Forum Discussion

RobWNY's avatar
RobWNY
Explorer
Sep 29, 2020

Stud Finders

I have aluminum studs and want to attach a TV bracket. Any ideas on which brand would be best with density?
  • RobWNY wrote:
    Lynnmor wrote:
    Aluminum framed trailers may have as few as three studs over the entire length of the side. The wall may have steel sheet metal just under the paneling for attaching a TV and it can be found with a strong magnet. A stud finder for wooden studs will be pretty much useless. If you had a sticker showing the TV mount location then go by that, if you want an alternate location, good luck. Contact the manufacturer if in doubt.

    That's the problem Lynnmor, there is a sticker and I've talked with three different people that used the sticker for guidance on the exact same RV that I have and the sticker had been placed in the wrong spot. I'm not drilling pilot holes only to learn some flunkie put the sticker in the wrong place.


    Did you try the magnet? If you find a square of sheet metal, then fasten the mount with sheet metal screws. Folks drill and think there is nothing in there but the drill goes thru the sheet metal quickly. Then there are those that use wood screws that destroy the pilot hole. Use #8 or #10 screws that will enter the wall about 1/2" using a pilot hole the root diameter of the screw.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I recall a device and I ***THINK*** it is the device IU will provide a link to that was advertised on TV a while back that could see through walls. It could not only detect wood/metal studs but things like rats and mice

    https://walabot.com/see-through-walls
  • wa8yxm wrote:
    I recall a device and I ***THINK*** it is the device IU will provide a link to that was advertised on TV a while back that could see through walls. It could not only detect wood/metal studs but things like rats and mice

    https://walabot.com/see-through-walls


    I looked up this device on Amazon. It appears it will only work with Android phones.

    It also has a 11 percent one star rating.
  • I'm a stud will it find me ????

    (Sorry, I know this post was not helpful to the thread but, I've always wanted to say that.)
  • CavemanCharlie wrote:
    I'm a stud will it find me ????

    (Sorry, I know this post was not helpful to the thread but, I've always wanted to say that.)


    Yeah, was gonna say...All I do is look in a mirror. Works every time!
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Regarding using a magnet to find the fasteners. Aluminum studs one should use aluminum screws (NOTE THE KEY WORD SHOULD, Does not mean they do)

    And I'm glad I added the ***THINK*** to the wal-bot )

    When I was looking for it I found several competing products
  • wa8yxm wrote:
    Regarding using a magnet to find the fasteners. Aluminum studs one should use aluminum screws (NOTE THE KEY WORD SHOULD, Does not mean they do)

    And I'm glad I added the ***THINK*** to the wal-bot )

    When I was looking for it I found several competing products



    It is STEEL sheet metal you are looking for. A simple magnet will work, the OP has not mentioned if he tried it.
  • caver wrote:
    Project Farm just evaluated a bunch of stud finders.

    I saw that and actually posted a comment there about aluminum studs and RV walls.

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