Finding Ceiling Joists

See the newer easier updated method.

Finding ceiling joists. I have used my studfinder and it indicates my joists run across my garage. Use a magnet joist holders nails and other key ceiling elements are made from metal. Place the end of a tape measure against the corner created where the wall meets the ceiling.

Follow the outlets this method works really well for walls and if you have outlets in your ceiling you can find the. Knowing this can help to make an approximate judgment of where a specific ceiling joist is located. Using a telescoping magnet to find the nail screw heads was much easier than using a stud finder which really didn t work at all.

Once you locate a joist you can drill on either side until you find one of the edges mark it and then the other edge is usually 1 1 2 inch away it can be more for manufactured joists mark it then attach to the middle of the two lines which is of course the middle of the joist. I can t find the joists in my garage ceiling. The tapping detection method requires paying close attention to subtle changes in the way the.

Hopefully that will give you an idea of where to look for them and with it being built in 96 i d imagine that they should be about 16 apart. Extend the tape measure out 16 inches. How to find a ceiling joist.

Here are some more ways to find ceiling joists without using a stud finder. It gets a strong reading consistent places all across the half of the ceiling i ve been searching. Tap the ceiling lightly with your knuckles.

In most homes ceiling joists are set either 40 or 60 cm 16 or 24 inches apart. When i drill in those places i get through the drywall then a slight resistance then the whole 3 bit goes right through. How to locate ceiling joists stud finder.