Best Stud Finder You Need To Have Your Hands On
Science has evolved over the years for the betterment of the mankind and has invented things and processes which have simplified work and saved manpower, time, energy and cost. The invention of scanners to detect objects, using various scientific methods, has elevated the productivity of any work.
One such gadget which is being used to save time, energy, cost and enhance the productivity with the sure shot outcome is the - stud finders. In this article, we will be discussing the best stud finder, things to keep in mind while choosing a stud finder and so on.
Product Name | Product Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | A+ | $ | 95 % Quality | |
  | A+ | $$$ | 95 % Quality | |
  | A | $$ | 85 % Quality | |
  | A | $$$ | 85 % Quality | |
  | A+ | $$$ | 95 % Quality |
**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
More…
So, What Exactly Stud Finder Is?
Finding a stud on a wall, especially the ones which are underneath finished walls or wooden frames or ceramic tiles is a cumbersome job. Usually, a stud is located using the assumption that studs are placed at a distance of 16inches from one another. They are then mechanically located using measuring tapes, and simple drilling machines.
From one end of the wall, 16 inches are measured and then a hole is made. If the drill hits the head of the stud, the position is marked. The next one is located by taking this mark as the initiating point for measuring the subsequent 16inches.
To simplify the conventional method, magnetic properties of a magnet are put to use to locate framing studs on wall surfaces. A hand-held device was designed, using a magnet, which can attract the metallic stud. The closer the stud, the better is the attraction towards the magnet and hence the location gets detected. This device is known as the –Stud Detector or Stud Sensor or the Stud Finder.
Types of Stud Finders
The use of the device continuously gave way to the improved versions from time to time, and thus newer and better versions came up in the market. But primarily there are two kinds of Stud finders - the magnetic stud detectors and the electronic stud finders. Based on their operating technique, they are further categorized as under:
Magnetic Stud Finders
Magnetic stud finders have a magnet as the principle component in them. They utilize their magnetic pull for locating the fastener.
- Stationary Magnetic Detectors
- Moving Magnetic Detectors
Moving magnetic detectors use a “Neodymium Magnet” which is suspended and provides free movement. By virtue of this, when it detects a metal fastener or studs, it hits the wall and makes a loud thud or sound. Such a detector can also detect deep buried studs, the only difference is that the noise is little softer.
via Amazon.com
Electronic Stud Finders
Electronic stud finders work on sensors which detect the density or the “dielectric constant” of the wall. The location is judged by the change in the dielectric constant. Which means if at all there is any change, usually lower values; it indicates the presence of a stud or even a live AC voltage.
- Edge Finders
- Centre Finders
- Instant Stud Finders
Edge finders detect the edges of a stud or any other material embedded in a wall or a wooden plank. It has to be used on a stud free surface to calibrate them and then moved over the required wall.
They are supposed to be moved from both the directions to locate both the edges of the stud. Once both the edges are located, you can then determine the center of the stud. The sensors sometimes can miscalculate the edges and hence the exact location.
Selecting One for Self
So many types of stud finders can literary confuse you when it comes to buying one. You must decide based on certain keys points in mind which include:
- Magnetic Or Electronic
- Freedom Of Usage
- Built-In Help
- Light Sensors
- Buzzers
- All-In-One
via doityourself.com
You must understand your need and decide if you need a simple magnetic stud finder or you need an electric stud finder which provides additional information apart from the center of the stud. Also, the primitive magnetic stud finders do not need electricity or batteries. This is an important parameter which must be considered.
Product Name | Product Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $ | 95 % Quality | |
| A+ | $$$ | 95 % Quality | |
| A | $$ | 85 % Quality | |
| A | $$$ | 85 % Quality | |
| A+ | $$$ | 95 % Quality |
**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
The Best Stud Finder Available In Market
From the house of CH Hanson, who are experts in the design and production of powerful tools since 1866, comes this magnetic stud locator. CH Han son 03040 Stud Finder is designed in such a manner that it provides comfort and functions effectively, and help in accurate detection of the studs. It comes to you at an unbelievable price and is worth keeping in mind the features available.
via Amazon.com
Pros
- Just big as your thumb and is feather-light in weight, weighing only 2.4ounces, make it comfortable to carry anywhere even inside pockets
- The power magnets used in the device allows it to remain stuck to the wall, the moment it detects the fastener
- Facilitate to mark on the wall, with its two-level marking facility
- Not only detect studs but also screws and nails on the walls with no false positives, penetrates sheetrock, and includes a built-in bubble level
- The compact structure does not need a battery to operate
- Highly durable and can even withstand sudden fall or impact on the floor
Cons
- Cannot detect any live AC voltage wire
- Cannot penetrate plasters
- Doesn’t have a display, hence less user friendly
- Cannot scan plastic and wood
The Franklin electronic instant stud finder is ergonomically designed in a rectangular shape and is made up of high-quality plastic measuring- 7X3X2inches weighing just around 9 ounces. It is battery-powered and used 2AA batteries to operate.
via Amazon.com
Pros
- Instantly identify the size and placement of studs
- The sensor pad detects copper pipes
- Multisensor technology easily detects thirteen locations simultaneously without being moved
- Bright LEDs immediately indicate the center of the studs, quicker and error free
- Inform the width of the stud by using the advanced technology
- Work on ceramic tiles as well
Cons
- Weak on wainscoting
- Alter the performance in the presence of a metal foil
- The LED lights won’t be able to identify the type of material
- Cannot determine he type of object because of the absence of a display
- Cannot scan plastic
This edge finder is from Zircon, which is known for its thirty years of experience in developing and delivering patented, cutting-edge technological tools and equipment. Zircon e50-FFP Stud Sensor is just 7.2ounces in weight and has dimensions of 8.5 x 4 x 2 inches. It operates on 9V and is battery-powered.
via Amazon.com
Pros
- Can find the edges of the studs with the patented spotlight technology. It throws an arrow-shaped light on the target indicating the presence of a stud
- The compact hand-held device is ergonomic in design
- Two different scanning modes- Stud Scan and Deep Scan making it easy to locate ¾ inches deep studs on stud scan mode and find 1-1/2 inches deep in deep scan mode
- Very easily notifies the presence of live wire, 2inches deep
- Easy to read and understand LCD display is user-friendly
Cons
- Weak in penetrating plywood and seldom works on that surface
- The display does not have a backlight and hence will not be visible in dark
- Cannot scan plastic and does not come with a battery
- Have to keep pressing the power button to keep on functioning. If not, it will take few seconds to re-calibrate, thus there are chances that you may miss AC lines
The Centre Finder from the house of Zircon is lightweight, just 9.6 ounces, compact and handy and justifies its name as it has multiple features. The device uses patented spotlight technology as well as the center vision technology. It easily finds out studs, live wires, and other metallic objects. It is also integrated with ACT (Auto Correcting Technology) which means it calibrates automatically. The battery-powered device is just 6x3X9 inches in dimensions.
via Amazon.com
Works on four scanning modes- Studscan- identifies the presence of stud, edges, centre and direction up to ¾ inches deep; Deepscan- locates deeper studs with high accuracy up to 1.5 inches deep; Metal mode- finds out non-ferrous, like copper, pipes behind the wall up to 1.5 inches deep and ferrous pipes up to 3 inches deep; and AC Scan- finds live, unprotected and electric wires up to 2 inches deep.
Pros
- Work on four scanning modes
- Easily used in all sorts of home improvement projects, as it easily finds out the studs even behind plasters
- The LCD display, easy to read and user-friendly, instantly shows warning of wire warning detection
- Have the signal strength indicator which informs on the depth of the stud
Cons
- Sensitive to rotations
- Limited vertical angles are available on the LCD
- Difficult to read the LCD on certain positions like wall above head
From the house of Franklin, this instant stud finder has a built-in bubble level and ruler. At 6.4 ounces it light-weight and is battery-powered by 2AA batteries. Sensor-based technology is used to accurately locate studs, even the deeper ones.
via Amazon.com
Pros
- There are thirteen sensors which work at the same time and locate studs accurately. The sensors are integrated with LED lights which start blinking the moment it finds a fastener
- The wider sensor pad area allows sensing metal deep inside the wall and brings out better output
- Use a “Triple Accuracy Technology” with which it examines and triangulates data to help you reach the stud with accuracy
- The built-in bubble level, the ruler and the Stud Finder makes it a three-in-one product
Cons
- Inadequate on wainscoting
- Little expensive
- Not very effective on the corners of drywalls due to wide surface area
- The grip is not so comfortable
Wrapping Up
With so much to choose from to simplify your work and that also with the precision of the highest orders, stud finders are convenient and comfortable to use in home improvement projects.
All the above-mentioned stud finders are perfect and suitable for use. However, if my opinion is concerned, I would like to go with CH Hanson 03040 as it can perfectly detect the studs, lightweight, easy to handle and durable.
The ergonomic designs of the stud finders, in combination with the high-end technology make them suitable for heavy construction works. It is observed that lot many professional like- engineers, construction workers, site managers prefer these tools to effectively supervise, and control situations at work.
