How to find joists in a ceiling quickly - tricks of the trade - Your local Electrician 

I’m so pleased that you found my video useful and I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. It’s very much appreciated 🥰👍🏼

Same thing here! I spend 20 minutes with a stud finders, and just give up until seeing this video. Great job JPS Electrical Services!

@@yweekendshooter3701 thank you so much for sharing your kindness 🙂👍🏼

jberkley17 thank you for taking the time to comment. It was my experience with a stud finder that left me looking for this alternative method. I’m pleased that you found this video useful. Kind regards Steve :)

Digitalhunny thank you so much for taking the time to post your lovely words. It’s so nice to know that my videos help people. Of all the views I get only a handful take the time to engage. This is really important because it helps me to know what is of interest to viewers and what is not. Stay well 😍👍🏼

What kind of magnet do you recommend?

I’m really pleased that you found this video useful. Thank you for taking the time to share your comment. Kind regards Steve :)

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol fdr79066 Iuhit68 r 6th I ippy42

Bootleg, thank you for taking the time to comment. The simple things are often the best things 🙂👍🏼 Kind regards Steve :)

GDR Electrical it’s a Beauty. It has helped me out in all sorts of situations 😍👍🏼

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol Great video and tips, so thank you so much. I was wondering where you purchased that magnet? Trying to find a powerful magnet (for a plaster and lath ceiling) but the ones I've seen are much smaller than the one you're using.

Plymouth Sparky I’m still looking to learn how to make comments from my phone on your videos. They’re fantastic 😍👍🏼

yawroc thanks for taking the time to comment. I also have a stud finder and yet I still choose to use this method ;) I’m pleased you found the video useful. I hope your installation goes well. Kind regards Steve :)

It’s an absolute beauty. Most of the questions that come up are related to understanding how you know when you have the joist or multiple joists. As you know Ben, plasterboard is ‘usually’ tacked at around 300mm whereas joists are 400mm to 600mm centres depending on the construction of the building and the country of origin 🥰👍🏼

Elizabeth Diaz thank you for taking the time to comment. Studs are usually 400mm apart but there are occasions where this may differ. Using a magnet will prove the distance on yours. What do the manufacturers instructions say with regards to loading? Kind regards, Steve :)

Cara Black Thanks for getting in touch. Is this pole for body weight dance practice? Have you got the manufacturer’s instructions? If so, please feel free to send over the installation section and I will take a look at the requirements for you. Kind regards Steve :)

Lol thars why im watching too

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol I am also here for this reason! Mines an Xpole pro, not fixed but still needs to be fitted under a joist. I know which way they run and roughly where they are, however, I've pulled out my spots to have a look and feel and it feels like there is a gap between the old ceiling board and joist :/ Could this just that it is sagged in some places? Bit worried that where it sounds solid further down, it's not :/

Hi Amy, thank you for your question. It very much sounds like you need to get someone to pop by and confirm this for you. I would hate to advise you further and then your next message be to inform me that your pile dislodged and caused you an injury. If the room you are installing in is below a loft then it is easily confirmed by taking a look from above providing the loft is not boarding or there is a loft conversion above. Kind regards Steve :)

ladydede88 it seems to be a very popular form of exercise now. I’m pleased that people are asking because I’ve seen what some people can do on these poles and I’d hate to think of what could happen if one wasn’t secured correctly 🙈 Kind regards Steve :)

Hi @Mafioso1731, That's absolutely correct :) Plasterboards screws will usually be spaced at a distance not exceeding 300mm. UK Joist spacings are usually 400mm or 600mm from centre to centre. PS - The only dumb question is the one that remains unasked. Thank you for being the person that does because there will be many more people thinking the same thing. All the best Steve :)

Hi Jason, Thank you for your comment. I have had this work on a lath and plaster ceiling in a VERY old cottage but I've had it where it hasn't worked in properties that weren't so old. I would recommend getting THE strongest magnet your money will buy and try it first. I hope this helps. Kind regards Steve :)

Screws n' Dado Grooves Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’m really pleased you asked this question. Centre to centre between screws along a joist will usually be a lot closer together, 150mm or thereabouts. Joists are normally 400mm centre to centre. As you can see, that’s a considerable difference so it should be self explanatory. Of course, if there is access to the void above then you can check that way or you could always expose the floor boards. Once you know the direction of the floor board then you’ll know the hoist runs the opposite way. With regards to new builds that use interlinked sheets on the floor you’re better off just working the magnet. You’ll soon find consistency. I hope this input was useful. Kind regards Steve :)

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol Extremely helpful! Thanks again for posting and the quick response. Cheers 🍻

Screws n' Dado Grooves you’re most welcome ☺️👍🏼

Screws n' Dado Grooves - Thank _you_ very much for asking _this_ question. JPS replied & y'all _both_ helped me. As of right now 'we' (the entire country) are self isolating. Excellent time to finish up work on the rec room, right? Stud finder needs a battery. Last time I checked batteries aren't worth dying over (I got asthma). Could be wrong? Not worth it though 😂😂😂 May you never drop the last screw, while you're on the ladder, again. 🥂

Dee Why thank you for taking the time to comment. The magnet that I used was part of a cable pulling set from the Gheko made by Super Rods if I recall correctly. If your ceiling is constructed from plasterboard that has been screwed to the joists then there should be no reason why the magnet will not detect the screws. You may need to move more slowly and just be aware that if it is artex then it should be tested for asbestos before you start drilling into it. I hope this has been of use to you. Kind regards Steve :)

Hi Martin, the distance between joists are usually 400 to 600mm centre to centre. The distance between screw to screw is usually not more than 300mm. If in doubt, you can use a very fine pilot drill to confirm the direction if you are still unsure. I hope this helps 🙂👍🏼

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol thank you!

I live in an NYC prewar apartment, first floor corner unit with identical unit above me, if that matters!

Hi Jasmine, are you in the UK? If so, what age and type of property are you trying to use this method on please? Many thanks Steve 🥰👍🏼

Melody, _wanna be sister wives??_ 😂😂😂

Hi Peter, Providing the plasterboard has been tacked to the joists using the correct method then the shorter distance will indicate the run of the joist. If I recall correctly, the spacing should be 300mm between screws. Joist centres are usually greater than this. (400mm to 600mm) The magnet is detecting the screw that secures the plasterboard to the joist. I hope this helps. Kind regards Steve :)

Marc Murphy, I’m pleased to hear that. It’s a neat little trick that can get you out of all sorts of bother. In the past o have also used it to check for pipes running across the top of joists belie boards that I want to cut with my multitool 😍👍🏼

tuco1099 thanks for taking the time to comment. Each time I found a screw, that was a different joist. That means that the direction of the joists was from the camera towards me. The screws would be so much closer together had I have been following the same joist. I hope this helps. Kind regards Steve :)

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol you’re awesome. Thanks for this response.

@@melvinrodriguez392 thank you for your kind comment. I’m so pleased that you have found this information useful. Kind regards Steve :)

So mine measures 16" apart one way and 18" the other. Went with the 16" being the distance between the joists - drilled - and it was the 18" between joists!! Hm - now where is my filler - last had it when i looked in the mirror!!! LOL! " happy parrots safely swinging from the ceiling now though!!

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Usually the studs will be spaced at 400mm or 600mm centre to centre and nails in boards will be screwed at 300mm. This is by no means a fail safe method but it’s definitely going to be a far better option than just plunging holes in the ceiling or guessing 🙂👍🏼

Thanks for taking the time to comment. That is exactly what is happening. Kind regards Steve :)

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol I used this method yesterday in the process of mounting a new smoke alarm on the ceiling. I happened to have a 20mm neodymium magnet handy and it worked exactly as shown in the video.

@@SuperLittleTyke that’s fantastic. I’m really pleased that you found my video useful. Kind regards Steve :)

@@SuperLittleTyke that’s fantastic. I’m really pleased that you found my video useful. Kind regards Steve :)

@@SuperLittleTyke that’s fantastic. I’m really pleased that you found my video useful. Kind regards Steve :)

I’m so pleased you found this video useful. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Kind regards Steve :)

David, thank you for taking the time to watch my video and post your comment. The reason for this exercise for me was to find the void sections so that I could install recessed downlights without fouling the joists. In your situation, please refer to the manufacturers instructions to see how they specify the item you wish to install is safely mounted in position. Kind regards Steve :)

JPS Electrical Services Well that was a disappointing answer to something you know the answer to Bummer.

Hi Richard. Thanks for your comment. The screws will be regularly spaced the entire length of the joist. If there is a reason for concern that you may not be able to identify the joist using this method then it would be best to employ the services of a professional to take care of it for you. Kind regards Steve

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I’m pleased you found my video useful. Kind regards Steve :)

Thai Johnston thank you for taking the time to comment. I’m pleased to see that you have taken interest in my video. This magnet forms part of the Gekko cable pulling kit manufactured by SuperRods. Any strong magnet should be able to do this for you. If using a magnet on artex ceilings then yes, it should definitely detect the screws in the studs providing the ceiling is constructed of plasterboard. If it’s the old style large and plaster then small headed nails are used which may not be so easy to find (I have used this method successfully in them you just need to work more slowly) ⚠️ WARNING⚠️ If your ceiling has a textured coating on it then please be sure to have it tested for asbestos before you drill into it. It should be presumed that all artex up to and including the year 2000 contains asbestos. Please be sure to let me know how you get on. Kind regards Steve :)

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol Hi Steve, Thank you for your reply. I was able to find the nails in the joists. I live in a partial residential / commercial building. There are 4 retail stores on the main floor with 7 apartments on the second floor above the stores. l have a feeling the ceiling is asbestos free and my only assumption is that a previous tenant, has put 2 hooks in the ceiling already, that look like plant hooks maybe, not sure. But if someone has already put holes into the ceiling, it's probably safe to say that the ceiling is okay to continue drilling holes?

Thai Johnston Is there an asbestos register anywhere in the building. Please do not presume that the ceilings are asbestos free until it has been proven. Many people, including tradesmen do not adhere to the correct safety precautions so it’s always best to be safe than sorry 🙂👍🏼

Hi Eugene, thank you for taking the time to comment. The distance between the screws used will be less than the distance between each joist. I hope this helps? Kind regards Steve :)

Thank you for taking the time to comment. If the ceiling you are checking has loft space above then you can check to see which way the rafters are going. This will tell you fir certain. If the ceiling has another room above then you could lift up the floor covering to see which way the floor boards are going in. The joists will be going in the opposite direction. I hope this helps. Kind regards Steve :)

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol Or, if it closed from the top, do the same magnet trick on the other side of the room and snap a line.

Hi David, please let me know how you get on using this method. Kind regards Steve :)

Thank you for taking the time to comment. The magnet will not pick up electrical cables because they are not magnetic. I hope this helps. Kind regards Steve :)

Martyn Kenneally thank you for taking the time to comment. This is a great question. The most obvious way would be to find the joists from below the ceiling and plot your downlight positions. This eliminates the need to drill unnecessary holes in the ceiling. Once you have plotted the positions you will need to check from above that cables and pipes are not running across that route. If they are, you may find yourself measuring out again. You should drill a small pilot hole so that you can find the mark from above. If you do not have access from above then you’ll be creating a lot of holes in the ceiling to be able to drill and route the cables through the centre of the joust. Remember, you’ll need to see both sides of the joist when drilling or you might catch a cable or pipe. I hope this helps. Kind regards Steve :)

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Using a strong enough magnet, you will definitely be able to locate and mark out every joist. Personally, I would advise that you invest in an asbestos survey before covering any suspected areas. As a property owner, you will probably find that you have a duty of care to inform any future tradespersons of any potential risks that are present within the property (covered or not) Kind regards Steve :)

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol Noted and agreed. Thanks.

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’m really pleased you found my video useful. Kind regards Steve :)

Thank you for taking the time to comment. The simple tricks are always the best tricks 🙂👍🏼 Kind regards Steve :)

use a piece of paper

I subbed too

Thank you for taking the time to comment. With over boarding, the screws used normally pass straight through the plaster board and up through the existing ceiling and into the joists so you should be fine using the same method. If battens were attached to the ceiling first then you’ll need to get an Electrician in to advise further. Just be aware that even if the over boarding has been done as suspected, when installing the lights you will have double the depth to deal with and probably the old plaster and lathes. Be prepared for a challenge on your hands and make sure you protect yourself from the dust. Just another thought, any building constructed up to and including the year 2000 should be suspected to contain asbestos. The reason I mention this is because artex often contains asbestos and should be tested before disturbing it. This may be a reason that yours was over boarded in the first place? Kind regards Steve :)

Thank you for taking the time to comment. In this situation, given how quick and easy this method is, I would advise that you source a magnet locally or order online using one of the next day delivery sites. There is an alternative but it really is a last resort as it involves the use of a drill or fine tip screwdriver. This will require making good afterwards.

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol drilling small holes for resistance?

@@mr.m2695 it’s far easier to purchase some magnets. I don’t want you drilling through a cable or water pipe 😁👍🏼

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol true that.

KubeKraft thanks for taking the time to post your comment. I’m so pleased this video was useful.What was it you were doing out of interest?

Hi

Carrie Divine thank you for taking the time to comment. Are you able to confirm that your walls are constructed from a plasterboard material? It will ordinarily sound hollow if they are. Some walls can use a method referred to as dot and dab in the UK which is plasterboard stuck to the internal wall using an adhesive. This could be the reason why you are not having success with your magnet. Do you know roughly when your property was built? Kind regards Steve :)

JPS Electrical Services hi I have quite an old build house, will the magnet trick work for me? Thank you

dulce Xx Thank you for your question. Properties are constructed from various materials but one thing to keep in mind is that most ceiling fixings rely on the use of screws or nails, most of which are constructed from a magnetic material. I would definitely try using a strong magnet before considering an alternative option. I hope this helps. Kind regards Steve :)

JPS Electrical Services Are the screws and nails generally centered on on the board? I’m trying to screw in a TRX mount (exercise equipment), so it will be good to not only identify the location but the center of the wood. Thanks so much for posting this trick!

E Y TRX, great bit of kit and you’ll most certainly want to know that you’re securing adequately :) The answer to your question will vary depending on if you have picked up a joist where two boards meet together or if the screws are securing the central area of the board to the joist. This is presuming that the ceiling you want to fix to is constructed using plasterboard and drywall screws. The joists are relatively thin so the screws ‘should’ be central. Will your TRX be in a ground floor room or upstairs? Kind regards Steve :)

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Not only have I had success using this method on a textured ceiling, I've also had occasions where it has worked on old lath and plaster. I must add, this is since producing this video and upgrading to stronger magnets. As an extra note, textured ceilings are usually due to the use of artex which should be tested for asbestos before any work is carried out on the ceiling. Anything up to and including the year 2000 should be presumed as containing asbestos unless proven otherwise. I hope this helps :)

@@leojilka thank you for taking the time to comment. If the nails are magnetic and the magnet is decent then you’ll still detect them 🥰👍🏼

🤣Thanks for taking the time to comment🤣 I’ve not come across this situation before. All I can say is, best of luck if that happens. Kind regards Steve :)

I think I need to do a video to explain this. The distance between the joists will be greater than the distance between each securing screw. Another indicator is if you are able to find the floor boards above then the joists will be going in the opposite direction to the floor boards. I hope this helps. Kind regards Steve :)

Tricia Bautista thank you for taking the time to comment. I’m pleased my video helped. Best of luck with your plants. Kind regards Steve :)

Blime what did they do😂

Thank you for taking the time to comment. You will ind that ceilings are constructed of plaster board or plaster and Lathe. I personally do not install recessed downlights in the latter because these type of ceiling are very old and whilst you may achieve a sound fixing on installation, if the unit ever needs to be removed it makes the hole bigger and the light will not fit properly again afterwards. That being said, the wooden lathe is secured to the joists with small nails. I have managed to pick up on these before but it is much harder. 👍🏼

Fasten it to the joist.

Hi Melissa, thank you for your comment. When wanted to secure something to the ceiling then you would definitely want to find the joist as it will be the strongest part of the ceiling. You will need to ensure that your fixings pass through the thickness of the ceiling and into the joist to a sufficient depth to make the item secure. I hope this helps. Kind regards Steve :)

Where else would you hang something..? There are flimsy plasterboard gaps in between the joists. What would they hold??

Hi Adam Field, thanks for taking the time to comment. If the magnet is strong enough then yes, it will definitely work through artex. Two concerns I have here though are 1) You MUST get the artex tested for asbestos before disturbing the ceiling and 2) you may wish to consider how you will proceed if the ceiling is constructed of plaster and lathe. I do not install downlights directly into plaster and lathe ceilings. I cut a section between the joists and replace it with a piece of plaster board. The reason for this is because if the downlights are disturbed in a plaster and lathe ceiling they will never sit correctly ever again because the surrounding area disintegrates. Kind regards Steve :)

Hi Adam, thank you for taking the time to comment. What is it you are looking to use the magnet for please? Kind regards Steve :)

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol random guess.. to find the joists in the ceiling 🤔

@@joshualemire7069 The quality of the answer lies within the information provided within the question. Ask a vague question and you'll receive a poor quality answer. Ask a question with all of the information required and you're far more likely to receive the the exact answer you are looking for!

Lee C thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate your humour 🤣👍🏼 Kind regards Steve 🙂👍🏼

Tina Leanne thanks for taking the time to comment. You raise a valid point however, If the magnet you use is strong enough it will pick up even the small nails that are used in lathe and plaster ceilings which are beneath the plaster surface. Plasterboard ceilings are much easier due to the screw heads being closer to the surface. Kind regards Steve :)

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol Does not work. I have some fairly strong neodymium's and I get nothing through the walls or ceiling. My deep scan stud finder also has a metal detector and assuming it is right (don't trust it through plaster), the magnet does nothing. Next step is poking a small pilot hole to hang the light; then I will know exactly where the joists are and if the stud finder was right. This house is plaster over a perforated wall board.

Tina Leanne we can both only share our experiences. I know my method has been extremely reliable in the situations that I have encountered over the years of working in the trade. Like you mention, there are obviously alternative methods but these start to involve creating damage to the fabric of the building. Something that as a tradesman, I will try my hardest to avoid. Kind regards Steve :)

Thank you for taking the time to post :) It’s easy when you know how but it’s such a pleasure to share such tips with those that don’t know 🥰👍🏼 Kind regards Steve :)

There's a possibility that non magnetic screws/nails have been used. 18mm Plasterboard secured with a countersink screw will be detected be even a weak magnet. In the UK, joists are usually 400mm to 600mm centres. Screws are usually spaced at a distance that does not exceed 300mm. Don't always presume that the first joist starts at the very edge of the room. Let me know if there is anything else I might be able to help with. Kind regards Steve :)

I’m pleased you found my video helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Kind regards Steve :)

Thanks for taking the time to comment. This method works for wall studs too. Remember, it’s the plasterboard screw that you’ll be picking up. On metal track you’ll pick up the entire length which makes the job so much easier and quicker ☺️👍🏼

Ceiling fan’s and more ! Thanks for taking the time to comment. I think your post may have published before you completed it. I hope to see your reply sometime soon. Kind regards Steve :)

Thanks for taking the time to comment. This does sound very interesting. Did you manage to find out what was going on? Kind regards Steve :)

Im so sorry this response is a year late. I didn’t look into it since I live in an old apartment building. Thanks for your advice because it worked out great for my project! great video.

Stuart81 I’m sorry that you feel this way. Have you had the misfortune of this happening to your own work? I do understand that there are trades that don’t appreciate the art in your field of expertise but it’s wrong to unnecessarily damage another tradesman’s work. I’m always fascinated at how you guys are able to produce the results that you do 👍🏼 Kind regards Steve :)

I prefer to use the word ‘improvisation’ 😁👍🏼

Thanks for taking the time to comment. What country are you referring to that uses this method please?

@@JPSElectricalServicesBristol its common building practice in Canada and USA. The edge of the joist is only 1.5 inch and are 16 in on center. To avoid waviness in the drywall caused by curved joists and also to avoid to put too many screws (required excessive mud work after) we install 1x3 strapping for ceilings 20 inch on center and then hang the drywall. A construction screw to a joist carries 80 lbs of weight but the construction screw into the strapping will be limited by commonly used drywall screws that are used to attach strappings to the joists.

Indeed they are. Nails and screws that attach the ceiling to the joists are metal ;)

I thought they were trying to ban them?