As a homeowner and lifelong handyman, I have taken on countless projects in homes, offices, and other spaces.
If you are considering starting a project of your own, you have come to the right place.
Is a Stud Finder Worth It?
In this article, I will discuss one of the most useful tools used in home improvement projects: the stud finder.
In particular, I will be sharing 10 common home improvement projects that a stud finder can help you with.
To build this list, I looked at some of the most common projects that I have completed over the course of my career.
While I have done everything from plumbing to electrical work, jobs that require a stud finder were among the most common.
In addition, I browsed the internet to find some of the most common projects that people search for. I combined my own experience with these internet search trends to compile this list.
Before diving into the 10 projects, though, we should go over some important background information first.
What is a Stud Finder, and Why Should I Use One?
A stud is a long piece of wood or metal (wood is more common for residential buildings) that runs vertically from the floor to the ceiling of a structure to support its walls.
After drywall or plaster has been placed over these studs, it can be hard to identify where they have been placed.
Virtually every building has studs and many projects that involve walls require you to pay close attention to their location.
By finding a stud, you can make the best decision about where to safely hang heavy items, install new electrical fixtures, and more.
There are several different types of stud finders. The 3 most common varieties are magnetic, electronic, and radar. Here is more information on each of these popular types:
Magnetic
This tool uses a strong magnet to locate screws and nails that are behind the wall in the studs. These are the both oldest and cheapest stud finder option on this list.
Electronic
Electronic stud finders are a popular choice due to their ease of use. Simply put a battery in the tool, hold it up to the wall, and watch as it beeps or lights up over a stud.
Some types actually have a small display to show the edges of the stud.
Radar
Stud finders with radar technology are by far the most expensive on this list. These can be used to identify all sorts of things, not just studs.
Equipped with a screen that broadly shows what is behind your walls, you can use radar finders to pinpoint exactly where the studs are.
Where Can I Buy a Stud Finder?
You can purchase a stud finder at a local home improvement store or online. Many large grocery stores also stock them in their home improvement sections.
Home Projects a Stud Finder Can Help With
Now that we have gone over the basics of stud finders, we can dive into to the 10 most common home improvement projects that a stud finder can help with.
1. Hanging a TV Bracket
Buying a television can be a costly investment. If you want to mount your TV, it is crucial to proceed safely in order to protect that investment.
A mistake in mounting your screen can ruin your TV and wall. Fortunately, a stud finder can help prevent such a mistake from happening.
When hanging a TV bracket, be sure to read the manufacturer’s manual first. When you are ready to proceed, use a stud finder so that you can place the bracket safely.
Here is why the stud finder is important: If you ignore the studs and screw the mount into hollow drywall or plaster, the weight of the TV and bracket could cause the whole assembly to fall.
Attaching the TV bracket to studs, however, makes your television much safer.
2. Mounting Shelves
One of the most common home improvement projects is installing new shelves.
Whether you are looking to increase storage space in your closet, display decorative items, or organize a few books, an extra shelf can be a great addition to your space.
There are many different kinds of shelving units. Some have simple brackets while others have more complicated hardware to provide a “floating” look.
In either case, prepare your shelves to stand the test of time by using a stud finder before you start drilling away.
Even small shifts in your shelves over time can cause damage. Using studs to support your shelf ensures that your clothes, books, decor, and other items stay put.
3. Putting up Heavy Pictures
While many people hang picture frames with a simple nail and a hammer, some pictures require a more careful approach.
If you are working with a particularly heavy or large item, a nail will not be enough.
First, evaluate what kind of hardware you want to hang your frame with. There are many options ranging from D-rings, sawtooth brackets, and cables, so be sure to do your research.
After this step, use a magnetic, electronic, or radar stud finder to locate sturdy beams behind the wall you want to hang the frame on.
Then, drill a screw into the stud and use your hardware to hang the picture safely.
4. Installing New Light switches, Receptacles, or Ethernet Jacks
More advanced do-it-yourselfers may be interested in this list item.
If you find that your space lacks a convenient switch or plug, finding a stud to install a new one will be absolutely necessary.
This step is essential because the boxes that house electrical fixtures are attached to studs for security.
Only after you have located a stud can you proceed with this project. After this step, you can cut a hole where the plug is being installed and go from there.
Keep in mind that with projects that require you to mount heavy, load-bearing parts, it is better to locate the center of a stud.
For this project, though, you will need to find the edge because most electrical boxes will mount to either side of a stud.
5. Securing a Mirror
Mirrors are not just for bathrooms: many people use mirrors as decoration pieces in living spaces as well.
In any case, mirrors present a unique issue: When not mounted in a frame, mirrors most often need to fit snugly against the wall on all sides.
To accomplish this, you will need special brackets that you can pick up at a home improvement store or online.
It is always a good idea to mount mirror brackets in studs, especially if the mirror is heavy.
Aside from the special hardware, the process is similar to hanging a large picture: locate the studs using a stud finder, drill the holes, and safely hang the mirror.
6. Shiplap
If you have not seen the recent trend of using shiplap in residential and office buildings, you have missed out.
This trend uses overlapping wooden boards attached to a wall horizontally to create a rustic look. You can do this project with new or reclaimed salvage wood.
A stud finder makes mounting the boards a breeze. Because studs run from the ceiling to the floor, you only need to find a few studs on the wall you intend to place shiplap on.
When you mount the first row of boards, you will want to use a stud finder to screw the boards down.
When you get to the second row, however, you can simply place screws directly above where you put the first ones in the plank below.
Be sure to use the stud finder every few layers to make sure that you are staying on target.
7. Hanging Cabinets
If you are planning to paint your existing cabinets or add new ones, this project is for you.
Because cabinets are heavy on their own and will likely be used to hold more heavy kitchen wares like stacks of plates, cups, and bowls, using a stud finder can give you peace of mind.
Because there are many different ways to mount cabinets (As well as many different kinds of cabinets), be sure to do your research and make a plan before you start drilling holes.
For a project like this, I would recommend using an electronic or radar stud finder to make your drilling as accurate as possible.
8. Mounting Pegboard
While project #7 was geared towards the kitchen, this entry is geared towards people who want to improve their garage, basement, or workshop with pegboard.
Most pegboard installation projects require you to attach a frame to the wall before placing the board on the wall.
This frame simply puts space between the pegboard and the wall so that the peg attachments have room to grab the board on the other side.
To complete this frame, most people use wooden 1-by-2s. These planks should form a box around where you intend to hang the pegboard.
When working on this project, use a stud finder to safely screw your frame through the wall and into studs.
After all, the pegboard that will be used to hold your heavy tools and other equipment will be attached directly to this frame.
9. Musical Instrument Hangers
Stud finders play an important role in giving musicians a place to store and display their instruments.
Not only do instrument hangers allow people to save space, but items like guitars, violins, and banjos make excellent decorations.
Mountable instrument hangers are designed with adjustable prongs and should always be mounted with studs.
The first step is to use a stud finder to locate places where you could hang your instrument.
Be sure to identify the center of the stud to give your screws the best hold when you are ready to drill. You should not be afraid to use a pencil to mark out the studs, either.
When you are ready, center the mount over the stud, be sure it is level, and attach it to the wall with screws.
10. Sconce Lighting
Sconce lighting can provide valuable accent lighting and serve as decoration as well.
While you may be able to hanger lighter sconce fixtures with wall anchors, heavier ones will likely require a stud for safety.
This is where the stud finder comes in: use your finder of choice to find a stud and mount the sconce bracket.
To make the required electrical connections, you may find it necessary or convenient to add an additional light switch.
Be sure to check out project #4 for advice on how to use a stud finder to help with that project.
Final Thoughts
In review, stud finders are an essential tool to complete a broad number of home improvement projects.
By identifying studs efficiently and accurately, you can protect your walls and valuable items from damage.
As always, make sure to be safe while working: read instructions manuals, use safety equipment such as safety glasses, and always contact a professional if needed.