Probe with a thin finish nail

Drive a thin finish nail into the wall at a predicted stud location. After passing through about 1/2 inch of drywall, the nail will either hit solid resistance (stud) or push through freely into empty cavity. If you miss, try 3/4 inch left or right.

Why It Works

This is direct physical verification — you are literally testing whether wood is behind the drywall at that point. It is the definitive confirmation method and leaves only a tiny hole.

Tips

• Probe low on the wall near the baseboard where holes are less visible
• Better yet, probe behind where your mount will cover the holes
• A 1/16-inch drill bit gives cleaner, more controlled holes than hammering
• Patch missed holes with a dab of spackle or white toothpaste
• Avoid probing near plumbing fixtures or at outlet height where wires may run horizontally