What Is a Stud Finder?

by Contributing Writer

Overview

Trying to hang a heavy object, a plasma television for instance, or a large mirror or piece of art, on drywall can be difficult. Screws will go right through drywall and will not hold weight, so it is crucial to find wooden or metal upright beams, or studs, behind your drywall before trying to mount heavy objects on your wall. The difficult way to do this is by hammering in nails until you hit resistance. The easy way is to use a stud finder.
What is a Stud Finder

A stud finder is a small handheld device, usually battery powered, that identifies upright beams, or studs, behind walls.

Function

You use a stud finder by sliding it against the drywall and watching for it to signal the presence of a stud.
Identifying Studs

Some stud finders have a green or yellow LED light that flashes quickly when a stud is located; others beep when you slide them over a stud.
Electronic Stud Finders

Electronic stud finders use density measurements to locate studs: a stud yields a higher density measurement than hollow areas.
Magnetic Stud Finders

Magnetic stud finders identify metal studs behind drywall but also identify areas where multiple metal screws or nails have been used, which indicates the presence of a wooden stud.