Johann Hunt
Walls hold more secrets than you think, and knowing where studs are hiding can make or break your DIY project. Luckily, finding them doesn’t mean investing in expensive gadgets. So, here are ten genius tricks that will save you frustration and give you the confidence to hang or mount with ease.
Tap and Listen for the Solid Sound
Start tapping lightly along the wall and focus on the sound. A hollow, echoing tone means you’re between studs, but a dull, solid thud signals a stud’s presence. Drywall is typically attached to studs every 16 inches. Found one? Measure 16 inches left or right for the next.
Check for Outlet and Light Switch Placement
Outlets and light switches are almost always mounted on studs. Remove the cover plate, and peek inside to see which side the box is nailed to. Most electricians place them snugly against studs for stability. Remember, codes require studs to support outlets, so you’re tapping into a reliable system.
Use a Magnet to Trace Hidden Nails or Screws
A strong magnet can reveal hidden screws or nails in drywall. Slowly glide a rare-earth magnet over the wall and feel for it to stick or pull toward metal. Drywall is fastened to studs with screws or nails, often spaced about 12 inches apart vertically. Finally, mark each spot where the magnet clings.
Look for Dimples or Nail Pops on the Wall
Scan the wall closely, and you might notice tiny dimples or slight nail pops. These happen when drywall screws pull back slightly over time, leaving small bumps. Good lighting helps spot these subtle clues. Run your fingers over the wall for an added check—imperfections become easier to feel than to see.
Measure Sixteen Inches From a Corner
Most modern homes use studs spaced exactly 16 inches apart. Start at a corner, doorway, or window frame—these spots almost always have studs. Use a tape measure to mark out 16-inch intervals along the wall. This trick works like clockwork in homes built with standard framing, especially after the 1940s.
Follow the Baseboard Trim Nails
Baseboards are nailed directly into studs for stability. Look closely at the baseboard and find the small indentations or nail heads. Each nail typically marks the location of a stud. Trace a vertical line upward from each nail, and you’ll find where to hang your shelves or frames.
Check Ceiling Seams and Joists
Ceiling seams often align directly with studs in the walls. Builders follow a logical structure: studs run vertically and connect to ceiling joists. Look up and spot the seams or lines in the ceiling where drywall panels meet. Trace those lines down the wall—they’re like invisible guides to stud locations.
Use a Thin Wire or Coat Hanger
Straighten a wire hanger or use a thin, sturdy wire. Poke a small hole in the drywall (about 1.5 inches deep). If the wire hits resistance, you’ve struck a stud. If it slides through easily, no studs are there. This technique is handy for confirming stud placement after using other methods.
Shine a Flashlight to Spot Drywall Seams
Grab a flashlight and shine it at a low angle along the wall. The light will cast shadows on any imperfections, like drywall seams or nail heads. These seams mark where drywall sheets join, and those joints are fastened to studs. It’s like revealing a hidden map on the wall.
Use a Plumb Line to Confirm Stud Alignment
Once you’ve located one stud, hang a plumb line (a weighted string) from the ceiling to the floor. Studs run vertically in a straight line, so the plumb line confirms alignment. If you’re mounting shelves or cabinets, this trick ensures everything stays level and secure. Simple, effective, and foolproof.