What does a stud finder do? do i really need one when putting up wall shelving?

Question

i'm going to put up some wall shelving. i want to know if i should use a stub finder? i don't have very much money to use, and i'm sure they're a bit expensive, do i need one? how useful are they?

also how accurate are levels? i want to make sure the thing is leveled really well.

Answer 1

A stud finder helps you find the wood studs behind your drywall, so that you can secure your wall shelves to something stable.  If you just hang the shelves on the wall, not secured to the studs, and put something heavy on them, they could fall down.  Stud finders aren't very expensive.  Levels are very accurate, you should be able to find both of these at Lowe's or Home Depot in a range of prices.

Answer 2

Everytime I go to Home Depot and I walk down the STUD finder aisle they all start beeping at me

Answer 3

Your walls are made with two by four lengths of wood--called "STUDS".

the walls that you see are made of drywall that is attached to the "STUDS" (two by fours).

If you attempt to attach shelving (or ANYTHING else) to the drywall, it will fall down--leaving a hole or holes in your wall.

You must attach your shelving to the studs.

Soooo, yes.  you gotta have a stud finder.

Sorry!

Oh, and if you want to save money, you can use a small glass of water for a level.  It works fine.

Answer 4

stud finders never work for me.  just knock on the wall with your knuckle, when it sounds solid drill with a tiny drill bit to check it. have matching paint to cover the tiny hole if you miss. the next stud is most likely 16 or 24 inches away

Answer 5

Studs by code should be on 16" center so once you find 1 you can find them all.If you look at a wall(at a short angle) you might see where the edges of the sheetrock were joined.If not see where a elec. outlet is there will be a stud(usually on the left side of it but sometimes on the right(due to a left handed electrician) and work from there 16" each side.

Answer 6

levels are pretty accurate...and I'm sure you could borrow a stud finder or rent one from rent a center or something.  Stud finders are pretty useful for this kind of job.

Answer 7

you can buy a combo set . stud finder w/ laser level at wal-mart / lowes for about $20.

we just hung wall art in our house  & they both worked great