Any hardware or device to push through drywall to find exact edges of stud?

Hiya,

I'm fairly certain I have the center of a few studs, but since I need to put in some lag bolts and other hardware that is a bit thick, I want to be sure I have the center and not too close to an edge as to split or crack the wood when fastening.

I'm guessing most would say to just use a finishing nail but I wish someone made a tool - a long pin with some sort of handle - that I could just push into the drywall easily and check to see if I'm hitting the stud or not.

I can bang in nails and remove them - I know But is there something simpler yet more convenient to use?

Thanks

 

Stud finder, pretty cheap to buy. Couple of examples, but you should be able to find them at the local hardware store or home center:

Stud Finder - Harbor Freight Tools

 

Just to further TG's comment, you work from left to right and then right to left and you will find the edges of the studs.

 

I use a stud finder myself, but if you are pretty sure of a few studs and dont have one, Studs are usually on 16 inch centers and an ice pick or similar device works great when you are not concerned about the small holes it leaves especially when it will be behind whatever you are trying to hang. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

I have two stud finders. Both have the most (and best reviews) on Amazon.

One is electronic/digital $50 item and the other is an $8 strong magnetic one. Both have their uses and help, but the problem is it's a bit of a dark science on getting the true edge of a stud.

I can take a pass 10 times, and each time it will start to show the stud edge at a slightly different place.

So the only way to ensude it I think is to just bang some nails in and see where the exact edges are.

Here are the two I'm using:

http://www.amazon.com/Zircon-MultiSc...5812439&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/CH-Hanson-0304...5812439&sr=8-1