ObligatoryOption t1_j9d0qrj wrote on February 21, 2023 at 12:48 AM

You cannot assume there is a stud 16" from a corner. If the wall length is not an exact multiple of 16" then necessarily there will be a corner where the stud is at some other distance. But if you take a small nail and try at every inch then you will find a stud somewhere along that length. Then you can measure 16" from that one and expect to find the next one. That is, unless there is a door or a large window along the way, in which case distances may have had to be adjusted there as well.

thoang77 t1_j9d523r wrote on February 21, 2023 at 1:21 AM

Even if it is a true corner, the wall in question might also start behind the adjacent wall so the center of the first reachable stud will be about 12.75” from the corner (assuming 1/2 drywall)

ObligatoryOption t1_j9d5kfn wrote on February 21, 2023 at 1:25 AM

Right. Someone else here mentioned it: locate a power outlet. The electrical box for them are nailed against a stud, which is either on the left or right side of the box, so you only need to try two positions with a nail to find a first stud. Then measure in 16" multiples to locate the rest.

ItsBaconOclock t1_j9dhtip wrote on February 21, 2023 at 3:00 AM

That's not a guarantee either. Old work gang boxes can go anywhere, because they clamp onto the wall.

I've also seen fuckery like gang boxes screwed to box bridges spanning studs.

Personally, I just use my finger. You tap on the wall. Hollow sounds mean no stud, then it sounds more solid, and you've found the stud.

AdministrativePie865 t1_j9dj4fv wrote on February 21, 2023 at 3:10 AM

None of these techniques work in my house from 1850. Best I can do is measure stud distances in the attic and work my way from the nearest window.