For example, if you're taking on an interior construction project, you'll likely need a stud finder to locate the studs within the walls of your home. However, not all homeowners have a stud finder, and the number of times you'll need it usually doesn't justify purchasing one.
Stud finders are essential tools for anyone who wants to hang heavy objects securely on their walls. These devices work by detecting changes in density behind the wall, helping you locate the wooden studs that provide extra support.
Without securely fastening heavy objects into studs, the weak hold of a screw in drywall can fail, even if you've used a drywall anchor. This will not only damage your drywall (and the object that falls as a result), but the falling object also becomes a safety risk to anyone around it.
Using a small nail or drill to probe for the stud is a good alternative to a stud finder. If your going to paint the area, Spackle and no worries. Or you if you can work on the other side of the wall, like in the room behind the wall?
Since these studs are hidden behind your drywall or plaster, a stud finder saves you a ton of time (and potential wall damage), ensuring you drill right into the sturdy support every time. Some stud finders feature other helpful tools like deep scanning and AC wire detection.
You may wonder: How far apart are the studs in my home? They're always spaced either 16 or 24 inches on center (measured from center to center) along the wall and run between the floor and ceiling. Drywall or lath (for plaster walls) attaches to the edge of the studs.
Mounting Plates
Along with these drywall anchors, consider using a mounting plate or cleat made from metal or plywood. Mounting plates are placed behind the TV and screwed into the wall using any of the anchor screws above. The base of your TV wall mount can then be screwed into the mounting plate.
While drywall alone can hold about 1.6 pounds to 2 pounds per square foot, mounting an object to the stud with the proper hardware allows the drywall to support up to 100 pounds.
You must screw into studs when mounting a TV on the wall. Do not use hollow-wall anchors, as they cannot support the weight of TV wall mount brackets and the television. Once you've picked an ideal location for hanging a TV on the wall, run a stud finder along the top of the paper.
Drilling into a stud is a necessary skill for any DIY enthusiast or homeowner. Drilling into a stud guarantees a strong and durable attachment, whether you're hanging a large mirror, installing a bookcase, or mounting a television.
For example, if you're taking on an interior construction project, you'll likely need a stud finder to locate the studs within the walls of your home. However, not all homeowners have a stud finder, and the number of times you'll need it usually doesn't justify purchasing one.
How to hang heavy objects on drywall without a stud. Use a toggle bolt or anchor to hang the piece on areas with no studs, This Old House says. The weight of the piece, and the thickness of the wall, will dictate the toggle size.
No matter the size or weight of your frame, it's best to anchor the hook or nail in a stud. Find a stud with an AC stud finder. If there isn't a stud near where you plan to hang your art, be sure to use a sturdy anchor.
Outlets are typically attached to the studs inside walls with nails that tack them into the side of the stud. Therefore, you can pretty much guarantee that there will be a stud located immediately to either side of an outlet.
Even though drywall can support a TV up to 100 lbs., it's still brittle and the mount can require additional support.
Check your walls
Unless it's a really old house, you'll probably have a few different kinds of wall in your home. The most common are brick and stud walls. Most walls can support a TV, but you need to be more careful if you're mounting on a stud wall. Here's what you need to look out for…
If you start in a corner and measure out 16 inches and you don't find a stud, you should find one at 24 inches. You can also try holding a flashlight against a wall and looking down the wall to see if you can tell where two pieces of drywall meet. At that intersection, you'll definitely find a stud.
In some cases, you can identify studs visually. Common visual clues include electrical outlets, light switches, and baseboards, which are typically attached to studs. Measure from these points to find the centre of the stud.
Using a Non-Contact Voltage Tester
If you suspect that there are live electrical wires hidden behind the walls, a non-contact voltage tester can help you identify their presence. Before starting any work, use the voltage tester to scan the wall surface and check for voltage signals.
Once you think you're on point, one last way to confirm that you're into a stud is to predrill a hole through the drywall with a narrow drill bit (think: 1/16-inch sized bit). You'll be able to feel resistance if the bit hits a stud once it passes through the drywall.
This marks the location of the first stud. The LEFT side of the board should be flush with the line you just made and cover the X. The 15 1/4 measurement will ensure the CENTER of the stud lands exactly at 16 inches.
Corners will always have studs so they're a great place to start. Line a measuring tape against the corner and measure both 16 inches and 24 inches from the corner.