Easy way to determine stud thickness on finished wall

[branimal]

I am trying to determine the stud sizes I used on a section of wall. It's on a perimeter wall of an attached building - meaning there's another building on the other side of the wall. The only thing that separates us is brick noggin. Think rowhouses.

I'd rather not rip out a section of drywall to answer my question if possible. I want to run mini-split line-set etc behind the drywall and down the stud cavity. If the stud depth isn't wide enough I will surface mount.

 

[Uncle murph]

I am trying to determine the stud sizes I used on a section of wall. It's on a perimeter wall of an attached building - meaning there's another building on the other side of the wall. The only thing that separates us is brick noggin. Think rowhouses.

I'd rather not rip out a section of drywall to answer my question if possible. I want to run mini-split line-set etc behind the drywall and down the stud cavity. If the stud depth isn't wide enough I will surface mount.

Find a stud,push a screwdriver with a flat point through and measure to where it hits.

 

[PCustoms]

Find a stud,push a screwdriver with a flat point through and measure to where it hits.

Small diameter drill or wire

 

[mike93lx]

Any electrical boxes on that wall? There will be plenty of gap around it to measure depth with a wire

 

[mv213]

Any electrical boxes on that wall? There will be plenty of gap around it to measure depth with a wire

This is the right answer. A piece of stiff wire shove through outside the corner of the electrical box. When done, a dab of caulk, and the cover plate will hide it. I’ve done it myself several times.

 

[nadogail]

A bent wire can be used to approximate the thickness of the studs by measuring the angle it makes as you turn it. Greater angle means thinner stud.

 

[Zeke]

A bent wire can be used to approximate the thickness of the studs by measuring the angle it makes as you turn it. Greater angle means thinner stud.

You'll have to explain that to me. I know the bent wire can locate a stud but I don't see how you can get the thickness w/o doing 2 holes, one on either side. Or is that it?

 

[The Cobbler]

easiest way is a small hole in the plaster and probe with a small screw driver or coat hanger etc .

 

[branimal]

I took off the electrical cover plate and tried to push a 12ga wire to measure the wall cavity depth. It didn't work b/c I have 1900 electrical boxes installed with a 1 gang cover plate. (See pic - this is from an unfinished space - no sheetrock up yet). I ended up pulling the outlet back and put the wire thru the hole in the back of the 1900 box.

Great idea to use the outlets. Thanks guys.