how do i find stud center on house with vinyl siding? i have the stanley tool and it works fine inside .?

Question

I HAVE THE STANLEY STUD FINDER AND IT WORKS FINE INSIDE BUT I NEED TO FIND THE STUDS FROM OUTSIDE. I AM TRYING TO HANG AN AWNING AND MUST FINE STUD CENTER

Answer 1

One way would be to use your stud finder on the inside of the home to figure out your stud spacing (typically 12", 16", or 24" on centre). After knowing your stud spacing, locate something on the outside that you know is mounted to a stud (such as a gas meter, or electrical meter) and then simply measure. Not ideal but it should work. Same it true for working off windows, doors, etc. Keep in mind that studs are not always located with the same spacing, but if you can work off something you know, you should be able to measure with reasonable accuracy.

Answer 2

A magnetic stud finder will show you where the nails are, from there you can measure 16"oc and find the rest of your studs.

Answer 3

get a tape measure and pull from a corner of your house that has the longest straight shot 16" or 24" most stud layout comes from that point.. also if its 2x4 wall its 16" centers and 24" centers on 2x6 walls

Answer 4

If you pull along the lip of the siding, you will see where the nails are. The siding will bow out from your pulling but suck back in to the framing where ever there is a nail. Once you find one nail, you can use a tape measure to mark the rest.