is there a way to locate wall studs thru tile?
 

no way huh?

my neighbor wants grab bars in a tub enclosure she cant use because of the fall hazard to her.

grab bars. she asked me and i declined since i cant guarantee what i install bears her full weight in a fall. now if i could get them mounted into the studs.

i looked at her bathroom and it is beautifully tiled to the ceiling. me "pot-holing" looking for wood isn't gonna fly. she does have a small window in the backwall, so i could come close estimating the studs.

they would be on the outside of the window frame on both sides? or just end a the corners to support the bearing loads.?

An Infrared camera will likely show where they are. But it will take some measuring, and it is not ultra precise unless you have a high dollar infrared camera.

The camera will show the different heat from the studs and the voids or insulation.

no kidding? so infrared night vision might work? ah..forgot im in California and not near my brothers SWAT team. damn.

Stud finder doesn't work on the highest setting? I'd need to go back and double check, but I thought mine did when last I tried.

A metal detector might be able to locate nails in the studs.

not my POS. now if i could get the old lady to buy me a GREAT stud finder, i'll charge my drill now.

please let me know if it works ALAN.

is there a way to locate wall studs thru tile?
 

If you can approximate the location of the studs, depending on the size of the joints, you could probe the wall through the grout joints which would be an easy repair.

There are higher power stud finders that I thought would read through 1-1/4” but I’m not sure if that’s through tile or just drywall.

If you were able to access the back of the wall, I would prefer to open that up and install blocking rather than rely on hitting the studs.

Just googled no drill grab bars and found this.

https://www.nodrillingrequired.com/GRIPP-Series-Mounting-Hardware-p/gb00002-ndr.htm

Drill a small hole at an angle in the grout into the wall cavity. Take a small wire and push it in the wall till you hit a stud. Mark that spot on the wire, pull the wire out and extend it across the tile until the line you marked hits the hole. Now you're really close.

See if you can rent a Bosch D-tect 150 or the D-tect 120, I have used them before for concrete work and was impressed.

Wow, never heard of one of these. Found this video. So much want!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeDNVABNkFc

Pull a switch cover and see which side is nailed to a stud. 16"centers from there.

It’s always good to have switches and plugs in a tub enclosure.

Here is a possible option, just tried this, I have a couple of 2"x2" Neodyium magnets and with the mag wrapped in thin cloth I could tell where the screws going into the studs were below 1/2 marble and a layer of Kerdi.

These magnets are extremely powerful and can be dangerous.

Nickshu, Yes those D-tect units are quite good for the price.

Johns idea is simple and perfect if you have an access point along the wall.

What's on the other side of the wall? If another room, you may be able to locate and measure?

Alternatively, if it is top floor, you could perhaps locate studs by the nails in top plate in the attic.

I was able to find floor joists through 3/4 oak+5/8 plywood with one of the better 'deep-scan' stud finders. As I recall it was about $40.

Not 100% reliable, I mark positive readings with tape until I get readings 16" appart.

Good 'flir' type camera may get readings also.

As an aside, it took me way too long (and many burned out masonry and tile bits) to realize that these are the best bits for drilling tile & Porcelain: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-3-16-in-Diamond-Plus-Hole-Saw-W-Arbor-49-56-0503/204994399

that is awesome!! i wonder if i can get one for work? hmmmm..

This...assuming the tile goes all the way to the ceiling...otherwise just find them above the tile.

I would probably try to run a wire or tape inside the wall from the stud the outlet is on to the next stud to be sure that they did not add an extra stud or similar solely for outlet placement.

Can you get into the attic? If so, you should be able to find where the studs are fastened to the header plate for that wall. Measure from the corner and you are home free. The super magnet idea is a good one also!

What is the tile installed over? If it’s a floated wall the wire mesh will reek havoc with most stud finders.

What kind of mixer valve does she have? You might be able to locate studs by taking off the cover plate and getting a tape measure in there.