Sweep a rare earth magnet across the wall

Slowly slide a small neodymium magnet across the wall surface. When it passes over a drywall screw or nail, you'll feel a distinct tug and the magnet may snap to the wall. Mark the spot, then move the magnet vertically to find more fasteners in the same stud.

Why It Works

Drywall is attached to studs with steel screws or nails. A strong rare earth magnet detects these fasteners through standard 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch drywall. Two or more fasteners in a vertical line confirm a stud location.

Tips

• Wrap the magnet in painter's tape to prevent wall scratches
• Move slowly — fast sweeps miss the narrow attraction zone
• Spherical magnets roll naturally along the wall and pivot toward fastener heads
• A broad, continuous pull (rather than a point) may indicate metal corner bead or conduit, not a fastener
• Once you find one stud, measure 16 inches to either side to predict the next