Stud finders just laugh at me in these old places—half the time I’m drilling blind and hoping for the best.
- Same here, honestly. My stud finder either beeps everywhere or nowhere at all.
- Tried the knock test, but I swear these walls just sound hollow no matter where I tap.
- Ended up using a rail system for my shelves too. Way less stress, and I didn’t have to patch a million holes.
- Earthquake-proofing was a whole other level though—anchoring into brick was a workout, but at least those rails aren’t going anywhere now.
My stud finder either beeps everywhere or nowhere at all.
- Seriously, I thought I was the only one. My stud finder’s just a fancy paperweight in these 1920s walls.
- I tried the magnet trick—just dragging a strong fridge magnet along until it catches a screw or nail. Not perfect, but sometimes it works when everything else fails.
- Rail systems are a game changer. I was nervous about drilling into brick, but once I got the right masonry bit and anchors, it felt way more solid than the drywall in my last place.
- Earthquake-proofing is wild—never realized how much peace of mind comes from knowing those shelves won’t come crashing down. Anchoring into brick took some muscle, but honestly, it’s kind of satisfying seeing everything lined up and knowing it’s not going anywhere.
- If you’re worried about patching holes, painter’s tape as a drilling guide helps keep dust down and stops bits from wandering. Learned that one after making a few “extra” holes...
Old houses have their quirks, but figuring them out is half the fun (most days).
Yeah, stud finders and old walls just don’t mix. I’ve had better luck tapping and listening for the change in sound, but honestly, half the time it’s still guesswork. The magnet trick’s saved me a few times too—especially with lath and plaster where you never know what’s behind there.
Rail systems are underrated. Once you get over the fear of drilling into brick, it’s way more secure than anything you can do with drywall anchors. I used to stress about lining everything up perfectly, but after a few tries it gets easier. Plus, that feeling when you know the shelves aren’t going anywhere? Worth it.
Painter’s tape is great for keeping things tidy, but I’ve also started using a vacuum right under the drill bit—cuts down on cleanup, especially when working overhead.
Old houses definitely keep you on your toes. Every project turns into an adventure, but that’s part of the appeal... most days, anyway.
Honestly, I’ve given up on stud finders in old houses—mine beeped at everything but the studs. I swear by the magnet trick too, though sometimes it feels like hunting for buried treasure. Rail systems are a game changer once you get over the “am I about to ruin this wall?” anxiety. For brick, I always mark with painter’s tape first (helps with dust and my nerves). And yeah, a vacuum under the drill is genius—learned that one after cleaning up brick dust for days...
I swear by the magnet trick too, though sometimes it feels like hunting for buried treasure.
Funny you mention that—I've had magnets pick up on old lath nails and throw me off completely. Ever tried tapping and listening for the hollow spots? I know it's old school, but sometimes my ears are more reliable than any gadget. Also, with rail systems, do you ever worry about hitting hidden pipes or wires? That’s my biggest fear, especially in these unpredictable old walls...
