Hit Studs! AVOID Pipes and Wires! Cabinet Installation Secrets!

[@j.frankparnell3087]

Good tips for drywall. With plaster walls things become a little trickier. Stud placement in old houses is not always uniform and stud finders are not as reliable through the thicker, denser plaster. When installing cabinets I drilled small holes into the plaster and probed with a wire to make sure I was hitting a stud. Took a while but better than having a cabinet fall off the wall.

[@kds471]

All it takes is one pierced waterline to forever make you paranoid when screwing things to walls.

[@tassie7325]

I have to admit that I was very confused by this because you were talking about the pipes being attached to the centre of the studs. I was confused because if you have correctly located the stud, why does it matter how deep you screw into it, you cant hit the pipe because it is on the outside of the stud. Then later, when you mentioned not attaching to studs either side of the water outlets in order to avoid any horizontal piping, that's when it occurred to me that the depth of screws is a major problem when piping has been routed through the studs, not when it is running vertically along the studs.

[@rodn5616]

Great tips! I was helping a plumber friend for a while when I was between jobs. The homeowner had water coming out from behind a wall. It turned out someone in the past had put a screw into the copper pipe and didn't realize it. It took a couple of years before the screw rusted and boom, water leak. My point is you can screw up (pun intended) and not know it till later.

[@lvillefamilyl251]

You know those curvy wire hooks that you can hang pictures on? They make pretty good pipe and stud searchers, because you can press them into the wall with out a hammer and turn them left and right once there in to see what’s on the side. Love your channel.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Smart idea!

[@lucst-amour3268]

Funny Carpenter, I have installed cabinetry since 1985 and your spot on with the tips on this video. Keep up the good work. One on my few issues I’ve run in is a new home framed 24” on Center at a vanity the drain pipe going to the second floor was 16” from the first stud and because the drain pipes were tested with using water filled pipes it immediately sprung a leak. The next house which was identical to the previous one, I remembered and never forgot that experience.

[@lifewithjo5]

“A couple years before I got to do anything fun again” 😂 haha so good! Great video!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks Joe!

[@robertmartin7643]

Experience is something you get after, you really needed it!!! Thanks so much for these awesome videos!! Such a pleasure to watch and learn.

[@bendocoolmister6023]

Thanks for explaining this. I am an apprentice and I never had anyone explain it that well to me. Always worried about going through the chaos of hitting a pipe or wire. Never did that so far, but hope I never do. I'll keep in mind your advice though. Thanks again!

[@javiercastro6738]

How are you doing 2 years later?

[@u2rodeogirl]

Super helpful!!!! We are installing an upstairs vanity with 1/8' plywood shiplap, drywall AND sheer-wall -plywood behind it and were nervous about the plumbing. Thanks for the tips!!!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Best wishes with the install!

[@tesfaale7756]

Came across this video as I am planning to install cabinet and never thought of pipes behind the wall. Thank you so much for the tips, I would have made a huge mess without watching your video.

[@conradcoolerfiend]

Another tip: when making exploratory hole to find stud centres, use a dull beat up drill bit. Less chance of drilling through something. You want it to have a hard time going through anything other than drywall.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

coolerfiend good tip!

[@ThisTall]

Like a masonry bit.

[@HFRajuncajun]

Yup this exactly. I pre-drill all my screw holes when installing cabs with a 3/16 bit. When they get dull they are switched to stud finder duty.

[@pettere8429]

Why not just poke a nice 4inch nail in by hand? Or an awl?

[@conradcoolerfiend]

@@pettere8429 even better is just to use a Phillips bit as your drill bit for drywall. No chance of hurting anything with that

[@amandab2276]

Great video! My stud finder picked up a wire going horizontally right along the height I need to screw in an ikea rail hung counter/cabinet. This video puts my mind at ease. The screws are the right size that they won’t hit the center like you said. All good!

[@epickillers1030]

It was a little flimsier than I expected. I had to add a 2x2 piece of wood to the bottom on the rear side in order to stabilize it better kzbin.infoUgkxXTh-lz-8W6GcB219vTLp27-MxbZYObBX . It is also starting to bow a little at the outer wall ( I've had it up for about 6 months), I've already had a shelf tumble down because of the bow and the fact that the little shelf brackets are quite short. I went out to home depot and got some longer ones so that the shelves don't tumble down again. Overall, it looks very nice for the price and it holds a lot ( I use it as a pantry). I am very satisfied with my purchase. I just strongly suggest reinforcing it before putting it up.

[@johnagorman]

that first tip is golden the other are jewels. thanks!

[@k87upkid]

Built new cabinets for my kitchen. Midnight before leaving for a vacation early the next morning, was trying to get the base cabinets installed so the counter guy could come the day after we got back. Grabbed me a box of 3-1/2 cabinet screws, ran one in there, and pssssssh! Needless to say, the vacation was postponed... Wish someone had shared these tips with me back then!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

😢😥mad scramble for the shut off!

[@shakehandswithdanger7882]

Good tips. I use a strong magnet to find the studs (stick to the drywall screws).

[@photocagg72]

Informative and helpful! The avoidance of water pipe tips are a invaluable from the stress of hitting one alone no less the monetary Repercussions of such a foolish mistake! Thank you for your h he

[@garthchorney5804]

Another video packed with valuable tips. Keep 'em coming Bos Man. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks uncle G!

[@nov0207]

Tip 2 is awesome! I'll be using it next time I'm on site.

[@Big_QT]

Loving the videos! Keep it up buddy! 😁

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Glad you like them!

[@dustyandsneezing]

If lay out is correctly and everything seems right, I use a 8d sinker nail and tap it until it hits a stud. If it doesn’t then we find another stud. If there’s no stud and sometimes there isn’t, be wary of anything you do after that. I’ve seen framers just take out a stud or split it in half and the stud won’t go all the way to the floor. Sometimes they do this near plumbing so that’s why you have to be vary wary if layout isn’t what it should be.

[@Jamesdddddd]

Thanks for the tips!

[@dogbiscuit1171]

OMG... I was wanting to hang a heavy mirror but now I think I'm too nervous to trust screwing in the J hooks. Ignorance is not bliss, thank you for the valuable tips!

[@YourHuntingBuddy]

Love the channel. Can you please make a video on different screws for hanging and joining cabinets. I remember the first time joined cabinets I snapped the heads because I was using g drywall screws.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Definitely will do in the future!

[@dustyandsneezing]

They make GRK cabinet screws that have a wide head on them and they come in 1 5/8”, 2”, and 2 1/2”

[@yussufmberwa3094]

l like this video very much, and thanks for the demonstration.

[@bigjoeblanton]

Great tips. Appreciate your videos. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks for watching 🍻

[@rogercarroll1663]

Thanks. I will fasten a vanity cabinet in soon.

[@jewelbos1195]

Great tips!

[@RS-hu4dm]

Wow! Three great tips!!! Got a laundry room base cabinet that I'm going to be installing. It's on the main floor of a Ranch model. I am guessing the water pipe does not extend up because there's no living space above. Great tip on using the two and a half inch screw. Did not know about the placement of the water pipe in the middle of the stud. So glad I found your channel! Thanks again!!! Great presentation also. Very clear and easy to follow!!

[@niravshah4302]

great video! Learning alot!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Glad to hear!

[@TrinitronX]

A great story and demonstration to “nail” the point home… 😏 Also another great reason to always use nail plates on new construction… even if the plumbing or electrical are past the depth where nail protection plates are required by code, it’s still a good idea to use them anyway to avoid a disaster later when someone uses 3” or longer fasteners.

[@RayCharound]

thanks! i installed a bathroom vanity a couple weeks ago through drywall with tile overlay. i used 3" screws based on suggestions from others. i must have used my studfinder 300x to confirm and reconfirm location. Everything seems ok so far, though this video had me worried I may have gone through and hit something. though with maybe 1/2" of wood on the cabinet itself + maybe 1/4" of tile, plus no floods or sparks, i think i'm ok!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Eric Notkin glad everything worked out for you!

[@loveandlight5986]

Thank you!!!❤

[@heatherk.906]

Loved the story from your "early years"! : ) I can just imagine the pandemonium you created! LOL! Thanks for helping us not repeat your mistakes. (I probably will, anyway, but ... here's hoping!) Thanks!

[@chiebert290]

again, very helpful. thanks

[@dawnhoward5194]

I feel so bad that I laughed so hard when you said pandemonium . I too have worked with my Dad on jobs . 🤭😐🤐🤣😂🤣😂

[@tahirmujcin5786]

i was thinking about all of the tvs and shelfs i put up thinking omg i could hit a wire or a pipe then i remebred most homes in our area are 2x6 framed you wouldnt believe the relief i had,

[@LiamBehan-mi8kr]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing your know-how great video. And saving us some money 💰 😀

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

cheers and thanks for checking out the video

[@sealteamryx6758]

I've only hit a wire 2 times framing finishing basements lol luckily it didn't really hurt anything just skinned the coatings but makes you feel super smart... almost as smart as shooting a 3 1/2 nail through your finger or a tico nail into your thigh hahaha good times... also, get a strong magnet. Search for drywall screws with it. Works most of the time finding studs

[@acash93]

This is a great tutorial. Thanks

[@mgjk]

When I was 14 my father let me put together a bathroom vanity... I didn't know you were supposed to screw them to the wall. Hasn't been a problem to this day!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

😂I suppose screwing the base cabinets to the wall isn’t always necessary but the upper cabinets yes:)

[@MyDIYAdventures]

I envy you if the electricians and plumbers you run into actually keep their stuff centered!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

.... maybe a bit of a pipe dream:)

[@danbarrett6113]

Super useful video, thank you.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks Dan.

[@pierreahuntsic]

VERY HELPFULL ! Thank’s !!

[@yeahumkay]

This is GREAT, however can you do a video on mounting a heavy medicine cabinet to the wall? Does it need to go into the studs? Do we put in strapping or something behind it? Are toggle bolts strong enough? Thanks!! :)

[@P_RO_]

Locate the heights where you're cabinet screws will go. Locate where you think the studs are along the height lines. Using a 16d nail, tap gently into the stud. Hit it? move to one side and do it again etc until you find the edge of the stud. Once you've got that, push the nail in with your fingers and feel around with it to be sure nothing is in the way. Do the other side of the stud the same way. The center between the edges is where you want to screw, and you're now absolutely sure there's nothing back there to ruin your day. Test that center point with your nail to be sure there's no drywall nails or screws in the way, adjust up or down to clear as needed. Don't make the mistake of just using a level to plumb from the found center for the other screws because the stud may be crooked or bowed. If by chance you find a double or triple stud, put your screw 3/4" to the inside of one edge so it doesn't land in a gap between those studs. Your cabinet covers all the little holes and anything up to the depth you've probed will be a safe screw length. The little extra time spent here guarantees a solid install with no problems every time.

[@mst5158]

I removed the vanity light of my bathroom to install a new light as I was drilling on the wall I hit something hard and me not knowing(first time d.i.y) kept going and I believe I drilled through a metal plate. After watching your video now I know why they have metal plates in between walls, my question is how would I know if I did some damage to pipes,wires etc. So far no sign of damage to pipes or wires. TIA

[@vladeckk21]

I don't do any projects at this level, but I do nail stuff into my walls and love having a little better idea of how the house works.

[@tamphuong4180]

Good video! I am terrified of drilling into things mounting stuff on the wall. One thing I have been doing is using a cut up wire hanger as the “drill bit” once it penetrates the drywall, I use the L portion of the other hanger piece and poke in to feel the wood before drilling with a sharp object like a drill bit or nail. By your calculation, the total thickness between the drywall surface to the plumbing/electrical would be 1-3/4”? So if I was to screw a flat object like TV mount, the screw should be 1-3/4 or less right?

[@jewelbos1195]

Great video 💙

[@gizmo9006]

do you have a good video to create blocking behind the studs so each screw can go into wood, instead of drywall? I have a small laundry room, installing upper cabinets the entire length of the wall and want to make sure I can secure each of my two cabinets (one 30" wide and one 36" wide). Your videos are very helpful instead of clickbait promise videos that do not help at all! keep it up!

[@Jamespleaseuk]

Thanks for this. Question: If the wall is steel stud, my stud finder seems to have a tough time differentiating between stud and metal pipe - so I’m always afraid that what might be a stud, is actually a pipe. Also, the open centre hollow profile of the steel stud makes it likely plumbing and electrical could be anywhere in the middle of that stud depth - any tips?

[@yt66228]

Great advice!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks for watching!

[@WowRixter]

Great advice! Our bathroom renovator was demoing the old walls etc, when suddenly we heard a ton of swearing, water coming out sidways, and him running out the bathroom asking where the water shut-off was. He did not do his homework

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Ouch, hope things didn't get too out of control!

[@lowellirish]

You can always buy a $30 endoscope, hook it up to your phone and do an interior scope of the wall...That's the BEST way.

[@albertogomez2847]

Thanks this is really helpful. I am planning to do my kitchen cabinets, but my apartment is old and has plaster walls. Should I used 2 1/2 screws? Also, the stud finder doesn't work in plaster wall do have any tip to find studs in plasters wall? Thank you very much for creating really helpful content.

[@Clearwaters100]

Wish someone had answered this one 😂

[@ThisTall]

@2:56 Amen brother!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

It's funny how much better it is than a regular stud finder!

[@mreverybody1150]

Great tips to avoid screwing thing sup.

[@PSModernKitchens]

Yep!

[@CJ-tx8nu]

Great tips. Of course, you'd hope metal plates were used where pipes and wires cross through studs, but you never know.

[@JosueSantiagoG]

Great stuff! Thanks!

[@jamessykes2760]

Amazing tips

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video ,thanks

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ksgrewal2]

I like your wonderful tips that helps avoiding damage to some water pipes or drilling in electrical wires. You said 2 & half inch long screws are good for hanging laundry cabinets into wooden studs in walls. What is the diameter & kind of threads screws should have?? Thanks

[@markmatuszewski3713]

In addition to the water shutoff if you're working in a building with a fire sprinkler system make sure you know where the control system is. It will be running off a totally different utility system than the drinking water.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Excellent Point

[@markmatuszewski3713]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter yeah just don’t ask me how I know about that one

[@ES-jn9od]

You said to comment if you need help and I NEED HELP 😂

[@AJM1179]

Older woman here, installing a cheap powder room vanity. There are no studs near each end only where the water pipe is. Do I use a toggle bolt to attach yhe cabinet at the ends of cabinet and if so how do I actually work the toggle part into the drywall hole as there isn't much room between cabinet and wall. I'm guessing I need to pull cabinet out a little initially? I have never ever done anything like this before and not sure of any of it. Thanks for any info!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Is the water pipe coming from below or does it carry through to a floor above? You can always put a screw in at the top of the vanity if it’s just below. Or another option is to just put a little PL premium glue on the back of the cabinet and glue it to the wall, you won’t need much.

[@MrRougeoiseau]

I use an awl for stud probing.

[@themeloit-live]

Any recommendations for drilling in the bathrooms shower to install an accessory to place all that good stuff, shampoo bottles.

[@loco4dogg]

A nail with the sharp tip nipped off is less likely to pierce a pipe or electrical casing.

[@BROWNBRANCH]

Is 2&1/4 in. Screw okay to use as well?

[@robertdomingo526]

Great video!! Thank you for the advice. Question - I want to hang cabinets in the garage. Any tips on finding studs with drywall over plywood sheathing ? Thank you for your time.

[@smody121]

What if you're trying to find the stud in a shower with tile or tub? Is there an alternative test like the hammer and screw trick for drywall?

[@giangiglio8855]

dude great vids thank you!!!!!!

[@michaelagustin9649]

Hi Funny Carpenter, tha k you for the great tips, they are super helpful! But do you know if plumbers run pipes above toilets? I'm trying to install a small cabinet above my toilet but not sure if there are vertical pipes running from toilet to the roof like vent or water pipes? thank you and any info will be appreciated!

[@ThekiBoran]

I've never been nervous about screwing a cabinet to a wall but I was hella nervous about screwing toilet paper holders to the wall with standard/slotted screws. Solid nickel and $535 each.

[@carissaatendido2768]

Hi there - really liked your video, very informational - thank you! I have a few questions for you and hope you can help me out. I want to give my laundry room a "makeover" by replacing my basic wire rack shelf with a cabinet that i picked up and install floating shelves that i will make myself using some 1x2s as the back brace and will cover it using 1x6 or 1x8 poplar. Ive been stalling on this project because im scared to drill into any electrical and/or water pipes since it is a laundry room. I live in a 1 story house and right outside opposite wall of my laundry room is my main water switch along with my water hose. That said, is it right to assume that my water lines are horizontal since its on the main floor of a 1 story house? Also, any brand screws to use to secure the HEAVY cabinet on my wall? I was thinking of using GRK Fasteners brand that doesnt require predrilling and they come in a variety of different types and sizes but i want to make sure im using a screw that will really secure it to the wall so it doesnt fall off and rip my dry wall apart. Any tips/ tricks will be much appreciated! Thank you!!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

I’m not a fan assuming things with the water pipes. I would stick to screws that go into the stud 1-1/4” maximum. I would worry about heavy duty screws. 4 regular wood screws are more than enough to hold up an upper cabinet. If you’re unsure about the water line you can always carefully cut a little hole behind where the cabinet is going to have a peak inside the wall. Best wishes!

[@TrafficGuy7]

Really enjoy your videos and was wondering if you have any recommended videos to watch for installing cabinets yourself? Planning a kitchen remodel soon and plan to do a self install if at all possible. Thanks!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Hmmm that’s a tough one I don’t watch a lot of cabinet install vids. I am doing an install in a few weeks though and will be shooting some footage. Is there anything specific your looking for advice on?

[@TrafficGuy7]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter Probably just tips on how to keep everything level. Since i'm replacing existing cabinets i'll have a good idea where all the studs are, but the actual hanging and leveling part is where I want to make sure and do it right. I look forward to seeing some of your footage if you end up including it in another video. Thanks.

[@gavincarpenter3428]

Did I miss the wires part, also don't bang a screw into the wall use a dull drill bit in a drill or a small pin or needle and a hammer to make smaller hole in the wall. Thanks rook

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Nah

[@Rage-of-War]

sometimes ya gotta shim a cab with three shims and are left with jamming a 3" screw in ha aha ha, we have some hack framers around here lmao.....

[@davypaul9827]

my issue is the stud finder beepin all over and other electrical maybe causing it too beep. IDK. sidenote: wicked rookie. in the past I built a seperate "accent" wall just to avoid it, hahaha Great content

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks a lot man

[@tonydicaro2908]

Do you have any videos on installing kitchen cabinets. Shimming eat.

[@brettad2496]

Any tips on How we avoid gas lines and electrical lines when installing a niche at wall behind stove?

[@kaveh6232]

What size screw is safe to use for hanging frames or pictures and paintings? Maybe make a video about it

[@rodscott6977]

How do I use toogle bolts to hang kitchen upper wall cabinets to metal studs (without putting 2x4 behind dry wall)

[@alexsommer8497]

help. I would like to install cabinets in the laundry room. The stud finder is not showing studs every 16". The Cabinet is W 18", and the next stud is 20" from the corner. Also, the plumbing for the Laundry is on this corner side. What would you do?

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Can you put a filler in on the corner side to space it over to catch the stud? Then put on a chunk of wood in the corner and screw on cabinet through the side and the stud 20” away. If not I would screw it into the corner and then glue the other side onto the drywall with PL premium glue.

[@donnacochrane1410]

how to cut and attach angle iron to my cabinet/counter and sink to support /weight evenly jon the wall studs

[@bloodsport5112]

Many years ago was doing a remodel and running base. Put a nail into a water line. I'm like NO WAY! When we opened the wall, they had their lines right up tight against the sheetrock. Wasn't really surprised as you see LOTS of interesting stuff (custom) the longer you're in the game. Have lots of funny stories about home owners trying to save money. I get it, I do. They watch a 30 minute tv show and head to Lowe's then discover it's not quite as easy as the show lol. It's all good, but yeah hitting water lines SUCKS!!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Dang, It's always a disaster hitting a water line. It's definitely better though when the plumber has made the mistake of putting it right unto the drywall and not you driving a 4" screw through it! Cheers to many years of water line free carpentry!

[@hondaphan4172]

I drilled into a water line two months ago when installing a vanity in our ninety year old home. I hit the stud dead-center but whoever remodeled the bathroom had the copper line running very close to the front of the stud so it really wasn't my fault but I still beat myself up about it. Now I'm paranoid because you never know what lurks behind these old walls. That's why I'm watching this vid.

[@ralphdicecca2889]

Can you tell me what screw to use to attach cabinets when you have metal studs

[@tomohara640]

I would like to see a recessed medicine cabinet install in a middle floor powder room. I suspect both hot and cold, possibly a drain/ vent pipe, and also romex for powering the overhead light fixture are behind the wall, where the cabinet would go. Is it best not to open this possible can of worms, or is this doable?

[@jamespaulmacapagal2261]

Hi, I need to hang an Ikea mirror cabinet just above our bathroom sink. My problem is the holes of the cabinet to hang it is 20in apart so it does not align the stud. Hope you can help me with this. Thanks

[@walterlane8890]

I always find the studs by knocking holes in the sheet rock with my hammer. Hey the cabinets hide the holes …right ?

[@use2bmrs828]

My studs are 24 on center in the location I want to install a cabinet. How can I install a wall cabinet if there is no nearby studs? Thanks for all the tips!

[@kkrankie]

Just did a handyman job on a much older house...found out that 16 inch on center 2x4’s were not so common. They put the 2x4’s where they were needed. One run was 24 inches apart......

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Sometimes I use a little PL premium on the back if there’s not a lot of studs.

[@kkrankie]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter great idea!

[@Casmige]

Rarely do I set a video playback speed to 3X’s times normal but on yours? I always do

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

😂🍻thanks for checking them out

[@jack91522]

What not use a 2 inch screw for hanging cabinets and just add a few extra for the strength?

[@TorstenHC]

So, I’ve got this wall space in-between an upper kitchen cabinet and a doorframe. The sink is to the left and the doorway is to the right, with a light switch in the middle right next to a stud. I’m trying to put a couple of shelves on that wall. How do I make sure I don’t screw into a cable?

[@natalierose6923]

Hi I want to install a hand rail in the bathroom through tiles on the side of the bath, I’m on the middle floor and the tap is on the same side of the bath where I want to install. Any advise would be appreciated?

[@byronling4666]

Hi, if I have 1” backer board and 1/2 “ drywall, would I use 2” or 2 1/2” wood screw?

[@SR-se9lp]

Is it safe to hang the bridge cabinet and microwave when there is only one stud available to use?? Microwave weighs 50 lbs.