Stud finders and detectors

LiamJ

LiamJ

LiamJ

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Joined
19 Dec 2010
Posts
1,394
Hi all,

Just moved in to our first house a couple weeks ago and now looking to start with DIY stuff, putting up stuff on the walls, shelves, blinds, curtains, TV mounts, all that. Need a stud finder/wiring detector for said activities.

Cheaper types ~£20-30 all have awful reviews. More expensive ones for £100+ have slightly better but still awful reviews. Is it just a high rate of user error?

For someone doing only doing DIY is it worth investing in something like a Bosch GMS 120? Or just some cheap stud finder and use common sense for wiring as it's a new build?

Thanks.
 
Psycho Sonny said:
New builds is usually dot and dab. So good luck finding studs.
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Not quite sure how dot and dab works? It seems like plasterboard is glued straight on to the masonry but does that mean there's no cavity for insulation etc? Forgive me if this is a stupid question I have zero clue on this. Also is there a way to find out which I have?

Flake87 said:
Best stud detector was a couple of strong magnets someone bought for me after the electronic ones kept getting it wrong! Probably the best stud / nail finder you will ever own !

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CH-Hanson-...ocphy=9046659&hvtargid=pla-576006931152&psc=1
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So this works just by looking for the nails used to attach plasterboard to studs? Seems simple enough although I imagine it takes a while to find the nails if they're at an awkward or random height!

I'm assuming that I can then just use my common sense as to where wiring and pipes are? I'd hope with a new build that this stuff is kinda predictable but you never know.
 
LiamJ said:
Not quite sure how dot and dab works? It seems like plasterboard is glued straight on to the masonry but does that mean there's no cavity for insulation etc? Forgive me if this is a stupid question I have zero clue on this. Also is there a way to find out which I have?
Click to expand...

The insulation will be in the cavity, you'll have bricks, small air gap, insulation then the blocks. The plasterboard is dabbed to these blocks so there will be no studs in these walls. For hanging lightweight fittings in this type of wall a multipurpose plug like the Fischer UX6/8 is perfect. For hanging heavy items like TVs you can use a fixing like rigifix, these are incredibly strong and specifically designed for dabbed walls.

LiamJ said:
I'm assuming that I can then just use my common sense as to where wiring and pipes are? I'd hope with a new build that this stuff is kinda predictable but you never know.
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There are permitted zones for electrical, typically horizontal or vertical from any outlet, tops of walls, edges of walls but never gamble. I use a Bosch truvo detector.
 
The first thing you need to know is what construction the walls are. Do you actually have any studs? Regards cables, they always run up or down the wall vertically from the socket or switch, so you don't need to check unless you are within six inches either side. Builders can be lazy though, I have found a few 45 degree cables in my time.

I have a cheapo rain forest stud finder ( not that I actually use it much), it works well enough.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stud-Finde...words=stud+finder&qid=1615970127&s=diy&sr=1-5

Also note that damp plaster messes these things up.
 
What I found when doing a lot of DIY in my 10 year old house is not matter what people tell you or what you see on youtube, all houses are different and you have to be prepared to experiment, learn and make lots of pilot holes. I got a stud finder (again not wanting to spend silly money) and its not as accurate as you think. Now there are some more advance tools like x-ray type cameras which can help you build a picture whats behind the plaster board but try a few smaller projects and you'll get to know how your house is built and structured.
 
This might sound controversial and I'm not recommending it, but firstly I try and work out where I think will be a safe area, by looking at where the sockets/sink etc is situated (I accept tradesmen may route things in unexpected areas), then I drill a small hole 75% through the plasterboard, and finally poke a screwdriver through and wiggle it around. If I can't find anything I'll start to enlarge the hole.
 
Thanks for the suggestions.

Just doing some old fashioned knocking on the external walls, seems like there's studs at regular intervals along the wall. All the internal walls seem hollow but I guess that's normal, I'll pick up some of the wall plugs recommended.

I'll pick up a Bosch Truvo, mainly for peace of mind I think! Can always return it if I don't get on with it.
 
LiamJ said:
Thanks for the suggestions.

Just doing some old fashioned knocking on the external walls, seems like there's studs at regular intervals along the wall. All the internal walls seem hollow but I guess that's normal, I'll pick up some of the wall plugs recommended.

I'll pick up a Bosch Truvo, mainly for peace of mind I think! Can always return it if I don't get on with it.
Click to expand...

When was the house built? The below will apply to anything relatively modern, certainly from the last 20-30 years or so.

External walls are highly likely to be dot and dab if they have plasterboard on them over block. The things you are finding may well be the lumps of adhesive.

Internal walls on the ground floor could either be stud or block, the thickness is normally a giveaway, thicker walls tend to be block. Upstairs walls are likely to be stud.
 
b0rn2sk8 said:
When was the house built? The below will apply to anything relatively modern, certainly from the last 20-30 years or so.

External walls are highly likely to be dot and dab if they have plasterboard on them over block. The things you are finding may well be the lumps of adhesive.

Internal walls on the ground floor could either be stud or block, the thickness is normally a giveaway, thicker walls tend to be block. Upstairs walls are likely to be stud.
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It's a new build.
 
Sorry to hijack - I currently have a 65" OLED that is on a TV stand.

Considering getting a 77" OLED and getting it wall mounted but is there any way for somebody like me who is terrible at DIY to check whether the wall is suitable? It seems quite hollow when knocking against it!
 
VincentHanna said:
Sorry to hijack - I currently have a 65" OLED that is on a TV stand.

Considering getting a 77" OLED and getting it wall mounted but is there any way for somebody like me who is terrible at DIY to check whether the wall is suitable? It seems quite hollow when knocking against it!
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Any wall is suitable, even hollow walls its all about using the right fixing. Gripit fixings will easily hold that weight on plasterboard walls. The load is spread over the size of the bracket and they really aren't that heavy. With studs at 600mm centres You should be able to get a fixing into them with this size bracket as well, although most studs these days are worthless tin metal that is 1mm thick.
 
pp111 said:
Regards cables, they always run up or down the wall vertically from the socket or switch, so you don't need to check unless you are within six inches either side.
Click to expand...

This definitely sits in the category of a little knowledge can be dangerous. There are various safe zones that mains power cable can be run through a wall and this definitely isn't limited to the above areas. The below image gives a clearer idea of the safe zones where cables may be installed. It's worth noting though that this doesn't apply to your central heating / water pipes that could cause significant water damage if you hit one.

b66e76b43318302be55eab5dbeb45ff3
 
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