How to use a stud finder

Imagine you’re standing in your newly purchased home, eager to hang up shelves and artwork to personalize your space. You’ve gathered your tools, but there’s one essential item you need to ensure that your hanging doesn’t end in disaster: the stud finder. Confidently, you pick it up, but uncertainty creeps in. How exactly do you use this handy tool to locate the studs behind your walls?

To use a stud finder, simply turn it on and hold it flat against the wall. Move it horizontally across the surface; when it detects a stud, the indicator will light up or beep, signaling where you should drill. Make sure to mark the location before continuing to check for any adjacent studs.

Using a stud finder is a straightforward process, but it does require a bit of attention to detail. Start by selecting an appropriate stud finder for your needs–there are simple magnetic ones that detect screws, and more advanced electronic models that can locate the entire stud behind the wall. Once you have your stud finder, turn it on and calibrate it if needed, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Next, hold the stud finder flat against the wall at shoulder height, and slowly slide it horizontally across the surface. You should move it at a steady pace, taking care not to press too hard against the wall, as this can affect its accuracy. Pay attention to the tool’s indicators, which will sound a beep or illuminate to signal that it has detected a stud. The location of the stud is usually about 16 or 24 inches apart, so if you find one stud, continue to check nearby for additional ones.

Once you’ve identified the stud, make a small mark on the wall to indicate its location. Before drilling, it’s a good idea to double-check by running the stud finder a second time to confirm you’re targeting the right spot. After confirming the locations of the studs, you can confidently proceed with your hanging project, knowing that your items will be securely mounted.