How to Find Studs in Wall for TV Mount - Online Home Theater Resource

Wondering how to find studs in wall for TV mount?. Maybe you just moved to your newly bought apartment, or rented a new apartment and are wondering where the studs are for you to mount your TV.

Drilling holes on the wall anywhere in order to mount your flat screen TV is not easy. But with the location of the studs, it is easy to mount them on the wall without spoiling your wall concrete.

If it is a plastic wall, it may be easier. But there aren’t many such houses around.

What is a Wall Stud?

If you arent familiar with the building, the term stud may not be something you are familiar with. A stud is a vertical timber that is joined with others to form the house frame.

Studs form walls and may carry a vertical structural load or be non-load bearing, such as in partition walls, which only separate spaces.

Ways to Find Studs in a Wall for TV Mount

There are several ways of finding studs though they differ on accuracy. Let’s have a look at the several techniques you can use to find studs in your home if you are stuck here. Some might seem old-fashioned but they get the work done.

Find Studs Using a Studs Finder

Using a stud finder to find the studs on your wall is one of the reliable ways to easily find wall studs. It can consistently help you to accurately identify the position of the studs. There are two types of stud finders in the market and both work accurately.

Magnetic Stud Finders

This tool uses magnetic strength to detect metals. It is assumed that either nails or screws used to fix the drywall to the studs are metallic and because magnetic is easily attracted to metals, this technique is used. This magnetic stud finder comes recommended.

Compared to the electronic stud finder, the electronic stud finder is more effective though may cost you a few more bucks, but it’s worth it.

The efficiency of the magnetic stud finder is reduced by the fact that it detects metal pipes and copper wiring. For this reason, it is advisable to use another technique along with the magnetic stud finder for confirmation.

Electronic Stud Finder

This gadget’s technology detects changes in the wall width. It will help you discover any stud whose drywall width does not exceed 1.5”. An electronic stud finder is faster and accurate in case you have drywall. Check out this electronic stud finder on Amazon.

Using this device is quite easy and direct. You calibrate it by positioning it on drywall and then activating it. The device indicates it’s calibrated or whether you should try again.

How to Find Studs in Wall for TV Mount Without Stud Finder

Using Natural Technique

This technique will only work if you are already conversant with construction standards such as civil engineers or if you were present during the construction of the house. Either of these people can easily locate the studs naturally compared to someone who didn’t witness the construction.

Using Sound

Using the sound trick simply means you tap on the wall slowly and distinctly. With with method places with a stud will produce a hollow sound and you will hear a solid sound when you tap on a stud.

Well, we all played with the wall when we were kids and I am pretty sure you aware of what I am talking about.

To make this method more effective, you always start from one point and preferably, start at 16 inches from the corner. This gap is the default distance that separates studs and this makes it the ideal approximation point.

Observation

Observation is another method for those who do not wish to invest in a stud finder. Using these tricks will also help.

The Trim

With this trick, you simply observe the trim running along the bottom or top of the walls. You are precisely looking for any fasteners which may have been used to secure it to the studs.

With this method, you want to see the nails or nail holes that may have been filled with caulk and coated. If there are coated, you need to look out for the imperfections on the trim to identify the location of the stud.

Using the switch

Most often than not, you would find that one side of an electrical box is mounted on a stud. With this in mind, you simply open the electrical box and enjoy the tapping technique inside the box. This method is easy to locate the stud than tapping on the walls.

Please make sure the power is switched off if you are going to open any electrical outlets!. If you have identified which side is mounted on a stud, now with a tape measure about 3/4 inches away from the switch opening and use that as the starting point to determine the other studs, usually located at 16-inch intervals.

Using a Lantern

Using this method is only for those who have strong eyes and can judge well. This because this method is a trick. The way is done is that you shine the lantern on one edge of the wall so that it lit.

Look for any depressions or bumps where nails or screws are fixed firmly into the plasterboard. If you are able to find any, it’s where the plasterboard and the stud are attached.

Alternatively, you can use a powerful torch instead of a lantern. You have to keep in mind that this method is one of the less reliable and effective ones. If you are not sure, about this technique, please try another method to be sure before you make a mistake.

Other Tips to Keep in Mind When Finding A Stud for TV Mount

If you are using stud finders, ensure they are appropriately calibrated. Also, be patient and make sure your movements are slow to get accurate identification.
Always check that there are no fire blocks before drilling holes to hold your TV mount.

To avoid mistakes that lead to multiple holes on your wall, always double-check. The stud finders are at times easily fooled.
You can always confirm the presence of a stud by driving a small nail into the wall at the identified point.
Sometimes, you may find your studs not matching the holes on your bracket. In such a situation, it’s best to make your holes on the TV bracket to match the studs you are using.

If you decide to use the electric box to find a stud, NEVER forget to turn off the power.

Final Thoughts on How to Find Studs in Wall for TV Mount

Finding studs in walls for TV mount has become easier with stud finders in the market. Therefore you can fail to find the right position of the studs on your wall to mount your TV anymore.

If you dont want to invest in any stud finder, then you can try any of the above natural techniques to find the studs. Hopefully, you found this article helpful.

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Josephine

Josephine is a home theater and tech enthusiast who is curious about electronics and how they are interconnected to produce beautiful sound and images. Beside coding, I also write about technology.