HP explain in clearer terminology how this works (and sounds) to someone unfamiliar with it. Perhaps some kind reader familiar with this technique will write and help Mr. Reaching a stud, the tapping becomes less drumlike and reverberates less - it sounds "solid" to his ears. Between studs, the tapping produces a fuller tone that registers automatically as "hollow" to Mr. HP.Īfter so many years of using this tapping method, he thinks that at least part of it is the feel of the vibrations felt in the tapping hand. To describe the two different sounds only in words - without being able to stand next to you and show you exactly what sound is made between studs and then directly on the stud - is difficult for Mr. Tapping in the space between studs will sound more hollow and drumlike, whereas when you get to a stud, the sound will not reverberate. This involves gently rapping along the section of wall near where you are trying to hang something from a stud, and listening carefully. HandyPerson has little difficulty finding a stud behind the plaster with the old "knock-knock" tactic. However, after years of experience working on older homes with lath-and-plaster walls, Mr. But they generally work better than older versions. The newest ones are more complicated to operate and have multiple functions, and they are significantly more expensive than the one you probably own now. Also, his traditional ways of locating studs behind plaster, drywall or other wall materials still work successfully enough that he hasn't seen the need to invest in an additional battery-powered gizmo that he would use only occasionally.īut you might want to check out some of these new models and ask for a demonstration by store personnel. He has not yet gotten one for himself because he hasn't felt the need. HP has it on good authority from friends who use them successfully in many situations. In the meantime, the technology for recent versions of electronic stud-finders has advanced considerably, and Mr. After fussing with the thing for a time, he finally gave up and went back to his old standby methods of locating studs. It was pretty reliable finding a wooden stud behind drywall, but it got screwy with lath and plaster walls, and went completely berserk on curved or angled lath and plaster walls. His experience with his was much like yours. It sounds like you have an older version of the electronic stud-finder similar to the one Mr. HandyPerson expects you are still holding out hope for a way to hang a few heavier pictures or items on the wall, supported by the strength of a stud behind the plaster. I'm at the point where I don't want to hang anything that requires stud support.Ī If you have truly reached that point, then the problem is solved. You'd think it was one solid stud! I'm tired of making holes and then having to patch and paint over them. Q Is there a surefire way of finding a stud in a lath and plaster wall? My stud-finder reacts to the whole wall.
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