I'm living in a condo with concrete floors and ceilings, plus concrete support beams. I'm almost certain there's metal studs in the walls. I have an older Zircon stud finder that gives me options for stud/deep stud/metal/AC, and it has a fresh battery. However, this device isn't the most reliable. I've been marking the hits, and they're spaced about 12 inches apart, with what looks like a 24-inch gap in the middle, which seems unconventional but consistent enough to suspect they're studs.
Here's where I'm stuck: I've drilled three times using a 1-inch 1/16th bit, and while I found a small piece of metal on the far right side, the other attempts just went right through. I'm trying to locate the studs to mount a TV and tackle some future projects, and this condo was built less than two decades ago.
I'm wondering:
- Could it be that the drywall isn't directly attached to the stud, which might require a longer bit?
- Is a 12-inch on-center measurement with a 24-inch gap a common setup?
- Am I doing something wrong, or is this just a quirky build?
- What should I try next?
3 Answers
Have you thought about using a strong magnet on the wall? It can help you locate the screws that hold the drywall in place rather than just the metal studs themselves. You might have better luck with that than your old stud finder.
I suggest trying a longer drill bit to reach beyond the drywall, and definitely give that magnet idea another shot. Often, a good magnet can outperform older stud finders. It might save you some frustration.
You could also take off the covers of the electrical boxes to see where the studs are located. Remember to switch off the circuit for safety. Just measure the distance between the boxes; that can help determine if the studs are 16 or 24 inches on center. Mark it out and use a level to ensure you're measuring accurately.
I tried that with my strong magnet, but it didn't pick up any screws. Maybe I need to get a rare earth magnet for better results.