Stud Finders StudSensor™ HD55 View Retailers Stud Edge Finding DeepScan® Mode SpotLite® Beam WireWarning® Detection LCD Display High-quality electronic stud detectors can detect studs located deeper in the wall than what a magnet can detect (up to 1½ inches). They require batteries; if the battery runs out and you don’t have extras, you could end up with a non-functioning tool when you need it. AC Scan is a dedicated Scan mode on certain MultiScanner® tools that enables the user to narrow the location of live AC (using the Interactive Calibration technique). With AC Scan, the display changes to indicate when the tool is moving towards or away from the live electricity. This interface enables the user to adjust the tool’s sensitivity to live AC. This procedure can be repeated multiple times, as needed.

FILTERz™ technology cancels metallic objects, such as metal studs and copper pipe, and low density objects, such as plastic, PEX, and plumbing That depends on the individual tool. Some beep when they detect the edge of a stud, while others beep when they detect the center of a stud. Some stud finders beep to let the user know they’ve just recalibrated. Q. Are outlets always on studs? A built-in bubble level, available on either magnetic or electronic stud finder, can assist you in leveling shelves or whatever else you’re attaching to the wall. Small bubble levels tend to be less accurate than longer, carpenter-type levels because they only record level over a very short distance. Battery type: most stud finders use a 9V battery type, but one brand we tested uses AA or AAA batteries, which are less expensive and more likely to be in your cupboard already. Rechargeable A-type batteries are also much more common and last longer than rechargeable 9V types. This is a different kind of electronic stud finder. Instead of using one or two sensors and telling you when the reading changes as you sweep the tool across the wall, Franklin designs their tools with more sensors that read a larger area simultaneously. The T6 covers a three-inch-wide section, compared to the seven-inch width of the more expensive T13. How it works

Feature Highlights

I wanted to create a test situation that was very close to the situation DIYers and pros face when trying to find hidden studs, so I built a facsimile of a stud wall. I framed up a test board with several vertical studs and attached standard, ½-inch drywall to the bottom half of the studs. That allowed me to test the tools on the drywall while noting how accurate they were. In addition, to test for live wires, I ran the stud finders (the ones with wire-finding functions) over a section of wall in my home where I know electrical wires run. Always remove any obstruction relative to the area you aim to work on, regardless of how proximal any rubbish or junk is to your chosen starting point. Calibration mode: Basic stud finders require you to start your search over a known-empty section of wall if you want to get accurate detection of studs, while more expensive devices automatically calibrate as you use them. After three passes you should be able to determine a precise stud center line by drawing a vertical line through your marks with a level for reference, but you can probably get it on the first try if you’re seeing clear readings. When you’re happy with the consistency of the marks you’ve made, you can measure and mark the exact height of the fastener you need to install. Stud finders are used to determine where the studs and fasteners in your walls are located. Once you’ve located a stud, you can mount heavy and fragile objects by drilling into the stud and installing the right hanging hardware.

Looking for studs in all the wrong places? After investigating over 28 of the best stud finders on the market, we compared the top 12 models side-by-side. We tested for accuracy, ease of use, and features, both in isolated tests as well as while working on home projects to get a feel of their real-world performance. Read on to see our detailed results and find what works best for you, whether you're hanging a mirror or remodeling your entire kitchen. Deep scan mode: When your wall is covered with lath and plaster or stucco this mode will help you find studs more accurately than a regular stud finder could. Of the two Zircon models we tested, the more expensive 740 was clearly working harder to earn its keep. The extra scan modes for metal and electrical wiring are notable, but the superior calibration accuracy is what really sets this scanner apart. Whether in drywall, ceilings, plaster or stucco, this deep-scanning sensor got the clearest detections overall. The ACT (Auto Correcting Technology) eliminates errors from common user “problems.” For example, if you start directly over a stud that can cause issues with other stud finders, you’ll be impressed with the Zircon Multiscanner A250c. And it makes sense because why should we be punished for starting out in the right spot?

Calibrating Your Stud Finder

The first style is a simple detection and light system. When a sensor gets a reading, a light brightens. This style is incredibly simple and quite common for stud finders with an array of sensors. This contrasts highly with the second common style, which is a simple LED graphical UI. Think more TI-80 calculator (or worse) than any UI you’ve seen in recent years, but still serviceable enough to give you any required information. Then, I tried the laser, and I was sold. Here’s how easy it is to use—in the upper center of the stud finder is a clear plastic depression with a hole in the very middle. I made a mark with a pencil on the wall and then lined up the hole in the stud finder with the pencil mark. I then switched on the laser function from a button on the side—a bright red laser beam shone out horizontally.

The live circuit detection feature is nice to have for the rare situations where it could save you from accidentally hammering or screwing into un-armored wire between studs in houses where you’ve only got bare Romex wire in the walls, but it’s not an essential feature. Stud finders are essential for DIYers when hanging items or mapping out any project on one of your home’s walls. In addition to choosing between magnetic and electronic stud finders, think about each product’s battery life and additional features. We put together the following buying guide to help you examine the most important features when choosing a stud finder. Type of Stud Finder An ergonomic hand grip makes holding and moving the stud finder easier and is available on both magnetic and electronic models. Some stud finders require depressing a button before scanning the wall for studs. When choosing one of these models, look for a button that’s located in a comfortable spot to both press the button and control the movement of the tool. Other than that, this device also comes outfitted with a muti-sense tech, meaning that it can detect multiple 'threats' at once. Rounding its features lineup is the automatic calibration function, making sure that you can use this thing without calibrating it manually first.For those who expect precision and versatility along with accuracy, the Zircon – Multiscanner 740 is a great example of all the technological advancements available in a traditional electronic stud finder.

ACT™ (Auto Correcting Technology) automatically corrects common errors, such as when scanning begins over a stud Depending on the finder type types of objects that you can find with it may also be different. For example, mechanical models can easily detect metal objects in walls, with that these finders are not capable of detecting objects at the depth of more than 3/4 inches, as a rule. At this point, the possibilities of mechanical detectors are exhausted, thus if you need a device with wider possibilities then electronic models are the option.Some models with built-in sensors and scanners can easily detect not only metalware and metal profiles inside walls but also hidden wiring (live and dead) and even gas or water pipes - at the depth of 4 inches or more. A stud finder typically takes a 9-volt battery, AAA, or even a AA battery. Typically, stud finders (even the best stud finders) do not have the built-in batteries we’re becoming increasingly used to in our other machines (but you can still buy exchangeable rechargable ones). Final thoughts on the best stud findersWith 15 wall scanning products available, there’s certainly a StudSensor™ tool perfect for your needs. Narrow the options by asking yourself the following three questions: How often will I need to find studs? Why it made the cut: When your mind thinks “modern stud finder,” this is probably what you’re picturing—and it works well, too. The live wire detection worked well in our fake-wall tests with an extension cord, but the armored cable used inside many home walls isn’t detected. If you know you have un-shielded Romex in your walls, this feature might be worth buying for.