Garages and Carports - garage wall studs

Hello,
I want to hang my bike on the garage wall using hooks. I used my studfinder to locate the studs but when I drilled, there were no studs. I did this in several places but did not find any studs. I changed the battery in the studfinder but got the same results. I got a new studfinder that had a button that allowed you to switch between regular and deep scan mode. The new studfinder, regardless of the modes, identified the same areas as the old studfinder did as areas with a stud. I took a metal rod and inserted it into the holes. The rod went in 4-5 inches before I hit resistance. Where are the studs? Are they really that deep? Any suggestions are most welcome. The house was built in the 70s. Thank you.

Not sure why the SF are not doing their job, but there is always the old fashioned way, tap on the wall. The studs should be 16 or 24 inches on center. If you have finished (painted) sheetrock it is possible they weren't that perfect in a garage, so look for screws or nails.

Another option is a stack of post-its or some tape and use the stup finder over the entire wall. Mark each location with a piece of tape, then stand back and look for a pattern. Then tap the wall, just like looking for a good watermelon, and try to confirm the pattern. Hold a tape across the wall and position it so the 16" marks line up with the areas you have identified. (or the 24" marks).

Since you will be patching the current hole, insert a length of copper wire so you can test to each side and locate the stude.

There, short of a line of holes every inch across the wall I'm out of suggestions.

Having fun, good luck.
Bud

Older electronic stud finders at least can be fooled by density changes in the Sheetrock or the way it floated. The old mechanical style that uses a magnet to find the Sheetrock nails can be more reliable. Often with the right light and angle you can see a nail or to the use the 16/24 rule from there. Of course on inside walls framers often just eyeball it.

I gave up on electronics long ago (20+years). Maybe they are better now. I just use my finger as suggested then a 4d nail to verify. Be careful around plumbing or possible electric lines. Know what is on both sides of the wall before you start. I will go on both sides of the initial nail test to determine the center of the stud. Drive the test nail where it will be covered by whatever your putting up.

Yeah, Ray, they've come a long way. Mine detects wood studs, deep scans, metal pipes and electrical, when set to the different settings.

Thank you all very much for your advice. I tried as suggested and found one stud and 24" away found another one.