23
Spent 6 Hours on a Simple Shelf Because I Didn't Check the Studs First
I was putting up a heavy shelf in my garage for storing tools and figured it'd take maybe 30 minutes tops. Ended up drilling into two spots that just crumbled behind the drywall because the stud finder kept beeping wrong. Turns out the previous owner had patched the wall with some weird backing that messed with the sensor. After fighting with it for hours I finally just cut a small hole to see what was actually back there. That one check saved me but also cost me half a Saturday. Anyone else ever trust a stud finder and end up regretting it?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
parker_webb1d ago
Read somewhere that some stud finders go haywire near metal pipes or old wiring behind the wall. That could've been what happened with the previous owner's patch job too. @fionanguyen's trick about using an outlet as a reference is smart, I always forget that's an option. Magnetic finders are hit or miss too but at least they don't lie about batteries.
4
Man, that's rough, I've definitely been there with a finicky stud finder myself.
2
fionanguyen1d ago
Start by taping a piece of cardboard or scrap wood to the wall you know the studs are on, then scan over it with the stud finder to see if it's actually working. Mine was driving me crazy until I did that, turns out the battery was just low and it was giving false readings the whole time. Also try running it over an outlet first since those are mounted to studs, gives you a solid reference point before you start guessing. Have you tried any of those magnetic finders instead? I switched to one after getting fed up with the digital ones.
5