Quick Fix: Find Wall Studs Without an Expensive Stud Finder
See how to find hidden wall studs with this ridiculously easy trick
Anyone who's attempted to spontaneously hang a photo or a wall shelf knows the perils that come with not locating the wall stud. One inch too far to the left or the right, and your drywall can develop an ugly hole or even come down in thick sheets. For Philip Tiffin of 522 Industries in Oakland, Calif., this is particularly important when it comes to installing his intricately designed steel railings and staircases. Although he kept purchasing the highest quality stud finders on the market, they never worked perfectly. Then one day he learned a quick tip he's used ever since.
"I haven't used anything since," Tiffin says. "It works better than any stud finder I've ever used or bought." Tiffin buys 1-inch round refrigerator magnets in bulk ("The stronger the better," he says) and keeps them on hand whenever he's at work.
While Tiffin and 522 Industries uses this quick fix to install railings, staircases, and other custom steelwork, you can use this tip to find studs before hanging artwork or shelves.
More quick fixes:
Multipurpose Painter's Tape
Erase Water Rings from Furniture
Correct Squeaky Floors and Sticky Doors
More quick fixes:
Multipurpose Painter's Tape
Erase Water Rings from Furniture
Correct Squeaky Floors and Sticky Doors
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When he needs to search for a wall stud, he wraps it in blue painter's tape, leaving a flap to use as a handle, and drags it along the wall. "When the magnet sticks the wall, you've found your stud," he says. "Then use a level and mark where you want to drill your hole."