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Using a magnetic stud finder, slide it along the wall to locate the hidden wall studs. When the stud finder 'sticks' or indicates a stud, use a pencil to mark the center of the stud. Repeat this process for all required stud locations along the path of the handrail. The number of studs you need to locate depends on the length of your handrail and the number of brackets provided. For example, a 3-foot handrail typically uses two brackets, so you would need to find two studs. Mark the location of each stud on the wall, preferably below the string line, for later bracket installation.