Best Overall
Zircon MultiScanner A200 Stud Finder
Best Bang for the Buck
Craftsman ¾-Inch-Depth Stud Finder
Best for Pros
Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Stud Finder
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If you ’ve ever had to install shelving or hang picture frames , you ’ve more than likely had to happen out where the studs were site behind the dry wall . by and large , it ’s quicker and more dependable to use a cock specially designed for the intent : a stud spotter . We decided to quiz a pot of them to help oneself lecturer find one that suits their need , including both magnetised and electronic models to find the ripe stud view finder options for a variety of exploiter preferences .
While pick out our inclination of top picks , we also decided to get professional advice about stud finder feature article from an expert , John Mazzuca . He is a menage detergent builder atGambrickin Point Pleasant , New Jersey , who has more than 25 years of experience in mental synthesis . All his recommendations are included below .
Our deary is theZircon MultiScanner A200 Stud Finder . This electronic option comes with center of attention and edge detection , and it play on live wires as well as Grant Wood and metal stud . Plus , it has a large , easy - to - read LCD screen .
translate on to learn what to front for in a rivet finder and find out which pop models scored highest with our expert and during our tests .
How We Tested the Best Stud Finders
home plate detergent builder Mazzuca enounce that stud finders are great for everyday project around the theater , like mounting a TV , hanging a picture , or installing a cabinet . “ But , most mass do n’t know they can also be used to detect tube , wiring , and dense object hidden inside the wall , ” he says .
Mazzuca observe this is particularly helpful when working on older building as well as homes that have been remodeled several times that “ sometimes have aim , masonry , or dramatis personae - iron pipework hidden inside the walls . ”
Since DIY labor most likely involve fixing up an old building , each one of the tools we tested had to be dependable , accurate , and versatile enough to observe a range of materials behind drywall to make this list of the serious stud view finder .
I wanted to create a test situation that was very close-fitting to the situation DIYers and pros face when examine tofind wall stud , so I build a facsimile of a stud wall . I compose up a trial board with several vertical studs and bind stock ½-inch dry wall to the bottom one-half of the studs . That allowed me to test the pecker on the drywall while noting how accurate they were . In accession , to test for live wire , I ran the stud finders ( the ones with conducting wire - finding function ) over a surgical incision of bulwark in my abode where I know electrical wires melt down .
I score each stud spotter on accuracy , simpleness of utilization , and screenland visibility , and I memorialise the scores on a statute title . At the remainder of the testing , I add up up the stacks for each stud finder and used them to categorize the puppet base on their dear use .
Our Top Picks
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the majority of stud spotter tested were precise and dependable . The unity that were n’t did n’t make this listing . The following stud discoverer find anything from blade studs and fixing to live wire and pipes . Some even detect double - macho-man construction . To test the stage of truth , I constructed a trial rampart that mimicked the configuration of an actual wall to see how precise the stud finder were . Find out what the trial revealed and why the keep up stud finders made it on the listing of Top Picks .
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Never neglect a macho-man again . For those who need to see the center of a stud , either for firmly hanging nontextual matter or cutting the wallboard along the stud ’s center line , the Zircon stud finder shines . I insert a 9 - volt battery , and the stud view finder was quick to go . As I slid the cock across the surface of the trial wall , slanting line appeared on either side of the digital show to indicate the sensor were moving over a studhorse . As presently as I reached the macho-man ’s mall , the lines met in a “ V , ” and a lighted red arrow appeared on the wall above .
The blood-red arrow was right on the center of the stud and had I inserted a nail or piece of tail at that point , it would have been dead - on . I move on to testing for repeat accuracy on a even rampart . I start at one end of the wall and made an entire scan from side to side . Every time the Zircon tagged the center of a stud , I marked the wall with a pencil . To my astonishment , the marks were almost incisively 16 inches aside ( within 1/16 column inch ) . This was without necessitate to graduate the peter , but the Zircon does come with an auto - standardization feature if it ever take to be recalibrated for accuracy .
The Zircon studhorse finder also did an first-class job of detecting lively wires , and while I did n’t have any metal he-man to scan for , the he-man finder detected steel rebar in a concrete plantation owner .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
notice : Since we conducted our tests , a young modelZircon MultiScanner A250cbecame available . Though I did n’t test it , Zircon appears to have update the backlit screen to indicate the scanning mode based on the colour of the display — drab for metallic element scanning , green when scanning for woods stud , and crimson when explore for bouncy wires . This appear to be a impudent addition , and I look forward to try out it out in the futurity .
Get the Zircon he-man finder atAmazon .
This canonical Craftsman he-man finder does n’t come with a great deal of bells and whistle , but it gets the job done — and at a very attractive Mary Leontyne Price distributor point . I was a bit surprised on the first inspection of the Craftsman stud viewfinder ; it weighs less than 4 ounces , and it ’s just 5½ inch long . I did n’t contain out much promise that it would do the job . I was wrong .
I put a 9 - V stamp battery in the stud finder and pressed the power button on the side . A beep and a immature light on the top lit up to indicate the stud view finder was ready to go to workplace . With this stud view finder , I discovered the drug user has to hold the power button down while scanning — let off the button and the tool goes back to sleep .
I ran the Craftsman rivet finder over the trial bulwark and then over a standard wall . When the sensing element detected the sharpness of a rivet , the tool emitted a beep , and the “ Edge ” light on the front lit up . This rampart digital scanner come with an edge sensing element only , but that ’s all that ’s needed to find a macho-man . A standard 2 - by-4 stud is 1½ inch duncish , so by measuring ¾ inch from where the Craftsman indicates the edge of a studhorse , the exploiter can receive the centre . For the cost , the accuracy ca n’t be beat .
Get the Craftsman stud finder atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Nothing could be simpler , or more accurate , than the Franklin Sensors ProSensor scantling finder . I already had this stud spotter in my tool box , but I wanted to know if its exceptional truth extended to the updated models . I was n’t discomfited . I dilute the Franklin stud finder up with two AA batteries and started testing .
To use the ProSensor stud finder , the user ask to depress the scan button on the side ( or on the top , as I typically hold it ) and pass the tool over the wall . The nicest thing about the ProSensor is that its scan bed is 7½ in long , and the finder contains multiple sensors . A serial of 13 lights are located along the top of this Franklin stud finder , and as the tool passes over a stud , the like light source is illuminated . This allow me to detect both individual - studhorse and two-fold - stud framing members within the test paries . In addition , a 7½-inch ruler is etch into the top of the stud spotter so user can tick measurements .
The headstone to the preciseness of the ProSensor is the line of LED light that run along the tool . With the ProSensor , it ’s possible to observe and distinguish between scantling place within a few inches of one another , as is often the case near a door or in the corner of a room , making this stud detector well suit for remodeling contractors who demand to rule the locations of multiple frame configurations .
Photo: amazon.com
Read our full review : Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Stud Finder
Get the Franklin Sensors he-man finder atAmazon .
Best Multipurpose
Bosch GMS 120 Wall Scanner
I set up the Bosch GMS 120 wall scanner highly precise for detecting a range of materials , even materials regain in thicker walls . Like many electronic stud finders , the Bosch take a 9 - volt electric battery to run all its part . It comes with user - favorable images on the front to detect Grant Wood , metal , and live wire , making it easy to use the gadget even without reading the educational activity .
One of the feature film I liked most about the Bosch he-man viewfinder is its actual superpower button . There ’s nothing for the user to hold down while scanning . Use the great power push to rick the instrument on , and it remain on until you turn it off . While this may lead to batteries running down more quickly if the gadget is unknowingly left on , I like this feature immensely . With an always - on power button , I could hold the tool the manner I want to rather than needing to compass it awkwardly to keep a button depressed .
The Bosch studhorse finder is ego - calibrating . Turn it on , select the mode , and then take hold it in place on the wall for a few seconds to calibrate it . During scanning , when the tool neared a stud , an orange igniter ring on the face lit up . As I slid the gimmick over the rivet , the lighting ring turn red , and the stud view finder emitted a beep . When the tool was directly over the rivet , the parole “ Center ” appeared on the LCD exhibit .
Photo: amazon.com
The Bosch stud view finder also hit on live wiring in the wall and on metal holdfast in woodwind instrument he-man . In addition , this multiuse stud finder can rick on a backlight in the display and mute the beeping noise , making it well suitable for low - Light Within situations or where someone might find the claxon distracting .
Get the Bosch scantling discoverer atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best with Laser Level
Black+Decker BullsEye Auto Leveling Laser
Say goodbye to crooked picture frames . Unlike other stud finders , the Black+Decker stud finder features an edge - character sensing element , and the instrument come with a ego - leveling horizontal optical maser line . Together , the two functions make an impressive squad for hanging a serial of pictures or other artwork .
It features self - calibration that requires hold the tool against the wall and then depressing the baron clit and agree it down for a few irregular . The Scripture “ Initializing ” flash across the red - backlit LCD covert , chop-chop follow by the news “ Ready . ” The shaft is then ready to begin scanning .
I tested the Black+Decker on the mental test paries to determine its truth . As I go the stud finder toward the macho-man , a serial publication of lines seem at the kayoed edge of the screen to indicate the edge of a stud was detected , and the words “ Stud found ” appeared on the screen . To find the midpoint of the stud , I marked the paries when the finder detect one edge , and then I scanned from the other side and did the same thing . The center was right between the two marks .
Photo: amazon.com
Then I tried the laser , and I was sold . Here ’s how easy it is to use : In the upper center of the stud spotter is a unmortgaged formative depression with a jam in the very middle . I made a soft touch with a pencil on the bulwark and then line up the jam in the he-man finder with the pencil mark . I then switched on the optical maser subprogram from a button on the side — a hopeful red laser beam shone out horizontally .
I had my helper make a pencil chump about 4 feet off on the optical maser line . I then inserted two nail in each of the mark and tied a taut string between them . I insure the level of the string with my carpenter ’s degree , and it was precise . For those who need to be able to delineate a horizontal spirit level and detect wood and alloy studs , the Black+Decker stud finder does the trick .
Get the Black+Decker stud finder atAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Magnetic
C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder
No batteries ? No trouble . This magnetic stud finder is passing portable and contrive to notice either metal studs or the metal fasteners in the studs , make it among the salutary options for those who need to situate studs without worry about barrage fire running down .
On the test wall , the C.H. Hanson magnetic stud finder stuck by itself to the dry wall when it was put over the locating of a alloy fastener . I moved the tiny stud discoverer around in prominent swoop up circle on a received rampart and eventually matt-up a magnetized pull ; it choose mayhap 15 to 20 seconds .
The small C.H. Hanson magnetic stud finder is an splendid backup for an electronic scantling view finder , and if carry blank space in a pecker box or dick belt is at a insurance premium , it wo n’t take up a lot of elbow room . While some magnetic stud finders feature only one magnet , this one includes two , one at each end . The CH Hanson also include a build - in bubble level , which make the next step — mounting something on the bulwark — that much promiscuous . When the user is done with it , they can slip the compact 3 - column inch - farsighted shaft in a air pocket or stash it in a kitchen junk draftsman until it ’s needed again .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the C.H. Hanson magnetic stud finder atAce HardwareorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Stud Finder
Stud viewfinder fall into two canonical category based on the method they use forstud detection : magnetic orelectronic . One ’s not inherently better than the other ; instead , each one offers different benefits for unlike situation .
Magnetic Stud Finders
dwelling house detergent builder Mazzuca suppose magnetic stud finder are “ very simple ” and utilize a magnet to detect metal nail or jailer in the stud . “ These are great for mundane DIY - type piece of work . ”
As the substance abuser slue the stud finder over a wall , it is magnetically attracted to any spot directly above a nail or nooky . The drug user will sense it pull in that steering , and may even see the stud finder stick ! ( Most magnetic stud finder are lightweight and have magnets powerful enough that they will hold through the wallboard . )
magnetised stud finders work to a profundity of about ¾ inch , which is sufficient most of the time for find stud in walls behind stock ½-inch or ⅝-inch dry wall . When locating a nail or gaoler , the likelihood is that there ’s also a macho-man . Because drywall fasteners are located typically 12 to 16 inches apart , it ’s advocate that users move a magnet - based macho-man spotter over the bulwark in a sweeping “ S ” motion to more cursorily detect one .
Photo: acehardware.com
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Electronic Stud Finders
Though the technology may sound complicated , electronic stud poker finders are loose to apply : plainly direct the tool matt against the wall and move it slowly in a horizontal fashion . When it find a studhorse , it will let out an hearable warning signal and bring forth a visual indicator , depend on the specific model .
Mazzuca says that electronic stud poker finders “ are more precise and sense changes in rampart density . They can detect pipes and wiring , do deep scan , and have motorcar - standardization . If you ’re doing more than just flow a picture , an electronic he-man view finder is what you require . ” However , note that a few of these options want to be graduate to ensure exact outcome .
Number of Sensors
Like all engineering , electronic stud finders have see many improvement from the time they appear on the building market in the nineties . To nail the localisation of a stud , an electronic macho-man finder use sensors that discover a mass behind the rampart . They may fare with a single sensor , in which shell they will detect only the edge of a stud , or they may come with multiple sensors , give them the ability to find both edges as well as the center of the stud . Both exclusive - sensor and multiple - sensor rivet finder execute well on ordinary .
Sensor Size
Sensors range in size . Stud finders with expectant sensors have a few advantage , such as being able to cover a more expansive surface area and ( sometimes ) being able to riddle deep or more solid rampart , such as plaster or concrete . diminished sensors , on the other bridge player , can be extremely accurate . For most home DIYers , sensor size is not an publication since a distinctive stud finder with littler or tumid detector will be able to pinpoint studs behind drywall .
Additional Features
Today ’s stud finders can also pack an extra puncher : Many are outfitted with feature that extend the usefulness of the stud finder and make it handier . From this listing , identify the feature that could be the most helpful before settling on a scantling finder that works .
FAQs
Not everyone can faithfully rap on the rampart and get a he-man — most can’t — so using a stud view finder makes projects go more quickly . Those who are new to the Earth of electronic and magnetic stud view finder are in for a dainty . regard a few questions before picking one out .
Electronic stud finders can often detect a stud poker through ceramic tiles , especially if the tool comes with mysterious mode . One of the near options for detect through most material is theFranklin Prosensor .
received wall framing is 16 inches apart , on - center ( OC ) , stand for the heart of one stud will be precisely 16 inch from the center of the next . Alternate spacing is 19.2 inches and 24 in apart , OC .
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That depend on the individual tool . Some bleep when they detect the sharpness of a stud , while others beep when they detect the center of a stud poker . Some rivet finders honk to permit the substance abuser cognize they ’ve just recalibrated .
Most , but not all . Some outlets come with boxful that are designed to fit in a hollow cut through the drywall . A stud poker finder that detects both studs and unrecorded conducting wire can tell the user if this type of outlet box is in use .
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