Forum Discussion

1L243's avatar
1L243
Explorer II
Jun 05, 2019

Finding Exterior Wall Studs

I did post this question several months ago but got no reponse so, I thought I would throw it out there again.
I have a aluminum sided trailer with wood construction. I would like to locate the exterior wall studs. I have a quality electronic stud finder and I have tried the magnet and knocking method with no results.

I can locate the wall studs on the inside of the trailer with the stud finder and transfer that to the outside but this does not work when cabinets and appliances are in the way.

What's your method for finding exterior wall studs.
Seeking Advice
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 07, 2019
    Using the condensation pictures as a guide measuring and determining stud locations inside and outside is easy.

  • 1L243's avatar
    1L243
    Explorer II
    Jun 07, 2019
    Both look like great devices but I wonder if they work through aluminum siding. I have a decent electronic stud finder that works great inside the trailer and on dry wall but does not work at all on the outside aluminum skin.
    I have tried the IR gun but it did not show any variance but that said I did not have the heat on inside the trailer and I think that may be necessary to see temperature changes.
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Jun 07, 2019
    As another poster said very easy look on a cool morning with condensation each stud will have a pattern on the siding where it's located.
  • shepfly's avatar
    shepfly
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2019
    Lookup Walbot , it attaches to a smart phone and allows you to see what's inside a wall. I haven't used this device. Dave
  • myredracer's avatar
    myredracer
    Explorer II
    Jun 05, 2019
    Not sure why you need to know stud locations, but you can try tapping with a nylon faced hammer on the exterior skin. If you look inside upper and lower cabinets you may see where they ran screws through 1x1 into the studs. *If* you can make an assumption that studs go from floor to ceiling, if you look closely, you can find the tiny staples at go through the luan plywood into the studs.

    CA Traveler wrote:
    On a cool morning I took pictures of the condensation patterns on the outside.
    Or if you get a IR gun, you might be able to easily tell where there's a temp. diff. An IR gun is a good tool to have anyway.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 05, 2019
    On a cool morning I took pictures of the condensation patterns on the outside.

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