Simple Hack to Locate Studs in Plaster Walls

Brad HoldenUpdated: Mar. 23, 2021

Finding a stud behind plaster and lath is hit-or-miss with a typical stud finder. Here’s a better method.

locate studs dental floss magnetFamily Handyman

Problem Solved!

Finding a stud behind plaster and lath is hit-or-miss with a typical stud finder. Here’s a better method. Tape a rare earth magnet (about $4 for a 10-pack at home centers) to a piece of dental floss. Slowly drag the magnet across the wall surface. The magnet will “hang up” a bit over the nails used to fasten the wood lath to the studs.

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Originally Published: July 30, 2018

Brad Holden
Brad Holden
Brad Holden, an associate editor at The Family Handyman, has been building cabinets and furniture for 30 years. In that time, he has absorbed so many slivers and ingested so much sawdust that he's practically made of wood.