To find a stud without a stud finder, you can use several practical methods:

Common Techniques to Locate Studs Without a Stud Finder

• Use Electrical Outlets or Switches as Reference Points
  Most outlets and light switches are mounted on the side of a stud. Remove the cover plate and look inside to see which side the stud is on. From there, studs are typically spaced 16 or 24 inches apart, so you can measure horizontally to find adjacent studs

• Knock on the Wall (The Knock Test)
  Tap gently on the wall with your knuckles or a hammer handle. A hollow sound indicates no stud, while a solid, muffled sound means you’ve found a stud. Confirm by pressing your fist against the wall; a solid feel indicates a stud behind it

• Use a Magnet
  A strong magnet can detect nails or screws that attach drywall to studs. You can drag a magnet slowly across the wall or hang a small magnet on a string to find metal fasteners embedded in the stud

• Look for Visual Clues
  Check for dimples, small nail heads, or indentations in the wall surface where drywall is fastened to studs. These often form vertical lines indicating stud locations. Also, baseboards and crown moldings are usually nailed into studs

• Measure from Room Corners or Windows
  Studs are usually spaced 16 inches on center. Measure 16 inches from a corner or window edge to estimate stud locations. This method is approximate but useful when combined with other techniques

• Use a Wire Hanger to Fish Behind the Wall
  Untwist a wire hanger into a right angle and insert it into a small drilled hole to feel for a stud behind the drywall

• Brad Nail Test
  Drive a small brad nail into the wall where you suspect a stud. If it meets resistance and is hard to push in, you’ve found a stud; if it goes in easily, there’s no stud there

Summary

Without a stud finder, the easiest and most reliable ways to find studs are to locate an electrical outlet or switch and measure from there, listen for changes in sound when knocking on the wall, and use a magnet to detect nails or screws. Combining these methods will increase accuracy and help you find studs safely for mounting or hanging items