While rubbing down some window trim with fine steel wool, I noticed some little black dots forming on the wall nearby. To my amazement, I discovered that some of the steel-wool particles were being attracted to the drywall screws that I had used to install the gypboard three years earlier. Evidently, the magnetic tip of my drywall screwdriver had imparted some of its magnetism to the screws. Now whenever I need to find a stud to hang a shelf or a picture, I just gently tap a piece of fine steel wool against the wall until the black dots magically appear.
Jim Murray, Atlantic Beach, NY
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Why not simply run a strong magnet across the wall until it finds a screw?
Or you could use a stud finder - but this sounds like more fun! Though you still have to clean up.
I like the idea of the screw magically appearing. I'm gonna try it myself - just hope all the screws hit a stud!
I often use an older tip: a small super magnet epoxied to the end of a 32" brass sash chain. I swing it while lifting or lowering the chain to find DW screw heads. Held horizontally it shows the second stud over and a mark at 24" shows the location of 2' center studs. When hanging from a high screwhead it gives a plumb line along the stud center. Also good for retrieving ferrous things behind the dryer and attracting nails, etc. from the pouch or on the floor. It hangs on the shop wall just about anywhere too.
CH Hanson is making a magnetic stud finder- they used to be the standard tool- the new version uses modern rare earth magnets for more sensitivity. Won't replace your electronic stud finder, but it's a nice complement. And as noted above, it has lots of other uses. I've seen low voltage installers use one to drag a washer on a string over to a hole.
Why not just "sound" it out with a few knuckle taps? It's the oldest of all methods.
I use the C.H. Hansen magnetic stud finder and sometimes the tap method if the drywallers neglected to use screws or nails on a particular stud. I gave away my electronic stud finders, which I thought were crap.
Why are you rubbing down trim with steel wool in the first place?? All those little particles are going to end up in the trim finish. Even a tack cloth wouldn't get rid of all the little embed pieces.