Finding Your Stud

Let's avoid the obvious jokes. They are tired, and you'll never find me anyway... Sorry. For those that are new to this subject, a "stud" is a vertical structural member that supports wall sheeting in modern light "cavity wall" constructions. It is different to the more traditional constructions of brick, concrete and blockwork, and is obvious by its resonating hollow sound when hit with your knuckle.


If your construction is brick, concrete or blockwork, then you don't need to read any of this, as you are not limited to installing The 305 System to any pre-determined position (such as where the studs are located).


So, how do we locate those mysterious "studs" that lie so anonymously in your cavity walls? Over the next couple of weeks, we will share our experiences in locating studs with varying methods. I plan to start with the most basic of tools, but most difficult of skills to master. I call it "The Knock". As we are dedicated to simplicity, we will then look at a few very simple but lesser known methods including the "The Bradawl" and "The Magnet". After these, we will then look at the more complicated and expensive options of those gadgets that beep and flash.


In the end, like me, you will probably find a happy and comfortable medium between several methods. I like to start with "The Knock", and then follow up with either "The Magnet" or "The Gadget", and then be certain with "The Bradawl". This can be done quite quickly, and does give certainty without too much trial and error (or what we call shooting blanks into the wall).


So, stay tuned for a brief run down on "The Knock" method.