Mark each edge so that, when you go to drill or hammer into the stud, you’ll know where dead center is. If you’re using a center-finding stud finder, you’ll be shown where the edges of the studs are. When the stud finder alerts you to a stud-via a beep or flashing light, depending on the finder in question-retrace the last few inches with the unit, to double-check where the alert is occurring. Photo: STEP 5: Mark the spot where there is a stud. Slowly slide the stud finder to the right, horizontally, while keeping the unit flat on the wall. (Check your manual for exactly how your stud finder is calibrated, as it varies.) STEP 4: Move the stud finder.

Now press a button to calibrate the stud finder when the tool stops flashing or beeping, then it’s ready to go. Usually, this is done with buttons mounted on the sides where you grip the tool. Hold your stud finder flat against the wall, about 1 foot left of where you ideally want to drill. Studs are usually 16 inches apart (sometimes 24 inches apart in really old homes), so you’ll be looking for a stud somewhere within a two-foot span. Also, check to make sure the flat side of the stud finder (where you’ll see the contacts and usually some felt to protect the wall from scratches) is clean of debris and dust. STEP 2: Make sure your stud finder is powered up.Įnsure your stud finder batteries are fresh and functioning, as weak batteries can greatly distort readings. Remove any nearby wall-mounted photos or other partly-metal objects that could interfere with readings on a magnetic stud finder and set them aside for now. This is the height at which you want to search the wall for studs. Know where the top should be and how far down it requires mounting. Decide where you roughly want to hang your item.

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