Beyond that, your commercial applications are going to go beyond simply locating studs. The Leica Geosystems 3D Disto is more than a wall scanner–it is a 3D imaging system that allows contractors to model building plans into CAD models. If you get strange readings, like detected studs that are too close together or no studs at all, try calibrating in a different starting spot to see if you accidentally calibrated on top of an object inside the wall. The Zircon MetalliScanner m40 handles an increasingly rare situation—dense plaster walls—better than its competition. Plaster walls, which fell out of usage after the 1940s, present a unique situation for other stud finder sensors as these walls are intensely dense all the way through. That makes studs hard to locate with typical methods. The most common appendage to a stud finder, a leveler—a tool that finds a gravitationally level surface—is a logical choice. Much like putting a bottle opener on a corkscrew, it makes sense to plop a leveler on a stud finder.

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. Truth be told, on the consumer market your primary forms of stud finder sensors are going to be magnetic and electronic–which is completely fine, as both kinds of sensors are more than adequate for day-to-day use. The primary factor in differentiating finder types is the project you have in mind and the needs you have for that project.Drywall installations use 48-inch-wide pieces, so a wall will almost always have studs evenly spaced inside that length. Sometimes you can even see the intersecting angles of different sheets or finishing lines if you look carefully at a large section of wall or shine a flashlight along it. The truth is that commercial and industrial buildings require a different level of accuracy and usability than residential homes. Coordinating miles and miles of studs, piping, and electrical wiring is difficult enough, and that’s not considering the complexity of many commercial buildings. Professionals in this industry usually look for a tool with more advanced features, and with a sensor accuracy that exceeds the typical needs of homeowners. A stud finder is the best way to find studs in a covered wall. You need to know where the home’s boards should you want to install a window or door. You should also know where studs are when working with drywall anchors. Ultrasonic detectors are much pricier, and use sound waves to map out the inside of the wall. These aren’t typically used in home contexts, as they are heavy-duty units for mapping out the internal makeup of a wall. Well, the truth is stud finders are good. If you want to get serious about your DIY or your building business, you’ll make sure to get one of each, just so you’re covered in case you encounter problems.

Studs are used for exterior and interior walls. In construction, a stud is a board that extends from the top to the bottom of a wall and offers support. They come in one piece and are 2x4s or 2x6s. Three: Determine what kind of accuracy you need. Just wanting to hang pictures? Basic magnetic finders might be just what you need. The Franklin Sensors stud finders don’t have any other features, either. There’s no metal detector (though they’ll find metal studs well enough based on density) and no live electrical wire detector.Compared to the other magnetic designs we tried, the Studbuddy Plus doesn’t try to show you the precise centerline of a stud at all. The width of the plastic body is just under an inch and a half, so if you trace a line on either side you’d have a rough outline of the stud underneath. You will feel the gentle touch of CH Hanson, which is a powerful magnetic stud finder. The main mechanism on which CH Hanson works is the use of a powerful magnet and two way level for ease of marking. Many of us don’t know it, but stud finders have been around since the early 80s. These were simple devices that used magnetic force to sense the presence of a stud behind an already-built wall. Of course, they’ve come a long way in terms of accuracy. Another factor to consider here is the styles of sensors on the stud finder. Edge finders will help you find the edge of the stud, while center finders will help you find the stud itself.

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. The Studbuddy Plus is a multi-purpose tool that adds a handy level to all the strengths of other magnetic stud finder designs. This is the first magnetic finder we’ve seen that actually gives you more functionality than a set of bare magnets would. As the stud finder approaches the edge of a stud, you’ll see an indicator that it detects a change in density. Mark this point with a pencil on a piece of masking tape or a post-it note.

Note: studs are generally 16-inches apart. But since not all wall lengths are divisible by 16, it’s hard to determine which side the studs start from. This is why using a stud finder is so important, even if you know the 16-inch rule. Why it made the cut: This is a relatively straightforward stud finder without the frills (or the price) of premium-grade finders. What you’re looking for as you move it across the wall, is the magnet to move. This indicated that there is a metal nail or screw underneath it. Added to the finding capabilities it already has, the BullsEye also contains patented auto-leveling technology and interior line laser. That means it can locate studs, pinpoint a level orientation to an existing stud, and project a laser level across a wall for hanging and mounting. 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.