I enjoy your videos so much!! So awesome for women like me who really want to learn how to do home repairs on our own, explained by a really nice person who knows what he is doing and makes videos that are easy for people like me to understand without calling us “dummies”! Thank you!
Except, sometimes they aren't. A lot of things were built sloppy. Sometimes the finish makes it not so obvious. This is why I ordered a stud finder that's supposedly decent at finding edges to go with my magnets and StudBuddy (R).
I installed a TV mount which had a magnet encased in a piece of plastic about 3/4x2”. After installing the mount, I kept the magnet. I carry it in my pocket-very handy. Also I have a magnet which I attached with epoxy to a 16 inch brass chain. I hold the end of the chain and swing it along the wall till I find a screw. Let the chain hang down from the magnet-it’s a plumb line so you can make a mark with pencil or tape at the height you need it. Or make 2 marks and then use a straight edge to mark above the screw. The chain is 16 inches long so you can swing it to each side and mark the adjacent studs.
@@jeremywestern7067 You would have convinced us if you didn't say "Please do more research" I've never seen copper nails in drywall either. You made that up to be a youtube know it all.
You can almost always tell which side of an electrical box the stud is on just by taking the cover plate off and looking on both sides of the box. If it's not easily visible you can shave a little drywall off with a knife on either side till you find it. Just make sure the plate hides whatever damage you do. Otherwise, what a great video! This is the only thing I could add to it.
As an electrician, I don't always mount my boxes on a stud, especially if I am using a gem box or some other form of bracket caddy. But I think about 80% of them are mounted to a stud
@@DrugsAreBadUmmmKay No need to be a shithead. I install boxes wherever I want them to be and sometimes that means I toenail in a piece of lumber horizontally between the two adjacent studs and mount the box on that crosspiece instead. Yes, even for new construction.
I've used this method in previous homes but now I own a home more than a 100yrs old - carpenters did not use 2x4's or 16" space then. Behind the drywall (lathe & plaster has been replaced with drywall) therefore are slats of various sized boards (not 1/4" thick, more like 1/2-3/4") lined on the studs which are a variety amounts of width - lots of fun when one wants to hang something very heavy!
YOU ARE THE MAN✔👍🏾 I FOUND MY WALL STUDS AND MOUNTED MY TV IN MINUTES THANK U SO MUCH FOR A DETAILED VIDEO WITHOUT ALL THE FANCY MUSIC AND EFFECTS JUST STRAIGHT TO THE POINT!!!
@@_MOORE_1986 LMFAO!! Yes It almost fell because I used some pieces that came with the mount that later said in the instructions not to use the included pieces! WTF WAS IT IN THE PACKAGE!!! LOL!!
There is a magnetic stud finder from C.H. Hanson that is the best to use. It can find metal studs. If the drywall is thick or there are wood studs, it will find the screw/nail. Electronic stud finders give false readings if there is insulation, especially insulation with foil face. The magnet works every time.
I wanted to learn how to find a stud without a study finder and I end up being taught by the man who taught me how to NO COMPLY 180 ?!?!?!! Hahaha amazing! THANK YOU for your help!
Inn⁰in in in inn inn n in in k NM nj in njn NJ in*in nine Inn in in in know n(,nnnn0n09090000 in 099n00990000099990000nn9nnnn,njnnnnnnni0 in, njn inn 9 in NJ, inner NJ in,no nk
Neatest stud finding method I've ever seen was on a job where we used metal studs. Took a handful of chopsaw dust and threw it up along the wall. The dust, containing metal fragments from the cut studs STUCK to the wall at every point there was a screw. The screws had become slightly magnetized from the magnetic apex used by the drywall installers. It was amazing, as the dust would show the screw so well, that you could see the slots from the phillips head screw.
I love Ben. Been watching his skating content for the longest time until one day, when my dad was remodeling our home I noticed a familiar face on his phone screen - a video of Ben explaining something or other related to construction and carpentry. What a nice moment we shared 🤝🤝🤝🤝
Thank you, this was very informative. I used this knowledge in front of my gf and her room mates + one of their boyfriends. Looked like a got dam genius. Thank you Vancouver Carpenter, I appreciate this more than you know.
Another thing you can try with an outlet is to remove the cover plate and see if you can find which side the box is attached to the stud (depending on how well the box opening was cut). You might see a nail or the bit of plastic holding the nail near one side or the other. If it is an adjustable box the position of the adjustment screw will help you also. The adjustment screw should be on the stud side of the box. Another thing you can try is using that magnet to hunt up and down on either side of that box. There should be a drywall screw or nail somewhere within a foot or two of the side of the box on a vertical plane relative to the box. I've been watching your videos for years, and I always know the content will be clear and informative. Thank you for doing these videos to help the rest of us.
To locate a starting point for measuring 16” intervals, I’ve also had good luck by simply removing a wall switch or outlet plate. I can then see which side of the stud the switch or outlet receptacle box is attached. Then measure 3/4” over from the stud edge, to locate center stud, and you’re on your way. Sometimes you do get a surprise when a switch our outlet was added after construction, in a location where there is no stud, using a self-mounting box.
I consider myself pretty handy. And I own three stud finders. But I had a complex wall with built-ins and wood paneling. I watched this and it reminded me to look for outlets. Bingo! That was what I needed to do. It was well worth the time invested to watch this. Thanks Vancouver Carpenter!
Studs are usually 4x2s or ex 4x2s at 450 or 600 centres - 100x50mm. There are also horizontal noggins between studs, and these are what electrical fittings are fitted to. Best nail to use is a v long panel pin. Leave them in when you have found the studs then remove after the work is complete. This is ideal when fixing vertical metal shelf uprights
I use a fridge magnet; one of those really strong rare-earth ones that looks like a pushpin with a little magnet in it instead of a pin. Staples sells them super cheap. Scan the wall with the magnet until it attaches to a drywall screw, and voila, stud! No holes, no pencil marks. I keep a bunch of them in my toolbox.
I used to hate mudding and taping I gotta say thank you your videos have allowed me with some practice to get to the point where not only can I do it well but I actually love doing it. thank you.
Going off the electrical box thing, most people are right handed so nailing an electrical box up on the right side of a stud is usually what guys aim for because it's quicker and easier.
Rare earth magnet. tape to piece of string. Pendulum across the wall going up and down. mark string every 16" with sharpie. magnet finds fastener, marks give your the next stud. stick to side wall of van for later use.
@@woodstover Mark the string with a Sharpie. use a pencil on the wall. There is not enough Kilz primer made to cover Sharpies on the wall. Excellent point.
Magnets? He covered that. Might wanna watch the video before commenting... also... With a sharpie!?!? Lmao... why do you hate the painters so much! Always make friends with the painters! Painters fix all your mistakes if they aren't pissed off...
Thank you ! This gave me the confidence to give it a go and using your trial (and maybe a small error on my part), I found the stud and enjoying finally having my screen on a wall, giving me more space.
Really good video mate!!!👍🏻 I'm a plasterer of 20 years from Ireland and sometimes we just think this is common sense cos we've been doing it so long!! But for the common diy person that is such an informative video and you just got a new subscriber!! Really good mate!!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Instead of a nail, try probing with a sewing needle held in a pair of locking piers. You can push it right through the drywall with no hammering. The hole is so small, you probably don't even have to patch it. Zero chance of going into a pipe.
I haven’t had a stud finder I’m years, “Because I am one!” You ARE a stud Vancouver Carpenter!! 😉 I really enjoy your videos, Ive been wanting to get into your field of work for some time now. I just don’t know anyone to get my foot I’m the door and I’m unsure how to get into it. Let me know if you’ve got any ideas maybe. Thanks man keep posting, I love learning new tricks and skills. 🙂
Carolyn Henderson I agree wholeheartedly with your comment about people trying to be comedians. Very annoying. Thankfully, this young gentleman is not like that and he also doesn’t use annoying background music in his videos.
Magnets...oscilloscopes...Hadron colliders... Just point a halogen light on the wall, close up and at an angle... ...you'll see where the screws were spotted in the field...even if it had an excellent taping job, you'll typically see the flashing of the screw holes, at least a few of them...then you can measure off.
Stud finders help eliminate pounding and guess work but it takes some common sense to confirm it. Great tips! Every time I use my stud finder I get frustrated and start pounding and measuring. I have the dewalt one (bought it on sale) and it's just as garbage as the rest don't listen to the affiliate marketers on youtube. Remember if you're finding a stud you're probably mounting something. 99% of the time the thing your mounting will hide your practice holes so yeah don't worry if you miss. Just move over an inch. When the mounted object is removed, repairs and paint will be done anyway so who cares put the TV up and start watching it and stop over thinking it. One time in a plaster and lathe wall I made 14 holes nail holes 1 inch apart to find the first stud. Probably should have gone left instead of right. The TV hid my 14 practice holes. I skimmed over them 2 years later with some fibafuse when I moved. Thanks for posting. Spring is coming I wanna see some fence and deck moves!
This reminded me of when my Ex & I used to live in a duplex and every so often the neighbors would be going at it in their living room. Their furniture would be banging up against the wall and I would always say, "Oh, the neighbors must have found some more pictures to hang!"
…and then you’d look around to see if your Ex heard your joke, but it was the weirdest coincidence, because literally every time that noise started up next door & you’d say the joke, the Ex never happened to be around… and then like 10 minutes later, the Ex would always come rushing in through the front door, sweaty and out-of-breath. and you’d be like “honey, you missed my joke again! … “one of these days hopefully you’ll hear me say it ; it’s pretty hilarious lol … “by the way, I think you spilled some wood glue all over your face again. Jus a heads up”
Thank you very much. I used your nail method without the worry of splitting the stud. The mount is very secure, TV looks great on the wall, my wife is happy and the stud finder is in the bin where it belongs.
Hanging a tapestry on a wall and couldn't find the stud finder. Found your video and used the "feel" method. Marked the wall + today I'm going to screw in the two pieces of hardware. Crossing my fingers! Thanks so much for your video!
I bought a yellow plastic enclosed magnet especially for this purpose. It has a little level as part of it and it is marked in a way that makes it easy to mark the wall exactly where the magnet is. It is not all that much better than a plain magnet but I like it. A comment on the banging technique:I think there are two: The fist approach where you are looking for the change in feel. And the knocking technique where you use your knuckle and you're looking for the change in sound. I have never had great success with either but they both sort of work. Thanks for the video. I had never thought about making the holes next to the trim. That seemed like a very good idea. On real lath and plaster: This is what I have the most experience with and I never had much success with any technique except using the location of an outlet and a lot of the wiring in lath and plaster walls is retrofit and the people installing outlets aren't always careful to install the boxes next to a stud. I didn't have any success with stud finders or magnets and I notice the look through wall gadget that is widely advertised doesn't work well on lath and plaster according to its manual.
I am having the same problem with a lath wall that has been overcovered with drywall. I am going to go at the boxes again and try that method as stud finders have been no help and the magnets either. A major problem as i must use stud to hang the big TV Sanus mount.
Earlier last year my mum wanted a TV mounted in her room, and the only wall available was a stud wall. We found the studs using a magnet. We were surprised that it worked, and that it was so quick and easy. After finding the stud with the magnet, we just used a very small nail to identify where exactly the middle of the stud was. The holes didn't matter as the wall mount was going there anyway.
I have one of the rare-earth fridge magnets (from Lee Valley) in my tool case, and have tied a couple foot long thin red ribbon to it, so that it's easy to find (as it tends to stick itself to some random metal tool in the box, at which point it's almost untraceable), and helps stop you from leaving it stuck to a wall somewhere and forgetting it.
I love watching your video’s. I’m so proud and you’re not even my son (you’re funny too) I love doing DYI stuff it’s so rewarding especially when you learn from people like you. I taped, muddled, sanded(🙄) &textured my garage. Looks great!! Thxs
I was like 10 and thats how my dad taught me and for years I didn’t even know there’s was things to help find studs lol I thought the banging was the only way to do that
WONDERFUL!!!! THANKS FOR MAKING SUCH A HELPFUL VIDEO😇 I found the Best of your tips for me... 1 Use Baby Nail when possible... Make circle around hole that has stud, to distinguish from others😉 2 Make the checking hole near the bottom... 3 Go from the Socket, find stud side, then measure off 16".... Super Fast and Consistent.... 👏
So simple, but this was a GREAT tip! Stud finders dont work when you use 2 sheets of drywall boards which overlap which ive done in most of my house, if i only had thought about using a tiny brad nail down by the floor board i would have saved so much frustration and ugly wholes in my wall.
Depending on your need for finding where the studs are remember you still need to take care when finally making a decision to drill into your "stud". I have learned through hard experience to check what's on the back side of the wall, and also to ask or check what is upstairs of that wall - the reason being there can be water and waste pipes inside that mimic the stud "signature". And you wouldn't want to drill into one of those!
One of the best ways to locate studs is to look for outlets and determine which side of the outlet box the stud is located. You can then measure 16 inches from that established point and you'll probably find the majority of them.
Is there any reason that a magnet would work, 24” o.c., which also does not line up with 16” o.c.? This is in my bonus room above my garage on the wall next to the rest of the house.
Excellent! Great explanation and demo. I have two electronic stud finders, both seem to give inconsistent results a lot of times. Maybe it’s the air gaps between the studs and the sheet rock in my 47 year old house, or the vent pipes or ? but I end up verifying by zoning in with a very small drill bit and a series of very small pinholes, particularly when I need to find exact center for a lag bolt. I like the idea of using a small nail (and tapping gently and not driving it home!) or as a commenter suggested, maybe a sewing needle. Thanks!
Modern wall boxes, especially in the UK, but also in Germany and France and elsewhere in Europe are mounted in hollow wall boxes NOT onto a stud (the old stupid way) or chased into solid walls. This allows you to VERY accurately position the studs. Simply remove the wall plate and back box then use your tape measure along the inside of the wall to the studs on left and right. Then work on standard centres (400mm) to get the centres of the rest of the studs.
Never been able to do the knocking method. Have worked remodeling in many homes where 16 inches was not even a suggestion. One house the studs varied from 12 to 28 inches in a 10 foot wall. Badly built by houses are out there. I have also found studs that were not installed plumb. The bottom was 2 inches out from the top. I personally use a stack of rare earth magnets. On a sheet rock wall most house rockers install it horizontally. This means that there is a joint at 4 feet off the floor. There will be two screws one above the other on each side of the joint. Do assume they used 16 inch spacing. Move the magnets over the wall in a spiral pattern from inside to outside increasing the size of your circle until it sticks. Mark it with tape or a pencil. Then move over horizontally. Most installers will install nails or screws in a personal pattern. If you find a few fasteners at a certain height generally the fasteners will be at the same height across the wall. Using the magnet at the ceiling or floor level can be misleading because of the installer may have put extra screws between the studs into the top and bottom plate.
Really great tips, thank you. I don't do a lot of construction so it seemed useless to spend money on a decent electric stud finder, so I appreciated the information presented here.
This is some good knowledge. I can't tell you how many random holes I've made in my house even with a stud finder and knowing 16 in. Centers and 1 1/2 in. studs. Trusting stud finders is a real gamble
It's also fairly quick and easy to just pop the face plates off to see which side the stud is on, although this might not work if the dry wall installers did a perfectly clean job of cutting the holes out for the junction boxes, but it's often times a mess in that the face plates are just barely big enough to cover things up.
I think your video is spot on and it appears that you have knowledge and experience, but I'm 66 years old and it sounds funny to hear a fellow that can't be 30 years old yet talking about his whole career. Great video, keep it up. There are a lot of people out there that need your experience and guidance. Oh and another thing. My house was built in 1985 by immigrant laborers and the studs that are supposed to be 16 inches C to C are sometimes 16, 18, 20 or I've found places where there are no studs for over 2 feet, so much for proper building practices.
I really appreciate the fact that a young person has so much experience and can share it so succinctly.... not a common occurance in the world nowadays. I'm 63 and have worked with more than my fair share of know-nothings who seem impervious to actually learning anything at all. Oh, and I work on a lot of early 19th century houses... the seeming random placement of studs back then seemed to be the order of the day!
Some times I use a magnet to find the studs because they use of dry wall screws. Another way , The outlet boxes are nailed to the studs. But I do keep two stud finders handy at all times with batteries. Well 90% of the time. Good video, Thanks for your help.👍. P.S. If all else fail's, I use a thin ice pick.
A clear way is to go to receptacles/light switches, phone jack etc. In the beginning it's clear there's a stud between the phone jack and receptacle. Then measure 16" although some buildings aren't always 16" framing. But still, also look for any bubbling mud over sheetrock screws.
Good to confirm. Stud finders now have extra features for wire and metal, etc. Too many times the last guy didn't put the protection plates next to wire and pipe thrus. Thank u for te video.
I usually pop off a wall outlet or switch plate and probe beside the box to find the stud. Then measure off that to locate the studs. Good video, thanks.
Instead of banging on the wall with your fist, tap your finger on the wall. It's more pinpoint accurate and easier to hear tone changes. Sounds hollow vs solid.
I used that method with the nails by the trim board and that sir is f#$k8ng magical. Im almost taken back on how common sense that is but that no one would think of that if they hadnt come across it themselves by the help of someone else.. from one stranger to another, i just wanna say thank you.
Stud finders are not just that. They get the center of them, find pipes and electrical wire runs. If you value your time and safety get a 3 in 1 stud finder. 30 euros here on amazon.
I have two really gourmet stud finders, and like every stud finder I've ever used, they are not accurate 100% of time. After 20+ years, i prefer to mark up a wall with a magnet and blue tape.
I've used the nail method but now use a magnet to locate nails in the wall sheet joints and as the nails are almost always in the centre of the stud the studs are easy to find.
I was able to locate stud using one of your steps (first I found a reference stud near an outlet then measured 16'' intervals on the side of the stud. Very helpful video. Thank you!!
The best stud finder I've ever owned is a magnet. On the outlet method I just take off the cover plate and you can usually see the stud or you can feel it with a screwdriver
Also for outlets, remove the cover plate and poke a hole on an angle where the cover plate hides the drywall cutout. This is easier when outlets are mounted horizontally
A flashlight and a darkened room can find even the most meticulous carpenters nail holes. If it's bad drywall you don't even have to go near the baseboard.
Tony Catalano actually looking for nail holes in baseboards will only work if the carpenter shot into studs. Most production carpenters today toenail the base so it won’t tell you much
Hey Ben, love your videos. I'm very handy with everything except drywall and finish carpentry, but after having watched your channel for the last few months I feel comfortable tackling a lot of my projects that would have been hired out. Keep it up!
I use a very small concrete bit which does not penetrate the wood if it hits a stud but will sort of bounce back. Also will not damage electrical wires.
Using the outlets are usually a good way of finding the studs unless you're in a house that the builders decided to use almost all old work boxes. I think it had something to do with most of the load bearing walls being steel studs and the contractor not wanting to sister pine 2x4s to many of the steel studs. Talk about a PITA job fixing all the drywall problems.
I am SO GLAD I saw this video and chose to watch! Wow, my stud finder wasn't working and now I think this will work perfectly! Thank you.
I just ask my wife :) she is obviously a good stud finder.
Alan crickets!!!
Yes indeed, she found me
Nah shes deffinatly better with plumbing hahaha
Ha
I see what you did there
Have you met all the studs she's been finding during her free time?
I enjoy your videos so much!! So awesome for women like me who really want to learn how to do home repairs on our own, explained by a really nice person who knows what he is doing and makes videos that are easy for people like me to understand without calling us “dummies”! Thank you!
I'm in the same boat
Agree! Women want to do things ourselves. So glad you have good people like this to share their knowledge.
Handsome AND handy. How perfect can a guy get?
Shit im a man watching and i just wanna make sure im doing it right no dummies here
Say it again girl. Woman here too. He helped me a lot. I am installing some floating shelves. Updating my kitchen.
The use of magnets is brilliant.
Since screws tend to be placed close to the center of the stud, so it is a very easy way to find where the center is.
I'm going to try the magnet idea. I live in an old house with wooden slats attached to the studs so a stud finder doesn't work. Thanks for the idea!
Except, sometimes they aren't. A lot of things were built sloppy. Sometimes the finish makes it not so obvious. This is why I ordered a stud finder that's supposedly decent at finding edges to go with my magnets and StudBuddy (R).
Junk just gonna pick up random shit around you
I installed a TV mount which had a magnet encased in a piece of plastic about 3/4x2”. After installing the mount, I kept the magnet. I carry it in my pocket-very handy. Also I have a magnet which I attached with epoxy to a 16 inch brass chain. I hold the end of the chain and swing it along the wall till I find a screw. Let the chain hang down from the magnet-it’s a plumb line so you can make a mark with pencil or tape at the height you need it. Or make 2 marks and then use a straight edge to mark above the screw. The chain is 16 inches long so you can swing it to each side and mark the adjacent studs.
I have used a magnet in a pinch but that is a whole other level. Great creative problem solving!
Karl Armbrust no- if the drywall is fixed with COPPER nails then this wouldn’t work. Copper isn’t magnetic
Copper nails? True they are not magnetic. But I’ve never known them to be used for drywall. I’ve only seen them used for securing copper pipe.
Karl Armbrust they are used in damp conditions as they don’t rust. Please do more research in future
@@jeremywestern7067 You would have convinced us if you didn't say "Please do more research" I've never seen copper nails in drywall either. You made that up to be a youtube know it all.
You can almost always tell which side of an electrical box the stud is on just by taking the cover plate off and looking on both sides of the box. If it's not easily visible you can shave a little drywall off with a knife on either side till you find it. Just make sure the plate hides whatever damage you do. Otherwise, what a great video! This is the only thing I could add to it.
Austin---I've successfully used that method for over 40 years
@@ShelbyDude1 and I'd bet it's gotten simpler over the years as well since houses have been built with more and more outlets.
As an electrician, I don't always mount my boxes on a stud, especially if I am using a gem box or some other form of bracket caddy. But I think about 80% of them are mounted to a stud
@@DrugsAreBadUmmmKay No need to be a shithead. I install boxes wherever I want them to be and sometimes that means I toenail in a piece of lumber horizontally between the two adjacent studs and mount the box on that crosspiece instead. Yes, even for new construction.
@@caffeinetremors, that makes you the "shithead". Why do you do more work to put boxes in unusual locations on new construction?
I've used this method in previous homes but now I own a home more than a 100yrs old - carpenters did not use 2x4's or 16" space then. Behind the drywall (lathe & plaster has been replaced with drywall) therefore are slats of various sized boards (not 1/4" thick, more like 1/2-3/4") lined on the studs which are a variety amounts of width - lots of fun when one wants to hang something very heavy!
The first method is Heaven sent 😩😩🙌🏾🙌🏾 Where was this before my 300 unnecessary holes
I felt that, thankfully I only had to do under 10 holes to find them. Apparently the house I live in didn't follow the "16 inch gap".
Same ! I've made so far 30 holes lol 😂
"I've got my son's hammer, so it's a teeny little hammer"
Me: _smaller hammer than the one he's using_
Lmao
Shieeeet
YOU ARE THE MAN✔👍🏾 I FOUND MY WALL STUDS AND MOUNTED MY TV IN MINUTES THANK U SO MUCH FOR A DETAILED VIDEO WITHOUT ALL THE FANCY MUSIC AND EFFECTS JUST STRAIGHT TO THE POINT!!!
Is your TV still hanging on the wall? Lol
@@_MOORE_1986 LMFAO!! Yes It almost fell because I used some pieces that came with the mount that later said in the instructions not to use the included pieces! WTF WAS IT IN THE PACKAGE!!! LOL!!
I used to punch holes in the walls until I broke my wrist, needless to say i found the stud.
Old-Style 86 okay Kyle
Lmfao. Bro. I had a bad day. Your comment made me laugh. Omg.
Lmfao🤣🤣😂😂
Been there done that before lol. I found the stud on the first shot.. i also broke my hand. Boxers fracture.
When I was 3 or 4 I used my head
Loool
There is a magnetic stud finder from C.H. Hanson that is the best to use. It can find metal studs. If the drywall is thick or there are wood studs, it will find the screw/nail. Electronic stud finders give false readings if there is insulation, especially insulation with foil face. The magnet works every time.
0:10 sounds like you need a stud finder finder.
😅🤣
Fuck
😂
I wanted to learn how to find a stud without a study finder and I end up being taught by the man who taught me how to NO COMPLY 180 ?!?!?!! Hahaha amazing! THANK YOU for your help!
Damn I haven't heard of a no comply in ages...🤣🤣🤣
Same!
Savage
It's crazy finding this channel after following his skate channel a few months back lol
Inn⁰in in in inn inn n in in k NM nj in njn NJ in*in nine Inn in in in know n(,nnnn0n09090000 in 099n00990000099990000nn9nnnn,njnnnnnnni0 in, njn inn 9 in NJ, inner NJ in,no nk
Neatest stud finding method I've ever seen was on a job where we used metal studs. Took a handful of chopsaw dust and threw it up along the wall. The dust, containing metal fragments from the cut studs STUCK to the wall at every point there was a screw. The screws had become slightly magnetized from the magnetic apex used by the drywall installers. It was amazing, as the dust would show the screw so well, that you could see the slots from the phillips head screw.
Whoever thought of that method was a real genius. Excellent idea!
Very smart idea. But idk if you can call it the neatest as you are throwing saw dust at the wall, haha. That is a awesome idea tho
I love Ben. Been watching his skating content for the longest time until one day, when my dad was remodeling our home I noticed a familiar face on his phone screen - a video of Ben explaining something or other related to construction and carpentry. What a nice moment we shared 🤝🤝🤝🤝
Thank you, this was very informative. I used this knowledge in front of my gf and her room mates + one of their boyfriends. Looked like a got dam genius. Thank you Vancouver Carpenter, I appreciate this more than you know.
This worked, you’re great at teaching and explaining!
thank you! As the widow of an ace carpenter, I never needed to know these things....your explanation was so clear. Off I go to try it out!
Another thing you can try with an outlet is to remove the cover plate and see if you can find which side the box is attached to the stud (depending on how well the box opening was cut). You might see a nail or the bit of plastic holding the nail near one side or the other. If it is an adjustable box the position of the adjustment screw will help you also. The adjustment screw should be on the stud side of the box.
Another thing you can try is using that magnet to hunt up and down on either side of that box. There should be a drywall screw or nail somewhere within a foot or two of the side of the box on a vertical plane relative to the box.
I've been watching your videos for years, and I always know the content will be clear and informative. Thank you for doing these videos to help the rest of us.
Definitely demystified the process for finding wall studs. Sometimes I use a magnet tied to a string and lightly swing it until it sticks to a screw
To locate a starting point for measuring 16” intervals, I’ve also had good luck by simply removing a wall switch or outlet plate. I can then see which side of the stud the switch or outlet receptacle box is attached. Then measure 3/4” over from the stud edge, to locate center stud, and you’re on your way. Sometimes you do get a surprise when a switch our outlet was added after construction, in a location where there is no stud, using a self-mounting box.
Great idea
This literally just happened to me.
I consider myself pretty handy. And I own three stud finders. But I had a complex wall with built-ins and wood paneling. I watched this and it reminded me to look for outlets. Bingo! That was what I needed to do. It was well worth the time invested to watch this. Thanks Vancouver Carpenter!
Whoa - magnet worked like a charm! Fabulous! Thank you!
Ki
Thank you so much, that nail trick with the baseboards is so clever!
Studs are usually 4x2s or ex 4x2s at 450 or 600 centres - 100x50mm. There are also horizontal noggins between studs, and these are what electrical fittings are fitted to. Best nail to use is a v long panel pin. Leave them in when you have found the studs then remove after the work is complete. This is ideal when fixing vertical metal shelf uprights
What a strange comment.
Elucidate as you've lost me
When you need to hang a deck and the guy who’s been teaching you all your tricks has a carpenter channel 😂
oh m y god right lolol
That's what I was thinking just thinking doesn't this guy do skate videos?! He reminds me of my brother-in-law too which is extra awesome.
Haha no doubt
I use a fridge magnet; one of those really strong rare-earth ones that looks like a pushpin with a little magnet in it instead of a pin. Staples sells them super cheap. Scan the wall with the magnet until it attaches to a drywall screw, and voila, stud! No holes, no pencil marks. I keep a bunch of them in my toolbox.
But what if the screw isn’t centered?
@@socratese5 Then you can test around it with nails id guess? As ling as its the part thats going to be covered right?
what if what you found was just a metal pipe?
I used to hate mudding and taping I gotta say thank you your videos have allowed me with some practice to get to the point where not only can I do it well but I actually love doing it. thank you.
Going off the electrical box thing, most people are right handed so nailing an electrical box up on the right side of a stud is usually what guys aim for because it's quicker and easier.
Rare earth magnet. tape to piece of string. Pendulum across the wall going up and down. mark string every 16" with sharpie. magnet finds fastener, marks give your the next stud. stick to side wall of van for later use.
DON'T use a sharpie! Hardest ink to cover
@@woodstover Mark the string with a Sharpie. use a pencil on the wall. There is not enough Kilz primer made to cover Sharpies on the wall. Excellent point.
Magnets? He covered that. Might wanna watch the video before commenting... also... With a sharpie!?!? Lmao... why do you hate the painters so much! Always make friends with the painters! Painters fix all your mistakes if they aren't pissed off...
I wear a magnet on my necklace. Use it all the time
WeRemodel.com, llc no...if the drywall is fixed with BRASS nails or screws then the magnet wouldn’t work
Thank you ! This gave me the confidence to give it a go and using your trial (and maybe a small error on my part), I found the stud and enjoying finally having my screen on a wall, giving me more space.
Interesting and informative ! Thank you.
You are the 1st carpenter I’ve witnessed working in their socks. 😂
Welcome to Vancouver, neighbor! 🖐😀
Really good video mate!!!👍🏻 I'm a plasterer of 20 years from Ireland and sometimes we just think this is common sense cos we've been doing it so long!! But for the common diy person that is such an informative video and you just got a new subscriber!! Really good mate!!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
DIYs... bless their hearts!
ceart galore agat!
Instead of a nail, try probing with a sewing needle held in a pair of locking piers. You can push it right through the drywall with no hammering. The hole is so small, you probably don't even have to patch it. Zero chance of going into a pipe.
This is actually a great tip - avoids the need to hammer through a nail and the need to patch the hole.
Great tip Shawn. Thanks
@@jamesduff6937 zadrugay0utube
What if you have plaster walls?
Not everybody has that
Man thank you so much. Having grown with brick and concrete walls all my life this was something really counterintuitive for me. Thanks!
I haven’t had a stud finder I’m years, “Because I am one!”
You ARE a stud Vancouver Carpenter!! 😉
I really enjoy your videos, Ive been wanting to get into your field of work for some time now. I just don’t know anyone to get my foot I’m the door and I’m unsure how to get into it. Let me know if you’ve got any ideas maybe. Thanks man keep posting, I love learning new tricks and skills. 🙂
A very informative and logical way to go about finding the stud. Thank you for not trying to be a comedian like some do
Carolyn Henderson I agree wholeheartedly with your comment about people trying to be comedians. Very annoying. Thankfully, this young gentleman is not like that and he also doesn’t use annoying background music in his videos.
Magnets...oscilloscopes...Hadron colliders...
Just point a halogen light on the wall, close up and at an angle...
...you'll see where the screws were spotted in the field...even if it had an excellent taping job, you'll typically see the flashing of the screw holes, at least a few of them...then you can measure off.
I use portable X ray machines.
Stud finders help eliminate pounding and guess work but it takes some common sense to confirm it. Great tips! Every time I use my stud finder I get frustrated and start pounding and measuring. I have the dewalt one (bought it on sale) and it's just as garbage as the rest don't listen to the affiliate marketers on youtube.
Remember if you're finding a stud you're probably mounting something. 99% of the time the thing your mounting will hide your practice holes so yeah don't worry if you miss. Just move over an inch. When the mounted object is removed, repairs and paint will be done anyway so who cares put the TV up and start watching it and stop over thinking it. One time in a plaster and lathe wall I made 14 holes nail holes 1 inch apart to find the first stud. Probably should have gone left instead of right. The TV hid my 14 practice holes. I skimmed over them 2 years later with some fibafuse when I moved.
Thanks for posting. Spring is coming I wanna see some fence and deck moves!
This reminded me of when my Ex & I used to live in a duplex and every so often the neighbors would be going at it in their living room. Their furniture would be banging up against the wall and I would always say, "Oh, the neighbors must have found some more pictures to hang!"
…and then you’d look around to see if your Ex heard your joke, but it was the weirdest coincidence, because literally every time that noise started up next door & you’d say the joke, the Ex never happened to be around…
and then like 10 minutes later, the Ex would always come rushing in through the front door, sweaty and out-of-breath. and you’d be like “honey, you missed my joke again!
… “one of these days hopefully you’ll hear me say it ; it’s pretty hilarious lol
… “by the way, I think you spilled some wood glue all over your face again. Jus a heads up”
Thank you very much. I used your nail method without the worry of splitting the stud. The mount is very secure, TV looks great on the wall, my wife is happy and the stud finder is in the bin where it belongs.
Even with a few electric ⚡️ stud finders on hand it’s good to know how to manually find your studs.
Hanging a tapestry on a wall and couldn't find the stud finder. Found your video and used the "feel" method. Marked the wall + today I'm going to screw in the two pieces of hardware. Crossing my fingers! Thanks so much for your video!
We electricians use the magnets in torpedo levels to find the screws attaching the drywall to the studs.
How strong of a magnet?
pls help ...strong enough to detect the nail/screw heads just under the service at each stud.
@@plshelp2906 He already said the one in the torpedo level.
@@CaligulaInvictus I didn’t know what torpedo levels were lol but that still doesn’t answer how strong it is, I found magnets that worked though
What type of torpedo level do you use? Cus my t-level magnets are nowhere near that strong
Thank you so much! My good fortune to catch this video TODAY before I start poking holes in the wall I just repaired!! 😊
simple but very effective thank you ,studs are always a problem for me ,love your vids
Thanks to you.. For the first time, I have able to locate the stud centre accurately. The use of thin nail is really a very good way.
I bought a yellow plastic enclosed magnet especially for this purpose. It has a little level as part of it and it is marked in a way that makes it easy to mark the wall exactly where the magnet is. It is not all that much better than a plain magnet but I like it.
A comment on the banging technique:I think there are two: The fist approach where you are looking for the change in feel. And the knocking technique where you use your knuckle and you're looking for the change in sound. I have never had great success with either but they both sort of work.
Thanks for the video. I had never thought about making the holes next to the trim. That seemed like a very good idea.
On real lath and plaster: This is what I have the most experience with and I never had much success with any technique except using the location of an outlet and a lot of the wiring in lath and plaster walls is retrofit and the people installing outlets aren't always careful to install the boxes next to a stud. I didn't have any success with stud finders or magnets and I notice the look through wall gadget that is widely advertised doesn't work well on lath and plaster according to its manual.
I am having the same problem with a lath wall that has been overcovered with drywall.
I am going to go at the boxes again and try that method as stud finders have been no help and the magnets either. A major problem as i must use stud to hang the big TV Sanus mount.
In between those plugs will b one. This guy is the best detail in explaining things.... thank u . From a pro boards man from Ontario
Earlier last year my mum wanted a TV mounted in her room, and the only wall available was a stud wall. We found the studs using a magnet. We were surprised that it worked, and that it was so quick and easy. After finding the stud with the magnet, we just used a very small nail to identify where exactly the middle of the stud was. The holes didn't matter as the wall mount was going there anyway.
Such a good teacher with good information, Anyone that gets to work with you should be very grateful .
I have one of the rare-earth fridge magnets (from Lee Valley) in my tool case, and have tied a couple foot long thin red ribbon to it, so that it's easy to find (as it tends to stick itself to some random metal tool in the box, at which point it's almost untraceable), and helps stop you from leaving it stuck to a wall somewhere and forgetting it.
I love watching your video’s. I’m so proud and you’re not even my son (you’re funny too) I love doing DYI stuff it’s so rewarding especially when you learn from people like you. I taped, muddled, sanded(🙄) &textured my garage. Looks great!! Thxs
I was like 10 and thats how my dad taught me and for years I didn’t even know there’s was things to help find studs lol I thought the banging was the only way to do that
WONDERFUL!!!! THANKS FOR MAKING SUCH A HELPFUL VIDEO😇
I found the Best of your tips for me...
1 Use Baby Nail when possible... Make circle around hole that has stud, to distinguish from others😉
2 Make the checking hole near the bottom...
3 Go from the Socket, find stud side, then measure off 16"....
Super Fast and Consistent.... 👏
So simple, but this was a GREAT tip!
Stud finders dont work when you use 2 sheets of drywall boards which overlap which ive done in most of my house, if i only had thought about using a tiny brad nail down by the floor board i would have saved so much frustration and ugly wholes in my wall.
There is an even easier way I found by accident. Just take a strong magnet and scan the wall until it sticks to a drywall nail or screw
good advice
Every time I use magnet
Yes, this is the correct way. Magnets or bust.
What if there's a pipe?
@@johnmartinez7440 What do you mean? If there is a pipe, identify it and work around it.
Depending on your need for finding where the studs are remember you still need to take care when finally making a decision to drill into your "stud". I have learned through hard experience to check what's on the back side of the wall, and also to ask or check what is upstairs of that wall - the reason being there can be water and waste pipes inside that mimic the stud "signature". And you wouldn't want to drill into one of those!
Oh yeah that will suck! Don’t need that smelly mess! Wish me luck! 😅
You can also check the nails holes on the base board
I never do lol...
If you got a small baseboard, all the nails will be in the plate missing all studs.
These methods really help as I have trouble using stud finders. Every time I pick one up, it just starts beeping like crazy.
Tell me about it!!!
You must be a stud
😂 nice
One of the best ways to locate studs is to look for outlets and determine which side of the outlet box the stud is located. You can then measure 16 inches from that established point and you'll probably find the majority of them.
Is there any reason that a magnet would work, 24” o.c., which also does not line up with 16” o.c.? This is in my bonus room above my garage on the wall next to the rest of the house.
Excellent! Great explanation and demo. I have two electronic stud finders, both seem to give inconsistent results a lot of times. Maybe it’s the air gaps between the studs and the sheet rock in my 47 year old house, or the vent pipes or ? but I end up verifying by zoning in with a very small drill bit and a series of very small pinholes, particularly when I need to find exact center for a lag bolt. I like the idea of using a small nail (and tapping gently and not driving it home!) or as a commenter suggested, maybe a sewing needle. Thanks!
Great tips. Magnets worked great. Ill add that a screw pop can be into the wall also, not just popping out. Thats how all of mine were. Thanks
Modern wall boxes, especially in the UK, but also in Germany and France and elsewhere in Europe are mounted in hollow wall boxes NOT onto a stud (the old stupid way) or chased into solid walls. This allows you to VERY accurately position the studs. Simply remove the wall plate and back box then use your tape measure along the inside of the wall to the studs on left and right. Then work on standard centres (400mm) to get the centres of the rest of the studs.
Never been able to do the knocking method.
Have worked remodeling in many homes where 16 inches was not even a suggestion. One house the studs varied from 12 to 28 inches in a 10 foot wall.
Badly built by houses are out there.
I have also found studs that were not installed plumb. The bottom was 2 inches out from the top.
I personally use a stack of rare earth magnets.
On a sheet rock wall most house rockers install it horizontally. This means that there is a joint at 4 feet off the floor. There will be two screws one above the other on each side of the joint.
Do assume they used 16 inch spacing. Move the magnets over the wall in a spiral pattern from inside to outside increasing the size of your circle until it sticks.
Mark it with tape or a pencil. Then move over horizontally. Most installers will install nails or screws in a personal pattern. If you find a few fasteners at a certain height generally the fasteners will be at the same height across the wall.
Using the magnet at the ceiling or floor level can be misleading because of the installer may have put extra screws between the studs into the top and bottom plate.
Really great tips, thank you. I don't do a lot of construction so it seemed useless to spend money on a decent electric stud finder, so I appreciated the information presented here.
This is some good knowledge. I can't tell you how many random holes I've made in my house even with a stud finder and knowing 16 in. Centers and 1 1/2 in. studs. Trusting stud finders is a real gamble
You're friggin awesome, Benjamin.
Great explanation not over complicated at all and guides you through process
Can't thank you enough! I've always freaked out about finding studs before but you've made it so easy in this video
It's also fairly quick and easy to just pop the face plates off to see which side the stud is on, although this might not work if the dry wall installers did a perfectly clean job of cutting the holes out for the junction boxes, but it's often times a mess in that the face plates are just barely big enough to cover things up.
I think your video is spot on and it appears that you have knowledge and experience, but I'm 66 years old and it sounds funny to hear a fellow that can't be 30 years old yet talking about his whole career. Great video, keep it up. There are a lot of people out there that need your experience and guidance. Oh and another thing. My house was built in 1985 by immigrant laborers and the studs that are supposed to be 16 inches C to C are sometimes 16, 18, 20 or I've found places where there are no studs for over 2 feet, so much for proper building practices.
I really appreciate the fact that a young person has so much experience and can share it so succinctly.... not a common occurance in the world nowadays. I'm 63 and have worked with more than my fair share of know-nothings who seem impervious to actually learning anything at all.
Oh, and I work on a lot of early 19th century houses... the seeming random placement of studs back then seemed to be the order of the day!
Zadruga
Helpful hints. I knew all of these points but never put it all together so clearly. Going to use the nail at the baseboard the most!
Just buy a cheap electronic stud finder. So much faster and easier.
6:40 DUH! take the cover plate off and see which side of the box is fastened!
ok
This is the best video on the subject. Perfect deterministic tests.
I love this guy and always look forward to his next show. I learned how to finish sheetrock like a pro from him and did some rooms in my old home.
Some times I use a magnet to find the studs because they use of dry wall screws. Another way , The outlet boxes are nailed to the studs. But I do keep two stud finders handy at all times with batteries. Well 90% of the time. Good video, Thanks for your help.👍. P.S. If all else fail's, I use a thin ice pick.
Hey Ben thanks for helping me learn more about how to find studs as well as land sick kick flips !! :)
you can usually just measure in 16" segments from a corner and then use the nail trick. knocking is useful when you get non standard stud spacing.
A clear way is to go to receptacles/light switches, phone jack etc. In the beginning it's clear there's a stud between the phone jack and receptacle. Then measure 16" although some buildings aren't always 16" framing. But still, also look for any bubbling mud over sheetrock screws.
Good to confirm. Stud finders now have extra features for wire and metal, etc. Too many times the last guy didn't put the protection plates next to wire and pipe thrus. Thank u for te video.
Teaching how to skate transition, now teaching how to find a stud. haha talented guy, keep it up :D
I usually pop off a wall outlet or switch plate and probe beside the box to find the stud. Then measure off that to locate the studs.
Good video, thanks.
Instead of banging on the wall with your fist, tap your finger on the wall. It's more pinpoint accurate and easier to hear tone changes. Sounds hollow vs solid.
I didn't see your comment and I just gave the same suggestion. Anyway, I agree, It is a lot more pinpoint accurate.
Ouch 😜 just call me Stubby Fingers if I can't find a stud quickly.
I tap lightly with the knuckle of my folded index finger, sound is distinctly different under the stud.
I used that method with the nails by the trim board and that sir is f#$k8ng magical. Im almost taken back on how common sense that is but that no one would think of that if they hadnt come across it themselves by the help of someone else.. from one stranger to another, i just wanna say thank you.
Stud finders are not just that. They get the center of them, find pipes and electrical wire runs. If you value your time and safety get a 3 in 1 stud finder. 30 euros here on amazon.
I have two really gourmet stud finders, and like every stud finder I've ever used, they are not accurate 100% of time. After 20+ years, i prefer to mark up a wall with a magnet and blue tape.
I've used the nail method but now use a magnet to locate nails in the wall sheet joints and as the nails are almost always in the centre of the stud the studs are easy to find.
Thank you, couldn't HEAR the difference for the life of me. Just need to hit hard enough and it's pretty easy to feel the difference
I was able to locate stud using one of your steps (first I found a reference stud near an outlet then measured 16'' intervals on the side of the stud. Very helpful video. Thank you!!
Knowing this will get you out of a pinch.
The best stud finder I've ever owned is a magnet. On the outlet method I just take off the cover plate and you can usually see the stud or you can feel it with a screwdriver
thanks to you I got my TV wall mounted with no issues! thanks!
2:42 there’s a stud in between the outlet and internet easy
Thanks for this! All very good tips. I have a stud finder, but have never had good results when using it. So I'll definitely try your methods.
Another tip...look closely for the filled nail holes in the top of the baseboard
Also for outlets, remove the cover plate and poke a hole on an angle where the cover plate hides the drywall cutout. This is easier when outlets are mounted horizontally
A flashlight and a darkened room can find even the most meticulous carpenters nail holes. If it's bad drywall you don't even have to go near the baseboard.
Tony Catalano actually looking for nail holes in baseboards will only work if the carpenter shot into studs.
Most production carpenters today toenail the base so it won’t tell you much
Man, I watch your skate videos. You rip and explain things great! Stoked I stumbled on this!
Hey Ben, love your videos. I'm very handy with everything except drywall and finish carpentry, but after having watched your channel for the last few months I feel comfortable tackling a lot of my projects that would have been hired out. Keep it up!
I use a very small concrete bit which does not penetrate the wood if it hits a stud but will sort of bounce back. Also will not damage electrical wires.
This is awesome. I wish i knew this two years ago. Put alot of useless holes in my walls.
Using the outlets are usually a good way of finding the studs unless you're in a house that the builders decided to use almost all old work boxes. I think it had something to do with most of the load bearing walls being steel studs and the contractor not wanting to sister pine 2x4s to many of the steel studs. Talk about a PITA job fixing all the drywall problems.