How do you find where the studs are without using a stud finder?

You can use a magnet to locate any nails or screws. Sweep it along the wall and when you feel it pull you got a hit. You can also knock on the wall with you knuckle. You will hear the difference of a hollow sound (no stud) and a solid sound (stud). Studs in a home are generally 16" on center or 14 1/2" from edge to edge.

Start in a corner of your room, where a stud should be located. Measure out 16 inches and see if you hit a stud. If not measure out 24 inches and you should find one. Once you know where the first one is, you can measure to find the rest. You can use a flashlight on the baseboard to look for outlets and nails. Some people tap the walls and can hear the difference.

I tried every method and never could find studs. I always swore if I ever had to replace the drywall in the house, I'd mark where the studs were.

When I wanted to put cabinets in my hallway, I ended up drilling holes with the tiniest bit I could. I did the 16" first, then the 18". Then 24, and I found out our studs are sometimes 18" apart, sometimes 24" apart, sometimes in between. The cabinet covers the holes, but just to be sure, I did put some putty in the tiny holes .

I had a friend who had great luck using a powerful magnet along her floor trim. The builders nailed it into the studs, so if she found a nail in her trim, she pretty much knew there was a stud behind it.

You can get an app on your phone

You can buy stud finders at any Lowes, Home Depot, etc for under $20. They work great.