How to Find a Stud in a Plaster Wall (Without a Stud Finder)

Learn a simple trick to find a stud in plaster walls. This trick will also work on drywall. No stud finder needed!
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Videos produced by Fix It Flip are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this video is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Please use all safety precautions while following any instructions or concepts provided by this video. Viewers must be aware that by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Fix It Flip cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local codes and regulations before undertaking any sort of project. Always have safety in mind and have fun!

[@kevinbills1]

Genius! Where were you in 2003 when I drilled 18 million tiny holes in my plaster wall to find where to mount shelves.

[@fixitFlip]

Ha ha, thanks. Better late then never!

[@aprilrain9051]

😂

[@ritaszoke6742]

Thank you for being direct and concise- this is what I have been looking for for years- even the guys at Lowe's couldn't help me!!

[@fixitFlip]

No problem. Glad I could help. I like to watch videos that are direct and to the point so I try to make them that way, too!

[@davidk3119]

I purchased a magnetic stud finder to find the studs in my plaster walls. I was having trouble using it. I took your advice and hung the magnetic stud finder from a string and it worked perfectly. Thanks!

[@AshtonKish]

I have incredibly strong magnets from an old hard drive that I disassembled. They've just been sitting in my tool box for a couple of years with no real use (especially because their shape is kind of funky) but you've finally given me a reason to use them! We just bought a house from 1935 with plaster walls. Thanks for the tip!! (and the saved money.)

[@fixitFlip]

No problem, that's a great use for them! Good luck with it!

[@MuMu-fu7qe]

This is sorcery. You might as well be using divining rods to find these studs. 😄 So good!!

[@IppiopaidFEEDBACK]

I was thinking of doing this, you just made me realize it’ll be a good idea. Thanks.

[@fixitFlip]

No problem. It works well.

[@mimamicic3205]

Thank you so much! I was using a cheapie stud finder and was getting all sorts of funky results. Took your advice (and randomly had these magnets at home) and it worked! Thanks for the direct and super helpful advice.

[@fixitFlip]

No problem. Glad I could help!

[@ronmcdonald466]

That did the trick. I thought I was losing my mind! Simple but effective for my 80 yo house. Thx!!

[@fixitFlip]

Awesome, I'm glad it worked for you!

[@mohdikram322]

Man you saved me from buying so expensive electronic stuff for just to find a small stud in my wall and that stud will be used only once....thumbs up

[@fixitFlip]

Awesome, glad I could help.

[@Logic-km7ui]

Amazingly helpful. I wish I'd known about the plaster issue before I spent nearly $20 on a useless stud finder. Ordering the magnet now.

[@fixitFlip]

Glad I could help. It should work for you!

[@lander3673]

Get this man a beer!

[@fixitFlip]

Yes, please!

[@andrzejbrzoznowski1350]

This was huge for me. I own an old 3 unit building with plaster and lath walls. I used to dread trying to fix things when I knew I’d have find a stud. But now I’m Putting in new cabinets in one unit and I found the studs quick and easy. Thank you!

[@fixitFlip]

No problem and that's awesome! I'm glad I was able to help!

[@youormetube]

Ål løp

[@Da_boss_Not_found]

I mounted my daughters TV thanks to your video, harbor freight sells neodymium magnets pretty cheap, and they worked great.

[@fixitFlip]

Glad I could help. Good to know about Harbor Freight. I did not know they sold them there! One of my favorite stores! (Although prices aren't what they once were there.)

[@troyd.521]

Great tip! I’ve used magnets before with no luck but I think that’s because the “stick” when it was over the mail wasn’t very strong and I couldn’t tell. Attaching the magnet to a string for a visual aid is genius and I was able to see the magnet stop over the nails. Thanks for the info!!

[@fixitFlip]

Awesome, I love hearing that. It usually works and I'm glad it did for you! Glad I could help.

[@SavvySteak]

You saved me money. Was about to get one of the $20 stud finders. Then i was a cheap little $5 stud finder that just had small strong magnets in it. Thanks bro.

[@fixitFlip]

That's all you need! I was hanging a medicine cabinet in my bathroom today and all I used is my same little key chain magnet! Don't need those fancy stud finders!

[@ashleybrooks985]

Great tip, there are other videos about using magnets but none of them feature using the string - made the difference for me!

[@fixitFlip]

Yes, the string definitely helps. It allows you too see the pull when it is too light to tell by hand. Glad I could help!

[@ddade11]

This worked like a champ, thank you. Also, you deserve more thumbs up but this video shows up on the Google search results without bringing someone to KZbin. I watched all of your ads as well. :)

[@fixitFlip]

Ha ha, thank you for the support. I appreciate it!

[@MrChrismeenan]

Thanks ! Worked a treat for me with a fridge magnet on string :)

[@fixitFlip]

No problem, glad to hear it!

[@BlueMoiraine]

Thank you! I bought a pre-1880 farm house, and the original part is ALL PLASTER! I hadn't installed any shelving yet, or made closets (people in 1800s didn't own enough clothing to need closets!) . This will save me time and frustration!

[@fixitFlip]

Ha ha, very true. I home that old is sure to have plenty of character though!

[@joshuarosen6242]

Thank you very much. As a result of your helpful, concise and informative video I was able to hang the mirror that my wife bought my daughter for Christmas exactly where she wanted it. Thanks to you, DIY Daddy came to the rescue again and my wife and daughter are pleased. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@fixitFlip]

Excellent! That's what I love to hear! Thank you for the kind words and Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@adrianclarke7916]

This is genius. Wish I knew this earlier instead of wasting my time with the stud-finders. Since my walls have that knockdown texture it was difficult to locate the studs accurately.

[@fixitFlip]

Thank you, sir. Glad I could help!

[@livscoolerthanu6611]

My house was made in 1838 and we are trying to redo some of it and this is so helpful Thankyou 1 million

[@fixitFlip]

No problem, glad I could help!

[@loveanimals969]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@fixitFlip]

No problem, glad I could help!

[@coldsnap9788]

Wow. Thank you for the video getting right to the point no BS. Love it dude!!

[@fixitFlip]

No problem. That's how I like to do it!

[@jenniferbaurn8240]

Great video. Straight to the point.

[@fixitFlip]

Thank you!

[@leswhinn]

Brilliant! Job Done! Was using a stud finder but didn't really work too good..very hit and miss :( I have a Very Strong button magnet that is Really hard to get off a flat metal surface unless you slide it off..Bit dental floss and BINGO! all nail points found..Now i can get on putting up a 40 +" LCD tilting wall mount for my New Telly..Thank you Buddy Great Video ;)

[@fixitFlip]

Boom! That's what I love to hear. Glad it worked it for you. It's a little trick I have always found way easier (and cheaper) than a stud finder. Thank you.

[@nunyabusiness863]

So helpful. Thanks so much for posting this.

[@fixitFlip]

No problem, glad I could help.

[@JohnnyBRad]

Just bought a house built in 1897 and it's entirely plaster. Been attempting to use my stud finder and it's all over the place. This is an awesome simple solution. Thank you so much! Off to buy a super magnet

[@ComeOnYouBoyzInBlue]

Dude this walls are probably not made using studs, they're probably old fashioned laths & plaster walls. Look up photos to get a better idea. I put money on that

[@JohnnyBRad]

@@ComeOnYouBoyzInBlue it's a weird combo of both. Blew out a wall to extend a closet and it had studs, but it had laths as well. All sorts of weird stuff keeps coming up

[@ComeOnYouBoyzInBlue]

@@JohnnyBRad damn haha, I suppose studs would still be there. I made a mistake saying that but if its laths wall then it won't have the screws for the magnets to stick to cause it just plater on laths no screws I'm guessing

[@fixitFlip]

Thank you, sir! Good luck!

[@fixitFlip]

@@ComeOnYouBoyzInBlue It should still have nails in there holding the lath to the studs. But yeah, you never know what you're going to find in there. I found old window weights that somebody just threw behind the plaster that were probably like 70 years old!

[@ComeOnYouBoyzInBlue]

Brilliant! I'm gonna give this a go when I hang the shelves I made for my first client tomorrow!

[@fixitFlip]

BOOM. Hope it works out for you!

[@ComeOnYouBoyzInBlue]

@@fixitFlip its working on my bedroom walls so all is good so far!

[@fixitFlip]

@@ComeOnYouBoyzInBlue Awesome, glad it's working for you!

[@noeliagomeztoro2584]

Amazing, it worked! Thank you very much for the tip 😊

[@fixitFlip]

No problem, glad it worked for you! It normally does!

[@mattsponholz3430]

HOLY CRAPS! THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@fixitFlip]

Ha ha, no problem!

[@philressler4109]

Lifesaver! Hate these walls!

[@fixitFlip]

I would prefer drywall too!!

[@davidmiller7394]

Saved our butts! Thank you!

[@fixitFlip]

I'm glad ha ha. And no problem!

[@SNEAKYBOYshow]

big help thanks!

[@fixitFlip]

No problem!

[@rickcoyote2361]

Thank you my friend! This worked GREAT!!

[@fixitFlip]

No problem. Glad it worked for you!

[@ahleendavis5832]

So good to know! Thank you that's genius. 😊😉

[@fixitFlip]

You're welcome!

[@umbertoecho1]

Thanks very much! Great video!

[@fixitFlip]

Thank you! Glad it helped!

[@need100k]

Long before watching this video, I've been using a magnet to find the screws on the studs. Doesn't need to hang and doesn't need to be super strong. For finding steel studs I do use a much stronger magnet and it works great.

[@jpboileau5473]

Very clever! Thanks!

[@fixitFlip]

No problem!

[@elisabethfesler8878]

Yay! That is so helpful! Thanks!

[@fixitFlip]

No problem, glad I could help!

[@slodown3670]

Thanks! Great idea!

[@fixitFlip]

Thank you!

[@tebasak1]

Thank you, sir.

[@fixitFlip]

No problem.

[@KeyFobRob]

Just what I needed!

[@fixitFlip]

Great!

[@Tarkus7]

Perfect! Thank you so much!

[@fixitFlip]

No problem!

[@Melanie292ity]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@fixitFlip]

No problem!

[@IanG331]

Thanks dude👍👍

[@fixitFlip]

Yeah yeah. Right on 👍🏻👌🏻

[@SneakerD84]

A million thanks!!!!!

[@fixitFlip]

No problem!

[@boxxcarcadavers]

Thanks for the video. While I was searching for how to do this I came across a tool called a studpop. It's the same principle but it has a little pin that sticks up when you're on a nail. Unfortunately it didn't work too well on my plaster walls because there must be some metal mesh in there.

[@fixitFlip]

I have seen those but never tried one. Yeah that metal mesh can make it tricky. This looks like a handy little magnet as well. amzn.to/2F4mbkB

[@hopemac]

Amazing!

[@fixitFlip]

Thanks!

[@MaryJane-zw5pv]

I just tried the magnet thing after much struggle hanging things up correctly...... IT WORKED.... i would "like" this video 100 more times if i could. I fucking love you, good sir!! Lol

[@fixitFlip]

Ha ha, right on! Glad to hear it worked for ya.

[@SteveGraves1960]

Any suggestions for ceiling joists in the same situation? Thinking pilot holes might be my only option….

[@fixitFlip]

Magnets will still work on ceilings, just not as easy because you can't use the string method. Can still find the nails though with a gentle touch. If you know which way they run, start at one wall and measure over 16 inches to give you a good starting point.

[@RC-dt5vt]

Awesome ! Thank you

[@fixitFlip]

Yes sir!

[@MrJohndory111]

nice tip, thanks!

[@fixitFlip]

No problem!

[@RMEarhart]

Great tip

[@fixitFlip]

Thanks!

[@4pitts1burgh28]

Freaking brilliant!

[@fixitFlip]

Ha ha thanks!

[@BobRooney290]

wish it would work for me. i live in a shitshack apt in nyc, and of course my building is 100 years old. the walls are plaster, but the lath backing is metal mesh. it does hold better than wooden laths though.

[@fixitFlip]

Ahh, yeah that makes things a bit more tricky for sure.

[@EliteHunting1911]

Beautiful bro.

[@fixitFlip]

👍🏻👍🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@guitquick]

I bought the Neodymium but it didn't work so then I went and got a hundred pound magnet and it still didn't work so now I'm just drilling holes all over the wall. I must have some deep plaster

[@fixitFlip]

Hmmm...since that's not working u can always go off of a electrical box or light switch. Take the cover plate off of an outlet or a light switch and see which side is attached to a stud. Then just measure and mark every 16 inches in the direction you need to go to get to where you want to put your screw. Hope that helps a little bit.

[@spencerj4677]

Thank you!

[@fixitFlip]

No problem!

[@Jessica-pq6rj]

is there any chance of a wire or a pipe being detected in the stud instead of a nail?

[@fixitFlip]

The magnet would not detect a copper or aluminum wire. (not magnetic) But it would detect a cast iron pipe. It would not detect copper or pvc pipes. For detailed imaging like that you would need an expensive Stud Finder.

[@chickwitthagoodies]

Can you please explain how to cover a hole in the wall

[@fixitFlip]

How big of a hole?

[@oomingmakroo]

What do you do when the magnet is attracted to every part of the wall because the plaster is magnetic?!?! When I drill, my plaster dust is full of iron filings. I cannot locate studs with any passive electronic or magnetic device! I thought that I had found a stud with the magnets, but the nails went horizontal. I drilled experimentally and hit electrical conduit. I'm trying to hang a TV. I'd prefer that the studs hold the weight rather than the 120 year old lath. My only solution is to drill a ton of holes until I happen upon a stud. Sigh. Anyone have better ideas?

[@calebdrake3544]

would the magnet trick work with paneling over plaster and lath walls?

[@fixitFlip]

I have never tried it but I think it would. You might have to move a little bit slower and really feel for a little pull on the magnet.

[@heyou429]

So what happens if the stud seems to disappear between those two points? Because I'm getting nothing but drywall.

[@fixitFlip]

Hmmm....I've never ran into that one before. There must be some weird framing going on back there.

[@ajpacella]

The problem with your demonstration is when you pass your magnet over the wall between the two marks you made your magnet had no reaction. If there were lath in that wall there would be nails approximately every inch, vertically. That is most likely drywall and the spacing of your two marks are consistent with the spacing of drywall screws. ,

[@fixitFlip]

Lol. It's definitely plaster. Not drywall. Thanks for watching.

[@ajpacella]

@@fixitFlip well very possibly but definitely not over lath. Plaster skim coats can be applied over plasterboard which is hung similarly to drywall

[@thedave5748]

How do find a place to put a screw in the stud when theres so many nails up and down holding all the slats?

[@fixitFlip]

There's normally plenty of room in between them to get a screw in.

[@thedave5748]

@@fixitFlip Thx - Ill give it a go

[@fixitFlip]

@@thedave5748 Good luck with it. I don't think you'll have any issues.

[@martingo2680]

My plaster has metal mesh on the back to hold on to.. the magnet gets stuck everywhere

[@fixitFlip]

Geez. I’ve had a couple people tell me that. Pretty rare situation but that def makes it more of a challenge. I should have said this works 99% of the time I guess. Your best bet would be to measure off of an outlet or light switch, somewhere you KNOW there’s a stud.

[@speekosloff]

@@fixitFlip Not as rare as one might think.

[@Legenddjt]

How to do ceiling ?

[@fixitFlip]

You can do it the same way. If you can't find anything magnetic, you can always go up in the attic. Put a nail through the ceiling right next to a joist. Then go back down and you know where a joist is. Measure from there accordingly.

[@kokomorquis]

They're called neodymium magnets!

[@fixitFlip]

That's correct! I have a link to some in the description!

[@Pete391]

If you dont have a magnet you can take a hammer and lightly tap on the wall and tell when you are on a stud...

[@fixitFlip]

Yeah that works too!

[@spacecaptain9188]

My building was built in the 1800's. The magnet thing isn't working. I found only two studs on two walls with it. Also, those spots where I'm pretty sure there is a stud aren't consistent. They range from 14.5 inches apart to 16.5 inches apart. Maybe the builders were drunk?

[@fixitFlip]

Could have been some booze involved I guess. Another tip is just go from a corner and measure over every 16 inches (or 14.5 to 16.5 in your case) and mark where they would be. You can also go off the side of a light switch or outlet since they are mounted to studs.

[@Tephnos]

@@fixitFlip Nah, houses from these times didn't have standards. My studs are all over the place too and aren't consistent. They just eyeballed it back in the day. The magnets also don't work for me either, seems like the nails for the laths are non-magnetic somehow. Most reliable method is to estimate where they are with rapping and then punch the wall with a small driver. A pain but it is what it is.

[@Gravity461]

Tried the outlet trick but whoever added electricity into my house (from 1841) was an idiot because they are not mounted to studs. Gonna try this method now.

[@Gravity461]

It worked! Thanks so much!

[@fixitFlip]

Awesome glad to hear it! It normally does!

[@zzubuzz]

Another way to find studs is to turn your house into a bar and have a "girls drink free" night.

[@fixitFlip]

😂😂 too true!

[@bobabooey8367]

what about a concrete and mesh wall??

[@fixitFlip]

Never had to deal with that one! If there is no way of picking up a stud you can always take a light switch cover off and see what side the stud is on. It should be mounted to a stud. Then measure 16 inches to get the next closest stud and take an educated guess!

[@Carl-LaFong1618]

I was wondering if the metal lath is magnetic.

[@benjaminakef1745]

who also needs to know so they can wall mount their tv?

[@fixitFlip]

Ha ha, this will definitely help you accomplish that.

[@willdwyer6782]

Why not use a compass?

[@fixitFlip]

Never tried that!

[@figueredoruley8050]

I think you can do it yourself, just watch and learn from Woodglut.