DB-02Confirm you've got a timber stud, and check for cables and pipesRun a stud detector or magnet across the wall at your marked height to find the stud, then check with a hollow sound test — timber studs usually sit 400mm or 600mm apart. Drill a small pilot hole and look at what comes out: pale wood dust means timber, fine grey swarf means metal, and metal studs need a different fixing to this guide. Before drilling, find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns, and if there's any doubt about what's behind the wall, isolate the circuit at the consumer unit first — detectors miss cables in conduit or outside safe zones.