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Measure 16 inches in from the wall with a measuring tape. Run the
Stud finder – Wikipedia
over the ceiling in that area. When it lights up, it has reached the edge of a joist. If it doesn’t find a joist, measure 24 inches from the wall and try that area instead.
Can you screw into ceiling joists?
The most secure way to hang objects from drywall is to screw a hanger into the wall or ceiling framing; a variety of wall anchors are available for hanging moderately heavy objects between studs or ceiling joists.
Can you see joists through ceiling?
Clearly visible lines on a ceiling could be due to faulty workmanship or substandard materials. The lines probably aren’t the actual joists, which are usually 16 or 24 inches apart. They are probably the joints where the drywall panels meet on specific joists.
How do you find a ceiling joist without a stud finder?
Try a Small Nail If you have access to the ceiling joists in the attic and they are the joists you are trying to find, you can hammer a small nail next to the joist through the ceiling so you can see it from below. While your there, measure the distance between joists to see if they are 16 or 24-inches apart.
How can I find a floor joist without a stud finder?
A hollow sound means no joist, but if the sound rings solid, you’re either on or very close to a joist. When the sound indicates a joist, probe the area by pounding a 10d finishing nail through the carpet about an inch. The subfloor is usually 3/4 inch thick, so if you hit solid wood, it’s a joist.
How much weight can ceilings hang?
Ceilings are another matter, though, thanks to the direct downward pull of gravity. The average 2×4 ceiling joists can’t safely hold more than around 15 to 20 pounds regardless of the hanging hardware you use.
Is it OK to drill through ceiling joists?
You can drill the holes anywhere along the length of the joist (first photo). If you have manufactured I-joists, you can drill holes up to 1-1/2 in. diameter almost anywhere in the web area (the area between the flanges).
Does screwing into a joist weaken it?
The simple answer to the question is zero. Any cut on the edge weakens the joist.
What is ghosting on a ceiling?
“Ghosting,” to a builder or painter, refers to apparently unexplainable dark streaks or patches on walls, ceilings, and carpets. In this situation, ghosts indicate studs, joists, wall headers, or even individual sheetrock screws, which are naturally poor insulators.
What do brown spots on the ceiling mean?
What Are Brown Spots on My Ceiling? When you see brown spots, or patches, on your ceiling and interior walls, they are water stains caused from a leak above. This leak could be a malfunction in your commercial roof systems or a leak with another part of your facility, such as HVAC units or leaking pipes.
Why do I see lines in my ceiling?
It’s called ghosting. It occurs when soot and dust particles stick to the ceiling. The colder temperature leads to condensation, which causes the soot and dust particles to stick. Notice the perfectly straight lines.
Do stud detectors work?
Do magnetic stud finders work? Yes, magnetic stud finders can help you find nails or screws that have been driven into a stud. The trick with magnetic ones, though, is that they can detect any metal in the wall, whether it’s driven into a stud or not.
What’s the difference between a stud and a joist?
Wall studs are support beams in your home’s walls, they’re typically 16 to 24 inches apart. Joists are the support beams in your floor and ceiling. You need to find these if you want to hang light fixtures, ceiling fans or fix squeaky floors.
Does the stud finder app work?
The Walabot DIY stud finder app is compatible with iPhone 7 or higher and Android phones running v9. 0 or above. These phones must be supportive of USB On-The-Go. This app requires the Walabot DIY device to operate.
Will a stud finder work to find floor joists?
Employ a stud finder to find a joist. Most people use a stud finder to locate studs through drywall, but the same principle applies when looking for a joist in the floor. Turn the stud finder on, place it on the floor and move it slowly in one direction. When it locates a joist, it will beep or flash.
What is the spacing for ceiling joists?
Just like the studs, the standard spacing between joists is 16 to 24 inches. There is one easy way to find these ceiling joists – the flashlight technique.
Can my ceiling hold my weight?
If you have another floor above your garage, the ceiling\floor structure can usually support up to 40 lbs/SqFt (including the weight of the floor above it). If you do not have another floor above, the ceiling trusses may only be able to hang a maximum of 10 lbs/SqFt.
How much weight can a 2×10 ceiling joist hold?
Each 2×10 will support 1,200 lbs.
Can you run electrical wire through ceiling joists?
Running electrical wire through the channel between ceiling joists is generally easiest. In addition, your light fixture may require mounting to a ceiling joist or to two short blocks nailed between the joists. Trace and mark the fixture hole and cut out with a drywall saw, utility knife or reciprocating saw.
What are spade bits?
Spade bits are for wood, plywood, and some plastics, and cut quickly with surprising precision. Use them only at high speeds, to prevent the bit from catching in the workpiece and the drill from trying to wrench itself from your grasp.
How much weight can I hang from a ceiling joist?
Simple – 9 lbs per square foot. If your chair does not weigh over 9 pounds—you can hang one on a joist for every foot of length. This is based on a attic floor which is designed by code to support 10 pounds per square foot and then subtracting 1 pound for ceiling weight. You should have no problem with this.
