Tips for Hanging Pictures and Shelves
Whether you consider yourself handy or less than mechanically inclined, one key tool could make a number of household projects more secure.
A simple stud finder can eliminate the guesswork involved when hanging pictures and shelves or securing heavy bookcases or furniture to the wall. Just slide the device across the surface of the wall, and when it detects a change in wall density, it signals that it has located a stud.
If your stud finder is what’s known as an “edge finder,” it will pinpoint the edges of a stud. You then simply determine the center and drill or nail. If you have a “center finder,” the center of the stud will be automatically identified for you.
Choosing Tools
Not every stud finder is the same, so it’s important to do a little homework before buying. By visiting the local hardware or home center store, you will find many options, depending on whether you’re looking for not only studs, but metal and electrical. Stud finders range in ease of use, reliability, ergonomics and affordability. It is nice to know that many options are available depending on your home decorating or remodeling needs.
Hanging Hints
After you’ve located a wall’s studs, hanging items can be simple. Try these tips:
• If you’re hanging shelves, consider tracing a template on cardboard and taping it on the wall. Then use the template to gauge bracket placement.
• If you’re hanging a picture, place small, adhesive-backed rubber feet on its back corners. The feet will grip the wall and help keep the picture level.
For more information, tips and tricks, like us on Facebook, visit www.zircon.com or see the Zircon Tip Minutes. Zircon Corporation offers center-finding stud finders that are also capable for scanning for metal and electrical, in addition to the edge-finding line consisting of the entry-level StudSensorTM EDGE, e30, e40 and e50.