How to use a stud finder

[EricL]

Difficulty: Beginner

A stud finder can help you safely locate studs behind walls for hanging pictures, shelves or other items.

Studs are wooden or metal vertical frames hidden in walls that can be used as points to hang or support items. A stud finder detects studs inside a wall using a magnetic field and notifies you when there is a change in the field.

Here is a simple guide on how to use a stud finder correctly, including tips on avoiding inaccurate readings.

Once you have found your studs, refer to our guide How to hang just about anything for more advice. Let us know if you have any questions.

Steps

Step 1

Get to know your stud finder.

Read your stud finder’s instruction manual for specific instructions about its features and how it works. Pay particular attention to the calibration process (if required), as improper calibration is a common reason for inaccurate readings.

Ensure your stud finder has fresh batteries and is adequately charged before use. Weak batteries can also lead to unreliable results.

I am using a Ryobi stud finder which detects metal, timber and live electrical wires.

  

Step 2

Prepare your wall.

Remove any furniture, artwork, or decorations that may obstruct your wall's surface and prevent the stud finder from working optimally.

Turn off and unplug any electrical devices near the wall to avoid interference.

  

Step 3

Calibrate your stud finder if needed.

If your device has multiple scanning modes, ensure it is set on stud mode.

Some stud finders may also require calibration before use, which involves fine-tuning the device according to your wall type for more accurate readings.

To calibrate a stud finder, grip it securely, keeping sensors and buttons clear. Now hold it level and parallel to a plain section of the wall for a baseline signal and press or hold the calibration button. Wait for the device to notify you it has finished calibrating. Refer to your product manual for more specific instructions. 

Once your stud finder is ready for use, place it on the wall away from any light switches, plumbing fittings or power points.

Step 4

Scan the wall.

Place the stud finder against the wall at a straight angle, ensuring it is level with the surface.

Slide the stud finder in a horizontal direction. Maintain a slow steady pace.

Most stud finders have LED lights or audio indicators that will signal you are near a stud. Some units also provide more precise information, including whether you are near the edge or the middle of a stud.

Studs are typically detected every 450mm or so in most walls, running vertically from the ceiling to the floor. Certain factors like textured walls, wallpaper, or layers of paint may interfere with the stud finder's accuracy. Double-check readings if you encounter inconsistent signals.

    

Step 5

Mark the studs.

Once the stud finder detects a stud, mark the centre point using a pencil.

To ensure accuracy, scan the marked area again to confirm the stud's location.

Continue scanning in adjacent areas if you need to locate multiple studs.

You have now successfully located studs in your wall and can proceed to hang or mount items safely.

      

Materials

• Batteries.

Tools

• Stud finder, like Ryobi Stud Finder with AC Detection RYSF5003
• Pencil.

Images

                      

[MrSober]

Curious what people have found to be the best stud finder they have come across?

[EricL]

Hi @MrSober 

Yesterday's stud finders were single function devices that did not offer a lot of accuracy or were not able to identify electrical and plumbing services behind the wall. These days some of the best wall scanners can detect steel, electrical cable and timber behind plasterboard or concrete substrates. A good example is the Bosch Universal Detect Wall Scanner. 

I've had several stud finders in the past and they performed adequately, but I think it's important to keep in mind that a good multi-function stud finder will help you avoid costly errors when anchoring into your wall. 

Eric

[MrSober]

Thanks @EricL 

Would you say it may seem like the bad reviews on that bosch unit would be misuse? Or just expecting too much?  It appears the Ryobi model has much better reviews. I have one at the moment that works okay but is lacking in features I find as it does take a bit to find the middle of a stud etc.

[EricL]

Hi @MrSober 

Failure to calibrate your stud finder will often give poor results. Which Ryobi model have you got? I have the Ryobi Stud Finder with AC Detection RYSF5003. I do sometimes wish that it had a different LED colour when detecting steel. It only registers the same green light when detecting it.

Eric