If you are looking to locate wood studs and or electrical wires behind standard sheetrock type walls, I’d recommend the Zircon with deep stud/electrical alert/ metal detection. I have both a Stanley and a Zircon and find that the Zircon is the most dependable. Neither is 100% accurate, but usually do a good job.

What should I look for when buying a stud finder?

What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Stud Finder?

  • Sensor Size for Electronic Stud Finders. …
  • Targeting Features for Electronic Stud Finders. …
  • Visual Displays and Other Indicators for Electronic Stud Finders. …
  • About Indicators and Magnetic Stud Finders. …
  • Grip and Hands-free Usage.





What stud finder works best?

Top 5 Stud Finders

  • Best Accuracy: Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710+ Professional Stud Finder.
  • Best Grip: Zircon Stud Finder.
  • Best Laser: BLACK+DECKER Line Laser.
  • Best For Metal Scanning: VIVREAL Stud Finder Wall Scanner.
  • Best Multipurpose: Tavool Stud Finder Wall Scanner.


Do all stud finders work the same?

Most magnet-type stud finders don’t work effectively since they reply on locating the fasteners (screws) used to secure the drywall. These can be very difficult to locate. In addition, magnetic stud finders don’t necessarily help you if you have wiring run down the middle of a section of furring strips.

What is the difference in stud finders?





Electronic stud finders generally sense objects buried deeper inside the walls than magnetic stud sensors, but they also cost more. Magnetic stud finders contain rare earth magnets that don’t actually detect wood inside the walls; instead, they detect the metal in the screws or nails holding the studs in place.

Is it worth buying a stud finder?

A stud finder is good for, well, finding studs you can’t see. Knowing where those are is crucial so you can be sure to screw into them instead of just the drywall when you’re hanging something heavy, like a mirror or a mount for, say, a flat-screen TV.

Can I use my iPhone as a stud finder?

First, no iPhone app can locate 2x4s because phone hardware generally doesn’t include an electromagnetic density sensor to find wooden studs.

How much does a good stud finder cost?

A very good electronic finder will run you north of $50—too much to pay for something you might use only a few times a year, if that. A good magnetic one costs about $10, so we focused our search on a good magnetic option.

Are magnetic stud finders good?



Wall material: While most people will be dealing with drywall, older homes may have plaster-and-lath walls. In our experience, magnetic stud finders are more effective on plaster-and-lath, because the line of nails that secure the lathe to the stud runs all the way up the wall.

How deep can a stud finder go?

Magnetic stud finders work to a depth of about ¾ inch, which is sufficient most of the time for finding studs behind standard ½-inch or ⅝-inch drywall. When you locate a nail or screw, you’ve located a stud.

Can stud finder detect wires?

Electronic models with advanced scanners have stud detection technology that can pinpoint electrical wires and a non-ferrous metal like copper piping. With a stud finder, you can locate wires or wood studs using a magnetic stud finder or you can use electronic stud finders.

How do you avoid drilling wires?



Investing in professional equipment, such as a cable avoidance tool, is the safest option to avoid wires. However, if you don’t have access to this, most wiring runs horizontally 6 inches or 12 inches above the receptacle, so avoid these areas. If it is possible, only drill shallow holes.

Do stud finders work through wood?

Stud finders are little devices used to locate the beam of wood, metal, wiring running through drywall, so you can find something strong to screw things too.

Can I use my phone as a stud finder?

Stud finder app for iOS and Android brings the simplicity and effectiveness of a real stud detector tool to your iPhone or Android device. The app uses your device’s compass (magnetometer sensor) to pinpoint metal studs, nails, and screws embedded in all wood wall studs.

Do you need a stud finder to mount a TV?

Make sure you have the tools needed to mount a television on your wall. You’ll need a stud finder, drill, a drill bit that is around the same size as the mount screws and a screwdriver bit. If you don’t have the tools you need, and you don’t want to invest in them, you can rent them at some home improvement stores.

Can a stud finder tell the difference between a stud and a pipe?



Will a Stud Finder Detect PVC Pipe? Most stud finders cannot detect PVC pipes unless there is water running through them. The same goes for other plastic pipes, such as PEX. To allow your stud finder to locate these pipes in your wall, turn on both the hot and cold taps in the room.

Can a stud finder be wrong?

Even though your tool indicated that it located a stud right where you need it, a stud finder can signal false positives when there is metal piping or flashing or brackets within the wall.

What does lightning bolt mean on stud finder?

The WireWarning ® detection is always on in StudScan, DeepScan ®, or Metal Scan modes. (An LED light will flash, or a lightning bolt icon will appear on the LCD display when live AC voltage is present, depending on the model.)

How do you tell if you’re drilling into a stud?

Make a fist and knock on the wall with your knuckles. In some places, you’ll hear a hollow sound. Other areas will sound more “solid.” The “solid” sound indicates you have knocked on a stud. Studs are located about 16 to 24-inches apart.

How do you know if it’s safe to drill into a wall?



What to Know Before Drilling into a Wall

  • Avoid drilling near light sockets or outlets. One of the main reasons drilling into the wall can be dangerous is that you risk hitting electrical wires or gas and water pipes. …
  • Take extra care in bathrooms and kitchens. …
  • Invest in a stud finder. …
  • Contact a professional to be sure.


How can you tell if wood is behind drywall?


Quote from Youtube video: Into a stud finder as it vibrates the louder. Sound let you know which spots inside the wall are the most hollow. While the softer sounding the case that you're likely on top of a stud. Or.