Find a wall stud with a magnet

Slide a strong magnet over the wall until it sticks to a hidden screw.

Home & DIYTakes 5 minutesFree

Updated October 24, 2026

How to do it

0 of 4 steps done

Tap each step as you finish it.

1Take a strong small magnet, like a fridge magnet with a strong grip.
2Slide it slowly across the wall at about waist height.
3When it pulls toward the wall, you've found a drywall screw or nail. These are attached to a stud.
4Slide up and down to find more screws in a straight line. That's your stud. Mark it with painter's tape.

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