A part of easy home maintenance is having the proper tools and equipment when you need them. If you’re thinking of hanging something heavy on your wall, such as a mirror, then you need to be sure you’ve hammered into a stud to prevent the wall from falling apart. A stud finder is an inexpensive tool that quickly navigates the sturdiest place to drive nails through the wall.

No stud finder? No problem. Generally measuring about 16 inches apart, once you’ve found a stud in the wall, you can use your measuring tape to help you find the rest. Understanding the best ways to hang something heavy on your walls is essential if you want to keep them in good condition, especially if you want to do as little damage as possible.