How to Find Wall Studs Without a Stud Finder

Planning to mount a TV, shelf, or cabinet — but don’t have a stud finder? No problem. You can still locate wall studs using simple tricks and tools you already have. Whether you’re working with drywall or plaster, this guide will show you how to confidently find studs without any electronics.

Look for Screws or Nails Behind the Wall
Use Electrical Outlets and Light Switches
Knock and Listen for Sound Changes
Measure from a Corner or Known Stud
Use a Wire Hanger or Drill Test (as Last Resort)
Conclusion

1. Look for Screws or Nails Behind the Wall

Most drywall is attached to studs using screws or nails, and these are usually easy to find — even without tools. Here’s how:

🔍 Visual Inspection:

Look for small bumps or dimples under the paint — especially just above or below baseboards or where drywall seams would be.
Sometimes paint shrinks slightly over screw heads, leaving a visible mark or circular patch.

🧲 Use a Magnet:

A small fridge magnet or strong neodymium magnet can help you locate drywall screws through the surface.
Move it slowly in horizontal lines about 48–60 inches from the floor until it “sticks” slightly — you’ve likely found a screw.
Important: Screws are placed in the center of the stud, so once you find one, you’ve found the stud.

Mark the spot and try to find another screw 16 or 24 inches away in either direction. This confirms the stud pattern and helps you plan the mount position accurately.

2. Use Electrical Outlets and Light Switches

Electrical outlets and light switches are almost always mounted directly to the side of a stud. That means you can use them as a reliable reference point to locate nearby studs.

How to Do It:

Remove the outlet or switch cover plate (just the plastic — no need to disconnect anything).
Look inside with a flashlight — the electrical box will usually be fastened to either the left or right side of a stud.
Once you know which side it’s on, measure 16 inches in either direction to find the next stud. Repeat to confirm the pattern.

Tip: Don’t drill or mount anything too close to the outlet — keep at least a few inches of clearance to avoid damaging wires.

3. Knock and Listen for Sound Changes

This old-school method still works. You can often hear the difference between a hollow section of wall and a spot where a stud is directly behind the drywall.

How to Do It:

Lightly knock or tap your knuckle along the wall in a straight horizontal line — about chest height is ideal.
Listen carefully: most of the wall will sound hollow, but spots with a stud behind them will sound more solid and dull.
Once you hear the change in tone, mark that spot and try tapping a few inches to the left and right to narrow down the stud’s center.

This method isn’t always 100% precise, but when combined with the screw/magnet or outlet trick, it’s a great way to double-check your stud location before drilling.

4. Measure from a Corner or Known Stud

Wall studs in modern construction are usually spaced either 16 or 24 inches apart (on center). Once you find one stud — or even just a good guess — you can often find the others by simple measurement.

How to Do It:

Start from a corner of the room or from a known stud (like one next to an outlet).
Use a measuring tape to mark out 16-inch increments along the wall — these are the most likely stud locations.
Check each spot with a magnet or light knock to confirm it’s solid.
If you’re in an older home, studs may be spaced 24 inches apart — try both patterns to be sure.

Tip: If you get two or three confirmed stud spots this way, you can map the whole wall and mount your TV exactly where you want.

5. Use a Wire Hanger or Small Drill Test (as Last Resort)

If all else fails, and you’re still not 100% sure, there are a couple of physical tricks you can use to confirm the location of a stud:

✅ Method A: Straightened Wire Hanger

Straighten a metal wire hanger and create a small hook at the end.
Drill a small pilot hole (1/8” or less) where you think the stud is located.
Insert the hanger and twist — if you feel solid wood in front, you’ve hit the stud. If it swings freely, you’re in open drywall.

✅ Method B: Small Drill Test

Use a thin drill bit to carefully probe the wall in your marked area.
If the bit hits solid resistance quickly, it’s likely a stud. If it pushes through easily and deep — there’s no stud there.
This method leaves a small hole, but it’s easily patched if needed — and much better than mounting in the wrong spot.

Reminder: Always drill carefully and never blindly drive large screws without confirming what’s behind the wall — especially near outlets or switches.

Conclusion: Simple Tricks, Solid Mounts

You don’t need a fancy electronic stud finder to mount a TV or shelf safely. With a little patience and a few smart tricks — like checking for screws, measuring from known points, and using simple tools — you can locate studs in almost any drywall setup.

Combine two or more methods for extra confidence, and always test before drilling large holes. A secure TV mount starts with a secure stud — and now you know exactly how to find one.