Most, if not all sources, define a stud finder as a small permanent magnet in a metal container.
When the magnet clicks against the container, it means the magnet is directly over some metal that activated the magnetism.
It is used to identify where wooden or metal beams exist underneath the exterior walls.
It can help in locating good places to use nails, picture hangers or wall brackets.
TV wall brackets are used to hang TVs on the wall.
It is recommended that the TV brackets be attached to the heavy beams in order to help carry the weight of the television display.
Sheet rock without a stud or beam behind it is fairly thin and will yield to even a pushpin.
If there is a stud behind the wall, you might not be able to push a pin through the wall.
A stud is an ideal place to screw the wall mounts firmly and securely.
A stud finder can be electronic or magnetic.
The electronic stud finder detects differences in density to identify a wooden beam behind the wall.
The magnetic stud finder locates metal studs, and is also helpful in finding metal screws or nails embedded on the wooden stud.
A wall bracket can be screwed into a wooden or metal stud easily.
You can listen closely to the sound when the magnet clicks against the container.
The stud finder can emit an audible beep when it encounters metal.
Some models use screens with readings to locate the stud.
The beep is the more often preferred model.
However there may be environments where the sound cannot be heard and viewing the reading is the only other option.
Once you find the stud, mark it and hold your TV bracket over the location to check its appearance and look on the wall.
A stud finder is a convenient and efficient way of locating studs without damaging the walls.
If you don't have a stud finder, you can locate a stud by knocking on the wall until you hear a dull sound.
Rapping on the wall brings out a hollow sound if there is no stud behind the wall.
You can apply this method to find the general area of the stud and then use the stud finder if you need to locate the nails and screws embedded on the stud.
Locating a stud is necessary if you want to hang heavy objects on the wall, such as a television set.
Hanging a TV on the wall requires installation of TV wall brackets upon which you can hang the television screen.
A large television can easily pull out of the wall and become unwieldy if the TV wall brackets are not secured to studs or beams behind the wall.
Manufacturers of TV wall brackets design different models and types of TV wall mounts to fit the weights and sizes of all types of TV brands.
If you choose the correct TV wall mount, you can be sure the wall bracket will not break or crack under the weight of the television display.
However, one important aspect which is mentioned in passing is the need to install the wall brackets onto studs or heavy beams located behind the wall paneling because what might give way is the support on which the wall mount is screwed on.
People unfamiliar with house constructions might think that they can choose any spot on the wall to install their TV brackets.
They don't realize the need for a firm and secure hold of the TV wall brackets until they hang the TV on the wall brackets and notice the weight of the television sagging and pulling against the wall.
In most situations of this nature, the wall gives in and you end up with a gaping hole in the wall and a damaged television screen.
Remember the next time you are provided TV wall brackets to check the wall for the location of the studs.
Secure the wall brackets firmly into heavy beams to ensure that the weight placed on the wall mount can be held without any difficulty.