Can't find stud in shared wall
#1
08-29-14, 05:17 PM
Can't find stud in shared wall
My condo is 2 stories (3 including garage) and built in 1995. The interior walls appear to have standard studs 16" OC. In the shared wall however, neither the magnet or knocking trick seems to work. When drilling, there appears to be a 1/4" or 1/2" sheet of wood under the drywall, then nothing.
I managed to located one stud next to an outlet by drilling, 24" from the room corner. But no luck elsewhere. Can anyone shed some light on what may be going on? Thanks.
I managed to located one stud next to an outlet by drilling, 24" from the room corner. But no luck elsewhere. Can anyone shed some light on what may be going on? Thanks.
#2
08-29-14, 05:30 PM
Group Moderator
A shared wall in a condo could be at a minimum double sheetrock.
It could also contain some type of noise isolation material or may be set up with sound absorption framing and insulation.
It could also contain some type of noise isolation material or may be set up with sound absorption framing and insulation.
#5
08-29-14, 06:45 PM
That was just a guess. I know that commercial buildings require aluminum studs, at least here in NY. You could try to drill 24" from that outlet or chop a piece of plaster directly under it. I never had any luck with stud finders & not much more with knocking.
#6
08-29-14, 06:58 PM
Group Moderator
Actually.... stud finders work pretty good. They take a little practice in using.
I use one that I bought many years ago. It has standard and extra depth scanning ranges.
I use one that I bought many years ago. It has standard and extra depth scanning ranges.
#7
08-29-14, 09:34 PM
What would be the best way to cut a clean patch from the wall to find a definitive answer? Would a retractable utility knife be sufficient or should I get a keyhole saw?
#8
08-29-14, 10:46 PM
Group Moderator
#9
08-29-14, 10:52 PM
Ah right, I want to hang a hammock 
, so I definitely need a stud. My first choice was the balcony, except there appears to be a sheet of hard metal behind the stucco, which is another head scratcher for me...
, so I definitely need a stud. My first choice was the balcony, except there appears to be a sheet of hard metal behind the stucco, which is another head scratcher for me...
#10
08-29-14, 11:18 PM
Group Moderator
Ok..... just FYI..... if the studs in your case are metal - they will not be strong enough to do what you want. A single wood stud may not even be strong enough. If you set an eye hook in it the weight on the hammock could cause the sheetrock to crack when weight was applied.
Behind the stucco is a thick steel mesh/lath. The scratch coat of the stucco system is applied to the lath where it pushes thru and locks to the lath thru the little holes.
Behind the stucco is a thick steel mesh/lath. The scratch coat of the stucco system is applied to the lath where it pushes thru and locks to the lath thru the little holes.
#11
08-29-14, 11:27 PM
Ok that makes sense, thanks for the info. Yes, I'm definitely not going to try hanging it to a metal stud. However, it appears that other's have had success centering on a wood stud so I'm going to give that a shot.
Or do you have any suggestions on how to find the stud behind the stucco steel? I would be more comfortable with metal+stud than sheetrock.
Or do you have any suggestions on how to find the stud behind the stucco steel? I would be more comfortable with metal+stud than sheetrock.
#12
08-29-14, 11:31 PM
Group Moderator
If I HAD to locate the studs..... I'd go inside the house to that wall, find the studs, measure off a known item (like a window) and transpose those measurements to outside.
#13
08-30-14, 03:14 AM
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FooGoo,
That wall you spoke of is a shear wall. It's very common in CA. 3/8" Plywood is placed over studs and then 5/8" or 1/2" drywall.
So it's hard to find a stud. You're going through at least 7/8" of material before hitting stud.
A strong magnet is a good way to find the screws or nails that secure drywall to stud.
Attachment 37370
The Pic is "Stud 4 Sure", It has very strong magnets.
As mentioned above, a good place to find a stud is left side of outlet box. Measure 16" or 24" off that. It's no guarantee but it's a place to start.
That wall you spoke of is a shear wall. It's very common in CA. 3/8" Plywood is placed over studs and then 5/8" or 1/2" drywall.
So it's hard to find a stud. You're going through at least 7/8" of material before hitting stud.
A strong magnet is a good way to find the screws or nails that secure drywall to stud.
Attachment 37370
The Pic is "Stud 4 Sure", It has very strong magnets.
As mentioned above, a good place to find a stud is left side of outlet box. Measure 16" or 24" off that. It's no guarantee but it's a place to start.
#14
08-30-14, 04:31 AM
You may also try to see if you can locate a nail or trim screw used to attach baseboard to the wall. Usually trim carpenters will want to hit the studs with a fastener and once you have located one of them they will perhaps be in the 16" or 24" oc. pattern.
As a further recommendation, you could try to get original const. documents from your local building dept. to at least discover what the construction might be. That won't locate the stud but at least you will know how the wall is built.
As a further recommendation, you could try to get original const. documents from your local building dept. to at least discover what the construction might be. That won't locate the stud but at least you will know how the wall is built.
