![]() If you just have a magnetic stud finder, you should be able to feel it as you scan the wall. Depending on the device, it will tell you the type of material that it’s found – magnetic or non-magnetic metal, or non-metallic. The stud finder will alert you when something is detected. Studs are usually either 400mm or 600mm apart, but you shouldn’t simply assume that’s the case. The trickiest part of the job is finding the first stud, so work systematically, from left to right, then up and down, keeping the stud finder in contact with the wall. Then remove rings, watches and other jewellery, as well as any electronic devices from your pockets, to avoid interference. READ NEXT: Best loft ladders for easy loft access How to use a stud finderįirst, work out where you want to drill holes for the mirror, TV, shelf or whatever other item you need to hang – it will cut down the time you spend unnecessarily scanning parts of the room. The problem with these stud finders is that it can be hard to distinguish between those nails and other metalwork, such as cables or water pipes. It’s important to use other signals to determine the likelihood of drilling into something you shouldn’t, and you mustn’t assume that ducting or pipework will always run in a straight line, so check wherever you’re planning to drill or cut.Ĭheaper, less sophisticated stud finders are essentially small metal detectors, or even simply magnets, relying on finding nails in studwork. ![]() And, as well as detecting studs inside walls, the best stud finders can detect live wires, electrical ducting, and metal or plastic pipes, too.Ī word of warning, though: as good as stud finders are, you need to take your time and exercise caution. These little boxes of tricks use clever technology to help you identify the studs – or frames – within a stud wall onto which the plasterboard has been attached. ![]() And if you need to drill into a stud, you’ll need a stud finder. While it’s usually fine to tap a hook for a sensibly sized picture frame straight into the plasterboard, if you want to hang something heavy such as a large mirror, or install a television wall mount, it’s essential you locate and drill into the studs. Stud walls are part of the fabric of today’s buildings: whether you live in a new build or have an older property that’s been altered over time, the chances are you’ve got a stud wall or two.
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