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 or the magnet will snap to the wall. Mark the spot, then move the magnet vertically to find additional fasteners along the same stud.

Why It Works

Drywall is secured 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 the stud location.

Tips

• Wrap the magnet in painter's tape to prevent scratching the paint
• Move slowly — fast sweeps miss the narrow attraction zone
• A broad, continuous pull rather than a sharp snap 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 — standard US framing spaces studs at 16-inch centers