Hey everyone! I'm reaching out for some help as I'm using a stud finder for the first time and getting some bizarre readings. I want to hang a mirror with a monkey hook but have no clue what I'm doing and honestly, I'm a bit anxious. I've heard horror stories about people getting electrocuted!
I used to hang an IKEA mirror with alien tape, but it ended up falling and damaging my wall. Now, I'm determined to do this right but I'm afraid of making mistakes. Is there a better subreddit for this, or any services where I can get video chat assistance? I'd really appreciate any guidance! Thanks for listening!
4 Answers
Take a deep breath! You're more likely to be fine than you think. If stud finders don’t work for you (they don’t for me either, especially on old plaster walls), try knocking on the wall—hollow sounds mean no stud. If that fails, for a light mirror, you could use a drywall anchor. Just go for it!
Try holding the stud finder at arm's length against the wall before turning it on. Wait a couple of seconds before moving it slowly to the side. It should detect the stud! Mark both edges of the stud with a pencil. Easy peasy! Good luck with your mirror!
You're not going to electrocute yourself with a monkey hook unless there are major issues behind the wall. If your walls are drywall, you could use a strong magnet to find the nails and follow that up and down to locate the studs about 16 inches apart. If nothing turns up, check 24 inches apart just in case. Knock on the spots you find; they'll sound dull compared to the empty spaces!
Hey, don't stress too much! Stud finders can be tricky, especially if you're standing too close to them. Try marking studs from both sides since they are usually about 1 3/4 inches wide and should be 16 inches apart. If you think you found a stud, drill a tiny pilot hole with a 1/16 inch bit to be sure. If you miss, it's easy to patch up a small hole. Cheers!
I call it the 16-16 method! I just made that up but it totally works! ?