Make Good Use of a Stud Finder
A stud finder is your best friend when it comes to mounting pictures and shelves on a wall, affixing lights to the ceiling, and if you are interested in remodeling all or part of your home.
Why? Virtually every home has wooden frames that are comprised of strips known as wall studs, or simply just studs. These wooden frames are hidden behind plaster and other types of walls throughout a home. The purpose of wall studs is to provide the structure of the home stability. In other words, your home wouldn’t be able to stand without them. Studs are the foundation that ensures appliances, light fixtures, and other furnishings are secure.
Therefore, if you wish to hang light fixtures, paintings, shelves, etc. you need to find a wall stud for the nail. A stud will keep the nail secure so it can properly support the furnishing. Without inserting the nail into a stud, you would end up tearing the plaster and filling it with holes.
Since you can’t detect where the wall studs are located with your naked eye, you will need to manually find them by hand or sound, or through the easier method of using a special device known as a stud finder. A stud finder is a tool that has been designed to alert you when it detects wall studs. To use it, make sure it is on and then drag it across the wall until it finds the stud.
There are different types of stud finders available. The most popular is the electronic which beeps and lights up upon detection of a wall stud. There are also magnetic stud finders. However, their must be metal in the studs if these particular tools are to work properly.
You can find a stud finder at any hardware or home improvement store located locally to you, or online. They can be purchased individually, but may also come as part of a tool kit. For instance, some cordless power tools that are required for jobs that also need a stud finder, are sold in kits such as the SKIL®® 14.4 Volt Cordless Combo Kit. This kit contains a cordless saw and power drill that also acts as a screwdriver. As a special bonus, it even includes a stud finder. Thus, you get everything you need for one great price.
Finally, remember when you are using the stud finder to keep a pencil handy, as you will want to mark the areas where studs are located, so you know where you need to hammer in the nail or drive in the screw.
|
