The Best Stud Finders
Unless you have apprenticed under a carpenter for several years and know 'the knock,' finding studs or vertical building frames on which to secure shelves, cabinets, or picture frames can be a tricky task. Fortunately, the stud finder offers a simple solution that works every time. Here, we've assembled a list of the best.
What to Look For
Quality jobs are completed with quality tools, so we decided to look for stud finders that are durable, reliable, made from quality materials, easy to use, and conveniently sized. Our favorite came from Tavool since their wall scanner features advanced technology to deliver accurate and robust information. But if you want to ditch the need for batteries, CH Hanson’s stud finder can get the job done using a simple magnetic design that works perfectly. Read on for more of our in-depth reviews.
Tavool Wall Scanner
The gold standard
When stud finders made their official debut on the market, they were pretty rudimentary. If you were lucky, your stud finder let out a high pitch beep when finding any part of the stud, and that was it. If you lived in a log cabin or weren’t a significant proponent of electricity, this was no issue, but what if you drive a nail through an undetected live wire or pipe? Tavool’s 4-in-1 Wall Scanner is the 21st century’s answer to this costly problem. The bright LCD can detect the edge and center of a stud and metal and live wires up to 1.75 and 2.3 inches deep, respectively.
Pros:
- Two modes for finding studs at different depths
- The fastest method for finding studs
- Indicates when you’ve reached the center of the stud
- Responsive customer service
Cons:
- May not be accurate scanning for ceiling joists
CH Hanson Magnetic Stud Finder
A magnetizing throwback
Few debates are more hotly contested than those between magnetic and electric stud finders. Proponents of the former argue that the simplicity of finding magnetic screws embedded in studs, combined with a more attractive price point, is more than enough reason to choose their side. CH Hanson’s Magnetic Stud Finder is a welcome break from its electronic brethren’s complexity and false beeps. This miniature instrument is a fantastic addition to your toolbag, allowing for accurate, hands-free marking with an embedded level and lightweight design. While you may come across some false positives if your wall is rife with metal wires and pipes, applying the 16-inch rule should be sufficient in overcoming these minor nuisances.
Pros:
- Accurate to +/- .5 inches
- Two-way level
- Free of batteries and a need to calibrate
- Extremely durable build
Cons:
- Cannot detect deeply-embedded screws
Tavool 5-in-1 Stud Sensor
The versatile option
Tavool’s second product in the lineup, the 5-in-1 Stud Sensor, gives you that extra amount of power when completing your project. Like its 4-in-1 relative, this product will alert you as you move from edge to midpoint audibly and with its LCD. Once you’ve found your target, switch to metal mode to search for any water pipes looming nearby for added peace of mind. Out of all the features, we were most impressed by the deep stud scan mode, which gives you added visibility for studs set back even further than usual, most likely due to extra layers of drywall. When your project calls for identifying easy-to-miss components, Tavool is the best choice.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- 9V Battery included
- Can detect rebar and joists in walls and ceilings
- AC wire detection is always on regardless of the mode setting
Cons:
- Calibration is required after every startup
Franklin Sensors 710+ Professional Stud Finder
Keep it on the level
Our final product possesses a novel design and superior technology, comprising one of the most accurate electric stud finders on the market today. Franklin Sensors’ Professional Stud Finder looks more like a clunky cement edger than a stud finder, but looks can be deceiving; the wide-face configuration hosts a jaw-dropping 13 sensors, allowing you to cover the entirety of a stud with one motion and drill with absolute confidence. The attached level is a great touch for drawing drill marks, and the grip feels secure in your hand during every application. If you need to find wooden studs and metal chunks instantaneously, Franklin Sensors is the choice for you.
Pros:
- No calibration required
- Made in the USA
- The Deep Scan feature is automatically enabled
- Maximum scanning depth of 1.6 inches
Cons:
- Can only detect studs when the device is perpendicular to them
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an electric stud finder work?
An electric stud finder works by detecting changes in electric charge over an area. Studs, drywall, and plasterboard are all poor conductors of electricity. Nonetheless, they have differing values at which they can store electrical charges, a metric known as capacitance. When circuits in the stud finder move across a wall’s surface, they can detect changes in capacitance, which correspond to changes in density. Once the thicker substance, i.e., the wall stud, is identified, the finder notifies you audibly or visually.
Regardless of device accuracy, is there anything else I should know before blasting screws into my walls?
Short of having a parent in the construction business, understanding all of the tips, tricks, and terms when working with tools can be elusive. Let’s start with ‘the knock.’ If you’ve ever bumped furniture into your drywall, you noticed the noise sounded hollow. By hitting your knuckle on your wall and listening intently, you can hear the difference in reverberation when hitting a stud versus drywall. Additionally, the ’16-inch on center’ rule is actually a near-universal building code. This standard calls for the center of every wall stud to be 16 inches apart. In other words, if you find one stud, you should be able to find two more studs 16 inches to the left and right. Imbued with this knowledge and some patience, daunting home repair tasks suddenly become manageable and fulfilling.
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