How to find studs behind wallls??????

Question

I've never been able to do this. How do you find studs behind plaster walls?? And if I happen to find one, is there a standard spacing of studs in a house from 1947?? I bought a stud finder and it didnt work. Thanks!!

Answer 1

Tap lightly on the walls with the HANDLE of a hammer. You will hear a hollow sound until you find a stud. The wall will sound solid where your studs are. USUALLY stud spacing from that era was 16". Hope this helps.

Answer 2

If you have studs behind walls since 1947, they will be too old and not used to the light. Go find a date elsewhere... All right, I had my little joke... My house was built in 1948, so it's newer than yours. It was gyprock, and the studs were dubiously placed, anywhere from 16" to 19" centres, instead of the standard 16. That's because it's a veteran's home, part of a massive rebuilding after WWII, when many veterans returning from the war needed fast housing. Many of these homes were thrown together without thought of consistency because they were needed quickly and were thought to be temporary housing, i.e. to be torn down when other housing became available. As it turned out, many people kept these homes and slowly renovated, only to find warped unseasoned studs and cheap wood (some with bark still on it) on inconsistent centres. So though 16" centres were the norm, count on it not being consistent due to this. Also, 2 x 4s at the time really were 2" by 4", unlike today, so this can make a difference in some applications, when fractions of inches can affect measurement. I had to gut my entire house, and it was quite the chore trying to find the studs, even with marking. I have not dealt with plaster and lathe walls, and I would assume that a stud finder would have a hard time deciphering between studs and lathes. There are much improved models out there now; I'd check the hardware store for better models. Good luck.

Answer 3

Finding Studs In Plaster Walls

Answer 4

An old fashioned way to search for a stud is to rap the wall with knuckles or a hammer. Attach tape or thin padding to the face of the hammer to prevent marring.) The solid sound of the wooden stud beneath the wall will be different from the hollow sound produced by the spaces between studs.

Once you locate a solid area, drive in a test nail. If you are lucky, you may hit a stud on the first try — but don't count on it. More than likely, you'll miss to one side and end up making several trial holes before hitting pay dirt. Of course, any unwanted holes you make will have to be patched.

This method is most effective on drywall or walls which are covered with sheet paneling material with no form of rigid wall backing. Rigid and/or well-insulated walls make it more of a challenge. A plaster and lath wall, for example, may sound solid no matter where you tap it. When it comes down to it, you may find that your ear can't distinguish any difference and that all that tapping is getting you nowhere. usually from left corner of any wall,most older houses should be 16" centers.if you use a 2" finish nail and find the first stud from the corner.
I would start at 14"from left corner of wall and every inch pound the nail.you will hit wood lath ,but when you hit the stud it will be solid all the way.after finding it ,every 16" from it should be center of another one.Using a finish nail will leave very little hole,and you can use one time putty to fill nail hole easily.To find that first stud you should look for an outlet or switch. Electrical boxes are usually anchored to studs. From the nearest outlet or switch, measure in 16- or 24-inch increments toward the are you are looking to place your nail.

You can also examine the baseboards which should be nailed directly into studs. If you examine the baseboards closely you should be able to see exposed nailheads or patches over the nail heads which are a giveaway to a stud behind it.

You can also measure away from a corner in multiples of 16 or 24 inches. Then gently tap the area to find a section of wall with a solid backing (a stud or joist).

Find studs behind plaster walls is trickier and can be done by driving a small test nail just above the baseboard.

Answer 5

stud finders work well, apparently though just for other people. If you've got plaster and metal lath it won't help much.

Some cheats involve looking for outlets and start tapping around them for the echo of space. Most boxes are attached to studs.
Likely they are spaced at 16" on center, so you have a little play and don't need to know exactly where the center is.

You could move, too. It may be easier than hanging the picture or whatever you are doing.

Giving up sometimes just isn't a bad idea :) If I can't find a stud I'm sure my wife can (she's rather cute)

Answer 6

I tap along the wall with a hammer looking for a solid sound of resistance. Once two adjacent studs are located then measure that space-distance and go around the room making a tiny mark where the spaced studs should be-- and test each location by tapping with the hammer.
To be sure use a very thin small nail to be driven into the invisible studs. Then use an ole time square to mark the verticle locations of the rest of the length of the studs.

Answer 7

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RE:
How to find studs behind wallls??????
I've never been able to do this. How do you find studs behind plaster walls?? And if I happen to find one, is there a standard spacing of studs in a house from 1947?? I bought a stud finder and it didnt work. Thanks!!

Answer 8

Get A Stud Finder From Your Local Hardware Store.

Answer 9

You have studs behind your walls?!?! Are they hot or not?

Answer 10

tap on the walls, it will sound hollow till you come across a stud, then it willl kinda thump more, sound more solid