Finding a stud
Hi, My external walls are stucco over Styrofoam/chicken wire. I am trying to hang a low voltage transformer on an exterior wall & have been advised to hang it on a wall stud. It seems there is not a stud finder that will work, because of the chicken wire. My question is: How do I find a stud in an exterior wall of the composition mentioned? The inside of the wall in question has cabinets hung, so it is difficult to measure. Also, the exterior wall has a "build-out" and rounded corners that make it impossible to translate inside measurements to the outside wall. I'd really appreciate your input on this. Thanks a lot. Phoenix, AZ
I really don't know. If you hunt and peck, you'll have holes to fill which look terrible. If your transformer isn't 16 inches wide, enough to cover the holes, you are screwed.
You may try anchors in the stucco. If the stucco is 3/4", it should be strong enough to support what you are putting on.
I mounted an electric vehicle charger that is a little heavy on a wall we stuccoed with plastic anchors and screws from Harbor Freight. It was very securely mounted and I'm sure it's not going anywhere.