Whether you are moving into your very first home or just remodeling your old house, there are plenty of times when you will need a stud finder. Even if you just want to hang something in your wall, you should try to use a stud finder before using a hammer and nails.
This will help you prevent any accidents from happening around the house. If it is your first time to use a stud finder and you want to make sure you're doing everything in order, here are some tips on how to use a manual stud finder.
Batteries - Check if your stud finder has batteries on them. Most stud finders need batteries to operate so check the instructions in the manual for details about the battery that you need.
Check the surroundings - If it is your first time to use this device, make sure you clear the surroundings near the wall that you are going to use it in. Safety is always the first thing we should think of. It is best to set aside things that may break while doing this activity. If you are using the stud finder on furniture, make sure that it is secured before you use the device.
Checking the wall - Place the stud finder flat against a wall and make sure that it is turned on. You may hear a series of beeps while you do this depending on the stud finder that you have. For some stud finders you may need to press the "locator" button.
These beeps mean that your stud finder is calibrating your wall's thickness. Hold your stud finder and move it slowly to the right as it calibrates your wall. You now need to watch the lights in your stud finder and check if it is red. In most stud finders, red means that it is getting closer to the point.
If you see green lights flickering and hear loud beeps then that means you have reached the end of the stud. It is best to mark this point lightly with a pencil or whatever you prefer. The "detection zone" on a stud finder is usually at its top and center.
After this, you need to move your stud finder 8-10 inches away from the mark that you just made and do the same process that you did with the other side. After your second mark, for example, you want to hang a picture or a bookshelf; you should choose the center as its sturdiest point.
Using a manual finder may sound easy, but I recommend that you try it out first at a local department store. It depends on how technical a person is If he can work with a stud finder but you may approach the mall's staff about them and ask them to give you live, step-by-step instructions.
It is highly recommended to add the stud finder in your toolbox because it comes in handy in the long run. It's hard to put up a bookshelf that collapsed because the walls couldn't support its weight. Most people can say that it is a waste of money but the decision is yours to make.
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