And operating it, too, can be an issue due to low levels of instruction. However, once you know its secrets, you can use it easily. The Craftsman Stud Finder detects edges only and doesn’t work well when started on a stud. Move the Craftsman Stud Finder from the left of the stud you want to the right. It’ll light up when the left side of the stud is found. Then, do the same from the right side, moving to the left. What to consider before buying the best stud finders When examining the device, we were pleasantly surprised that its case is protected against dust and water splashes in conformance with the IP54 standard. But taking into account that the device can be used outdoors, the availability of such protection would surely not go amiss as it improves the device reliability and prolongs its service life. 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. After spending years tapping on walls and using bare magnets, we’re happy to say that the latest stud finders really are better than they used to be.

To stand out, manufacturers will add features of varying degrees of usefulness. These bonus features can vary from being neigh-on essential (at least, for you) to being expensive price boosters. If you already have one of the best home tool kits, you will likely find yourself not needing too many extras on your stud finder. Never miss a stud again. For those who need to find the center of a stud, either for securely hanging artwork or cutting the drywall along the stud’s centerline, the Zircon Stud Finder shines. I inserted a 9-volt battery, and the stud finder was ready to go. As I slid the tool across the surface of the test wall, diagonal lines appeared on either side of the digital display to indicate the sensors were moving over a stud. As soon as I reached the stud’s center, the lines met in a “V,” and a lighted red arrow appeared on the wall above. A battery indicator (electronic models only) will alert you when it’s time to replace the batteries. While some electronic models take AA or AAA alkaline batteries, a growing number require the use of a small 9-volt battery to adequately power multiple options.

Feature Highlights

No batteries? No problem. This magnetic stud finder is super-portable and designed to detect either metal studs or the metal fasteners in the studs, making it among the best options for those who need to locate studs without worrying about batteries running down. WireWarning ®detection indicates the presence of live, unshielded electrical wiring up to 2 in. (50 mm) deep Stud Finders StudSensor™ L40 View Retailers Stud Edge Finding DeepScan® Mode SpotLite® Beam WireWarning® Detection On first use, I was a little surprised the Vivreal Stud Finder didn’t detect the stud behind the test wall. On further inspection, it was a blatant case of user error. The instructions very clearly say the tool must be calibrated before every scan. That was a simple matter of selecting the mode I was scanning for (wood stud) and then holding the device against the wall while depressing the scan button on the side. In a few seconds, the tool beeped, indicating calibration was complete, and I rescanned the test wall. The Vivreal wall scanner showed a series of horizontal bars as the scanner neared the stud and a beep when it found the stud’s center.

Most, but not all. Some outlets come with boxes that are designed to fit in a hole cut through the drywall. A stud finder that detects both studs and live wires can tell the user if this type of outlet box is in use. Why Trust Bob VilaLoLevel™ Detector displays low (weak) signal objects, such as plastic water pipes, while in TC™ mode 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. While the T6 won’t give you a precise center line, it always gives a reliable target for your screw or nail. High-quality electronic stud detectors can detect studs located deeper in the wall than what a magnet can detect (up to 1½ inches). NEW! Target Control® (TC™) Mode locates the center, edges, and direction of wood studs, and not metal, up to ¾ in. (19 mm) deep. Identifies ‘safe-to-drill’ zones between adjacent drywall screws, nails, or protector plates

Why it made the cut: This is a relatively straightforward stud finder without the frills (or the price) of premium-grade finders. Even if you’re using one of these sensors, you should always turn off circuits running through a wall you’re drilling into. Best on Drywall: Franklin Sensors – Prosensor T6 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.

Safety Considerations

To use a Zircon stud finder, hold it flat on the wall. Press and hold the power button as you move the stud finder horizontally. When the stud finder beeps, stop and mark the edge of the stud as indicated. 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.

Incredibly intuitive and simple design, display shows the entire stud, includes a level and flat edge ruler for marking Stud Finders StudSensor™ HD35 View Retailers Stud Edge Finding SpotLite® Beam WireWarning® Detection 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. Some customers thought that the stud finder was overpriced given its simplicity What Customers Are Saying ACT™ (Auto Correcting Technology) automatically corrects common errors, such as when scanning begins over a stud

Conclusion

Standard practice is to start by calibrating your stud finder somewhere you don’t expect a stud and then move in a horizontal line across the place you need to find one. 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? With 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?