?! Either I hit (rarely) or miss (usually) the stud using the various DIY methods you mentioned or 2 different stud finders I’ve bought. Help! I’ve exhausted my spackle budget.
I currently use a “stud” finder that was evidently not told what it was supposed to find. So, I dutifully mark where it says the stud is, then make many holes looking for it and patch them.
Usually my husband does the stud finding with varying levels of success using the various methods you described. The most dramatic failure was when when were doing work on our master bath on the second floor. He thought he had found a stud but instead drilled into a water pipe! Just as this happened and we were scrambling to contain the ensuing flood unexpected company arrived at the door. So we had not only a panic as we tried to get the water turned off in the basement but the embarrassment in front of our company! So the Franklin stud finder would be very welcome at our house!
I have two Stanley stud finders that have never worked well. So, I just get a long, thin nail, estimate where the first stud might be based on the electric outlet, measure approximate inches and then hammer the nail into the wall just above the baseboard until I find a stud.
I use the cheapest stud finder tool and tapping. Not that reliable, for me anywho:-D I used to just contact Superman and his X-Ray vision was spot on all the time. Now, I’ve misplaced his #, dang it.
I’ve tried all of the above mentioned method however none of them have proven successful. I even used a stud finder but it keeps pointing to me(Joke). I would greatly appreciate having a Franklin stud finder since I am the Handyman for our home, my son’s home and also for my son’s in law’s home. Thanks. AL.
My husband most recently used the knuckle knocking method and the magnet to install our new closet system in a couple of our bedrooms. Our stud finder failed on us too. Next on the project list is hanging the flat screen tv. Yep, all 70″ of it! So yah, this sensor would be awesome to have. Then on my project list is hanging photos and pictures on our bare walls… Love your easy to follow tutorials btw.
i always look for drywall nails,if that don’t work i count 16 inches from a corner,which for some reason tends to be off every now and then,this stud finder would be a great help
We’re knockers until recently I thought this term only applied to noises which people thought came from ghosts in old houses! Please stop the knocking, knocking, knocking at my chamber door! Seriously, we’d love to win a Franklin Sensor. 🙂
I’m new at this stud finding business. With that said I have a bathroom project coming up on next Tuesday and would love a stud finder so I can cut some drywall and not cut a stud. My wife is also hopping on the “pallet wall” train and wants one in our living room! So it would be great to have one of those to be super positive that I’m actually putting nails in studs! We would be honored to have a Franklin Sensor! Thanks
Jeff, I have tried many different stud finding methods and stud finders too. Some work and some don’t. The only method that has worked for me consistently is the tapping method and when I think I have found one, I simply take my trusty drill driver with the smallest bit I have and try drilling a tiny hole carefully. If I hit wood then I get the tape measure and go either 16″ or 24′ to find the next .Then I drill another tiny hole carefully to see if there is wood there and repeat the process over and over as long as I need .. I would really like to try the Franklin Stud Sensor to see if it will work for me. Thanks for your time and keep the tutorials coming. They have helped me immensely……Hank
I find studs by taping on the wall….old fashion way, haha. I love the stud finder, this would be so much easier to find studs. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been looking for a stud for years….please send me one.
p.s. I’m 60 and still do a lot of my own repairs. 😀
I grew up with a dad that wasn’t to most patient man in the world although he often said he was. I remember once he was trying to hang a huge mirror in the dining room and got so frustrated trying to find a stud that behind the mirror you could see a row of holes he had tried nails until he finally found what he was looking for. This old grandma has been known to follow in his footsteps….eeek!
My husband and I just bought our first house in December. It’s amazing the amount of tools that we are acquiring. I love your site and it has really helped me to fix things I normally would’ve called my landlord for! I have fixed both leaky bathroom sinks, the leaky kitchen sink (replaced the strainer), the wax seal on both toilets, and followed your tutorial for the bathroom drainer! No to mention PAINT, PAINT, PAINT!! The work never ends! Next will be tackling the 1/2 garage into my husband’s man cave. The stud finder would be really helpful!!
I have never found a stud locator that was reliable. In this day and age of amazing tech, why not? This one appears to have it all. I would love one.
Hi Jeff,
I just found your site after watching your YouTube video on fixing a running toilet. I’m just getting the nerve to enter the world of DIY. I’m a homeowner that now realizes I need to do some things on my own instead of being overcharged by someone else! I’ve always used the knuckle tapping method and hoped for the best. I’m so happy to have found your site!! Thank you for sharing.
I try knocking on the wall to listen for a different pitch but I must be tone deaf. It never works for me.
I bought a stud finder at Lowe’s that used a magnet. It was useless. I went back to the knocking method, which is close to useless. I would die to have a tool that really works!
I use the DUH method and drill until I find the stud. Don’t ever look behind a picture hanging on my walls. You’ll immediately see why I need this stud sensor.
Hey Jeff. I just finished a similar job. The deep sink in the laundry had faucets that had corroded in place so the whole thing had to come off the wall. The sink was hinged on a steel bracket that was secured in 1 stud & the others in the drywall. Since I knew where a stud was, I used finishing nails to tap into the drywall @ the 16″ and 24″ to locate another stud. Also, I could take a flash light and shine it from the floor up the wall to locate the small crowns left from the dry wall screws. Needless to say the job could have been a mess. I replaced the deep sink with a small sink & vanity. The most difficult part was removing the ferals from copper pipe. The result was bending one ( UGH! ) & cutting them off with a hack saw blade. I needed a Dremel but did not have one. All turned out OK. Cheers, Nick
Hey Nick, thanks for the great tips. In terms of the ferrules on your pipes you need to check out a ferrule removal tool. The one I got, that my plumber recommended, is made by Pasco. It’s called the Pasco 4661 Compression Sleeve Puller. It’s about $35 over on Amazon and gets mostly 5 star reviews. It pulls the ferrule right off the pipe 😀
I use a stud finder and knuckle test. I get tied off the constant beebing! I would love one of these to help finding the studs much easier!
The SHINWARULES stud finder with magnet works really well AND NO BATTERIES needed!
I’m on my fourth marriage. My stud finder does not work. ‘Nuff said!
find an outlet and figure out what side the stud is on by knocking on the wall then measure 16″ over and pray and hope for the best. It works like 50% of the time.
I find the nearest electrical outlet and determine which side of the stud the outlet is attached to by knocking, then count over on 16″ centers. Works good until you come across a remodel using 24″ centers.
I had a stud finder but it was always beeping and vibrating. Needless to say it was pretty worthless. Since then, I have just been using drywall anchors which I have no idea how to remove if I ever had to. That Franklin Sensor looks awesome!
I use the knocking with my knuckles method. I first go from where an outlet is and go from there. A stud finder would be so much better and hopefully more accurate.
Great video for what is arguably an indispensable tool; especially, for those of us who do not do this type of work all the time! Thank you for all the great DIY content–you are the DIY MAN!
Lol, thanks Steven. This is one of those tools that will make anyone a DIY Man or DIY Woman 😀
Funny, I was recently looking for my not seen in a while stud finder. I am moving a medicine cabinet in a bath and neded it for that Because i know there is a vent pipe in the wall wish me luck. Great timing may nee a trip to Lowe’s
Usually I drill a pilot hole where I think the stud is (after using my knuckles) and hope for the best. Obviously this method can leave some pretty nasty cosmetic damage, but usually its covered by whatever we put over it. Its then a problem for future me!
I currently use the knocking on the wall method
I will use the new sensor to hang up TV at the new place I am moving too
I’ve never had to find a stud in a while, but until recently I seen that it would be a great idea to since my sister tried to hang her flat screen and I was like “WAIT! YOU HAVE TO FIND A STUD!” And that’s where we gave up. LOL! So this would most definitely come in handy for us!
I have a cheapo studfinder that sometimes works, but I seem to end up using multiple methods including making lots of holes!! Would love to have a studfinder that WORKS!
Hey Jeff – I use two methods to find the studs at my house. The first one is a iffy stud finder that may or may not work. The second is the knuckles method, which like the first one, may or may not work. Now if you would talk to my husband, he would say “Look no further – the stud is standing right in front of you!” Oh brother………..
I’ve tried the knocking method and it didn’t work well. The stud finder that I have doesn’t do a good job of finding the stud. It seems to need a nail to alert and that isn’t always dependable. Very frustrating. I need one of these
I NEED this stud finder. I’ve tried tapping and can’t hear the difference. I bought a stud finder years ago, but it is not accurate. SO, I end up with plenty of holes!!!!!!! And I say “I” because I’m the one who does all the handy work around the house!
Hi Jeff! I usually try knocking and I usually don’t find it! lol
Thanks for all the great tips!!!
I usually find using flattened screw , I hammer after I find the approximate location , cool stuff to try
Very good post! We are linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing.
A clothes hanger. I was at the cottage without a studfinder. Tried the knuckle knock, but missed. Not wanting to miss again, I bent a clothes hanger, fished it into whole and found the stud about two inches away. From there I marked them out at 16″ and didn’t miss again!
I’d like to try the Franklin Sensor because it looks great, and I’m out of hangers. 😉
Need to install a grab bar in a tiled bath/shower. what is the best way to detect studs through tiles? Thank you.
The magnet method is awesome!😁😁😁 i tried a zircon stud finder, the tapoing method, and measuring. Magnet was reliable first two times i tried it! Thanks.
I covered it with press and seal to protect the wall as i srarched for nails and screws in drywall.
Random Comment: Arnold Schwarzenegger made his first million before he did any movies. He bought and flipped homes/apartments and hired his bodybuilding buddies for construction. 😉
My 1939 house with plaster and lath fools stud finders. I am trying a magnet and it sticks all over the wall. Why?
if your magnet is sticking everywhere then you have metal lath. However for all other construction from sheetrock, to plaster, wood lath, tile…go with a StudPoP magnetic stud finder. Around 10 bucks. 850 mostly positive reviews on Amazon and a ton of reviewers say that it works far better than their electronic ones…especially in the older homes.
I have found the Zircon Stud Finder i520 has done an excellent job for me, on some recent work I was doing at home! That said, having read through your article, this has opened my eyes to some other awesome ways of doing this type of work. Thank you.