Finding a stinkin Stud without a stud finder?
Question:What is the general rule of thumb for the distance between studs in the old school way of building? i'am in a barn turned into a house about 30 yrs ago! any suggestions don't have a stud finder and i'm not very good with the hammer tapping trick so is there any other way?
Answers:
If you are talking an old barn, the old way was 19 3/16 strong on center, but most likely the studs are 24 on center. because it is an older remodel there is a chance that you you have lath and plaster as opposed to drywall, in that case a stud finder will not work. Your best chance is to find an outlet and find out what side of the stud it is mounted on, then measure out 19 3/16, 24, 16 centers and see which one hits. also to verify there is a stud, pound in a thin nail (4" splitless works best), if you still feel resistance after 1 inch deep you found your stud whether it is lath and plaster or drywall. Goodluck
Usually it's 16" center to center of the wall studs.even in building from quite a while back. Find an electrical outlet along the wall. At that time they should have used an electrical box nailed to a wall stud (before "winged" remodel boxes were around). Now you know that the stud is just to the right or left of that outlet box. Gently put a small nail or screw through either side to see if you hit the stud (if you're lucky it'll be the first side you try). This tiny hole can be repaired with caulk. Measure out from there16" at a time in both directions to locate the other studs in the wall.
wall studs are common on 16 inch centers without a stud finder or the taping with a hammer you could take a thin drill bit and starting at a point drill a small hole every inch or so when you hit wood stud the wood shaving's will be seen on the drill bit as you last chance that is
depending on the type of wall cover you can look for nails(particularly paneling) I've found on older houses there isn't always a rule of thumb for distances of studs. Besides save yourself agrevation and just go get a stud finder there cheap(under 20-30 dollars). you'll need it again.
good luck
It all depends on whether it was framed 16 or 24 inches on center .. start from a corner and measure in 16" rap your knuckles on the wall ,you will hear or feel a hollow "thunk" meaning you are hitting open space behind the wall, When you hear or feel a solid "thud" you have found the stud which is usually only about 1 and 3/4 " wide if 2 x 4's are used,
If you dont find it at 16" try checking it at 24" inches on center of the stud !
If its an old barn it could be rough frame 24" on center or 36" rough frame on center. I've seen Both. If it was balloon framed then they framed those very erractically your best bet is to go buy a stud finder.
I always start by measuring from the corner 16" over and tap a finishing nail in about half way.If there is a stud you will find the general area of which it is in.Then,tie a piece of string on that nail and measure 16" or 24" depending on how far apart the first nail and second nail are.
If it's an outside wall and the original siding is still there, look for the nails that hold it on. Then measure each one starting at a door or window, go inside, start at the door or window and transfer the measurements.
I once took all of the siding off an old house, rewired it and insulated it from the outside, then replaced the boards backwards, and installed vinyl siding.
William has it but old school is19 3/16 heavy
use the body of an electric razor,run it over the plasterboard and you will hear where the studs are.Like using the hammer,but leaves no dings on your wall and very easy to hear.
you can generally use your knuckles to gently knock on the wall. You will hear the diference between the hollow sound and when you have a stud.
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