A stud is an upright piece of wood that is used to create the frame of your home. Most people really do not ever need to deal with these studs, but when you want to anchor an oversized mirror or picture frame or a piece of furniture such as a book case, it can be extremely valuable to know how you can find these studs when you need them. When you anchor something to the wall, you want to be able to do so using a stud, and so having a stud finder will be particularly useful for this purpose.

There are two different variations of the stud finder:

Magnetic stud finders are inexpensive and they make use of magnetism in order to identify the nails or the screws that are embedded within the studs. These tools tend to work pretty well in more basic situations, however they are generally best used when you supplement them to the use of a regular electronic type of stud finder. One of the troubles that come with the magnetic stud finders, however, is that they are also capable of identifying or detecting metal conduits and pipes, meaning that you will need to be rather diligent about actually marking each location of the real studs as you find them.

Electronic stud finders are the easier stud finders to use, and they also happen to be the most precise means by which you can locate a stud within a wall. The way that these stud finders work is by measuring a wall's relative density. Whenever the stud finder identifies an area where the relative density is higher, it will light up to indicate that there is more than likely a stud present there.

You should be looking for a stud finder that has a scanning depth that is at least 1.5 inches. Many stud finders also come with an automatic recalibration feature, and this is particularly useful when you begin to scan a stud and then accidently move away from it. If you are planning to drill deep or nail deep into the studs, such as 3 inches or even deeper, then it will be worthwhile for you to invest in a stud sensor capable of identifying when there are wires that are embedded within the studs. Most modern stud finders are made from plastic that is light weight and yet extremely rugged. Some even come with special pads that are non-marring to make sure that they do not cause any damage to your walls.

No matter which stud finder you decide to use, you should make sure that you mark the location of the stud using a pencil. If you need to find a number of different studs, pull out a measuring tape and mark 16 to 24 inches from the center of each located stud as wood studs are 16 inches spaced apart and metal ones are 24 inches apart.

Photo Credits: fille_de_photo

Originally posted 2009-11-02 03:31:37. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Related Posts

• Review of Drywall Pro Tips For Hanging and Finishing John Wagner's book on Drywall tips is incredibly useful and is well suited for beginners or those with a modicum of do it yourself experience. Experts probably won't get much out of it, but for its intended audience, it definitely hits all the right notes. Even if you're not planning......
• Guide to Measuring and Marking Tools pt 4 Dividers - The divider is designed in order to draw circles or arcs on a designated work piece. The divider is typically made out of steel and it has sharp points that are capable of marking metal or wood. Dividers are also commonly used in order to transfer distances between......
• The Basics of Drilling 3 Drilling without splinters! Drilling a hole completely through a piece of stock is going to leave an edge that is rough and splintery on the way out. In order to create a hole that is clean, you should look for the point of the bit as it is piercing through......
• How to Fix or Replace Crown Molding While crown molding doesn’t serve any real purpose, it still looks nice and can add value to your home. However, over time, crown molding can become cracked, pieces may fall away or it may just start to look a little old. Luckily, this is a pretty easy fix and it......
• Options for Building a Retaining Wall If you have a problem with drainage, or you would like to keep a hill where it belongs, a retaining wall is the perfect solution. There are many different options and materials that you can use when you need to build a retaining wall. Let’s look at some of the......

Related Websites

• Stained Glass Windows Antiques -> Architectural and Garden -> Stained Glass Windows-> Pre-1900 Stained glass windows are more than just functional windows, they are works of art that can express exalted meanings or simply beautify a room. When you are shopping for antique stained glass, it’s important to understand the amount of time......
• Snap Fitness easyFIT System Snap Fitness 24-7 is a workout facility chain that continues to push an alternate to many of the big membership gyms found in each city. Focusing more on the individual, Snap Fitness allows members to workout where they want, when they want, as memberships give access to each and every......
• Fishing Report: December 10, 2010 Lakes and Saltwater Anderson: If you are looking for bass in the area you are going to want to head to the deep water areas. The launch ramp is bringing in 1-2 pound bass for those who are using drop-shots and spoons. Berkeley: Most crab trips are coming back with......
• 6 Ice Fishing Tips Ice fishing is a sport that you either love or hate, and it is generally dependant on how much you like cold weather. While the days of freezing over an open hole on the lake have been superceded by cozy little portable cabins, there is still an element to this......
• Guide to Left Handed Acoustic Guitars One distinctive as well as important group of guitars is the group of left handed guitars. The left handed acoustic guitar is held with the fret board positioned in the right hand, and the guitar player uses his or her left hand to do the picking. The strings of the......

Online Stores

• Rotary Tools Power Tools Tools Home Improvement
• 10 Piece Bonsai Tools Garden Tools & Equipment Gardening & Plants Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
• Electronic Autoharp & Zither String Acoustic Musical Instruments
• Pattern Guns & Hoppers Drywall Tools Hand Tools Tools & Light Equipment Green Construction Store
• One Piece In-Ground Pools Pools Pools & Spas Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery

If you liked this article, vote for it on del.icio.us and stumbleupon.


Categories:

Handy Man, Tools

Tags:

book case, electronic type, magnetism, metal conduits, mirror, nails, picture frame, piece of furniture, pipes, relative density, screws, stud finder, stud finders, stud sensor, studs, variations