Post #535732 by uncle trav on Sat, Jun 12, 2010 5:10 AM

Hi. If your lamp is the heavy type you may want to go with the screw in type of hook. this will make a smaller hole that you may have to patch in the future. Most joist are 16" apart on the center line usually. Measure 16" from the wall that follows the slope up and give a light tap with your fist. You should be able to hear wear the joist is. Pre-drill a hole just a bit smaller than the screw on the hook to help get the threads started and hang your lamp. 16" centers work here in MI. But older homes I have seen have joists 24" center line but the same technique should work. If all else fails you can buy a cheap stud finder at one of the big box store that will help locate the joist but I have never used one. Hope this helps out.