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How to find stud in ceiling for removable pole
So I plan to order my pole in the next week and I’ve tried knocking on the ceiling to find the studs but yeah no luck. Also I heard some people just put their poles up without finding the stud and haven’t had problems but should you find the stud? I plan on doing aggressive moves if it makes a difference
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3 Replies
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Hey Mermaid21!
Yes, you should definitely find the stud in your ceiling. Most, if not all the poles I know of use pressure to stay up and withstand our using them, and that pressure is placed into the ceiling and the floor. Without a stud above the pole, you risk the pole breaking through the ceiling (or cracking it, at the very least), or simply coming down while you are using it. If you know people who have chosen not to find a stud, and are steadfast in this decision, my recommendation would be not to use their poles.
I’m not quite sure what you mean by “aggressive moves,” though hopefully you’ll be doing them on a reputable pole, and well within your physical limits so as not to cause injury.
That said, easiest way to find a stud is a stud finder, often purchased at any local hardware store. They’re usually fairly cheap, and do work through most surfaces (such as stucco and drywall).
Otherwise, you can find a nearby light fixture, and remove the assembly down to the wires coming out (don’t remove those!), and then either look through or feel through to find a beam. If it’s a newer house or apartment, these are often about 16 inches apart (as far as I recall, though I don’t know about building code in your area), and all run in the same direction. If you locate one that way, your safest bet is to actually use the stud you have located there.
Some houses are… not new, and are not built to the same code, so things get tricky!The only exception I have found to the “must find a stud” rule is when I was in a VERY old house, and the entire ceiling was made up of thick wood and plaster- no drywall. The thing could have withstood a bomb. I still insisted on locating a stud, but it wouldn’t have made a difference, really.
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So if you look at your ceiling at an angle you will see seams (There is not a single drywaller that is good enough to make a perfectly flat ceiling). Those seams are where 2 pieces of drywall come together and they are nailed into the joist. That is one of the easiest ways to find joists. But really, stud finders are only about $20.
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Please find the stud, that’s dangerous and your pole will fall. One time I had a crappy electronic stud finder which are finicky and will tell you different readings all the time etc. I knew I was around the stud but I couldn’t find the exact area but figured since I was near it I would be fine. My pole fell during a fireman spin.
Anywho, to save you some trouble, I would invest in a magnetic stud finder which are cheap $5-$20. Magnetic stud finders are old school and at times difficult to find in stores, but they can’t lie like an electronic one. Unless you shell out a couple hundred for a commercial grade stud finder, they suck. And we aren’t carpenters so we don’t need that.
$5-$20 is nothing compared to being safe and having your peace of mind. They can be found on amazon btw.
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