The WireWarning detection feature reveals the presence of unshielded AC wiring, so you can decide just where to install your new picture or the latest model of smart TV. This magnetic device utilizes two Neodymium magnets alongside long-lasting rare earth magnets to locate metal studs, nails, and screws. It detects both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, a feature that makes it a lot more performing than its magnetic counterparts. For deep and reliable detection during furnishing, this sleekly designed easy-to-grip locating device is definitely a must-have. A soft rubber grip ensures user comfort, while the lack of any moving or electronic parts guarantees the product’s longevity. Finding their center is also fairly easy, so you can successfully carry on your hanging or mounting project. The simple magnetic varieties, like the Studbuddy and CH Hanson we tested, use strong magnets that are attracted to the metal used in construction, like a nail or screw and some hangars. If you’re looking for something simple and inexpensive, the C.H. This metal and wood stud finder can be used in a StudScan mode to locate either metal or wood studs at a depth of 0.75 inches, or in DeepScan more to locate targets up to a depth of 1.5 inches. If you want a stud finder that’s accurate and easy to use, our favorite is the Zircon A150 (available at Amazon for $34.99). Lightweight, compact, and easy to use, this stud finder is a professional tool simple enough to be used by homeowners. Hanson faltered. For the next stage of testing, I moved my tests from the interior of my home to the exterior stucco walls of my detached garage. The most important thing to know about stud finders is that they are not magic. It takes away the danger of hitting metal or wooden objects and even live wires. Hanson is. For simple stud finding, which is what we were looking for in this guide, the Walabot is more than most people need to spend. Ideal for homeowners, this tool will undoubtedly help you find studs so you can hang heavier pieces in all peace of mind. In my tests, the deeper the wall the worse all the stud finders I tested performed. I’m not a fan of spending lots of money on gadgets that will be rarely used, but if it makes life easier or better, they’re worth it. It’s easy to use, hanging in place on the wall after you … Interestingly, most of the stud finders I tested did not come with batteries. ", Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision Stud Finder at Amazon, CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder at Amazon, Best Overall Stud Finder: Even when the power is off, you can still avoid the headache of severing a wire with a finder that can detect the smaller profile of wiring like the Fetanten TS005. As far as the live wire indicator, it’s a nice feature, but we’d still cut the power before drilling if you’re unsure of the location of an electrical wire. Fakespot, a website that rates the quality of user reviews on Amazon, gives the Walabot an “F,” meaning it determines that the vast majority of the product’s nearly 1,000 reviews are fake. When hammering or screwing things into walls, ceilings, and floors, you need to know what is on the other side. We tested stud finders on multiple wall types in a 70-year-old house, in order to find the best ones. For the most part, they were all pretty easy to use. The latter is more technologically advanced and can detect changes in the composition of the wall. the magnets employed by the StudBuddy aren't quite as strong as those in the C.H. Reviews, Scans can ​pickup a variety of things such as wood, plastic, magnetic/nonmagnetic metals, and live wires up to three inches deep. Some of the most advanced models may even have laser levels to ensure a positive outcome of your project. Wall studs aren’t covered in screws, so it’ll take you some time to brush the CH Hanson across the wall until you hit one. Which stud finder is best? Even the best stud finder comes at a price that won’t require you to drain your savings accounts. Some models also have a separate setting to detect metal studs. Like other stud finders running on battery, this unit also uses a standard 9V battery sold separately. review process here. Hanson Magnetic Stud Finder... but not similar enough to recommend it. LED lights on the front will light up, marking the location and width of any stud so you will know exactly where the stud begins and ends as you work. Bosch Digital Multi-Scanner GMS120, Best Live Wiring Stud Finder: Hanging or mounting heavier objects on the wall require to fix them on a stud. ", "Uses powerful rare earth magnets to find metal studs and fasteners without any need for power. Austin Fracchia is a writer specializing in home design, DIY projects, and technology. This tool fits easily in a pocket or tool belt and requires no batteries to function. ProSensor Franklin Sensors 710 Stud Finder, 5 The ProSensor 710 Franklin Sensors Precision takes the top spot because of the accurate and detailed look it will give you while in use.