Fortunately, even plaster wall surfaces still use metal fasteners holding them to the studs, so you can usually find studs with a strong neodymium magnet or a purpose-built magnetic stud finder like the Studbuddy. Accuracy is the central focus of the Franklin Sensors ProSensor stud finder. It uses a total of 13 sensors to correctly detect multiple studs simultaneously, showing both the center and edges of a stud at the same time. No calibration is required, it can detect wood and metal, and it also has an integrated bubble (spirit) level and ruler; simply place it on the wall and press the button. 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. Why it made the cut: When your mind thinks “modern stud finder,” this is probably what you’re picturing—and it works well, too. Despite its professional label, it’s straightforward to use even for an amateur, with modes to detect metal – magnetic and non-magnetic – live wires, and those all-important studs behind drywalls. It has a three-colour display that illuminates green when nothing has been detected, yellow when you’re close to a target, and red when it’s detected something. There’s even an indicator to show when you’re at the centre of the target, while a hole in the unit allows you to mark the drill hole using the tool supplied.

Wallplates are the topmost and bottommost horizontal boards in a partition. Without them, you’d need to screw the boards into the ceiling and the floor. But with them, you can screw the boards into them. 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. It’s a great option for beginners given the price and how easy it is to use. It is battery-operated and needs a 9v to operate which is not included. So make sure you grab one of those while you’re out too. Magnets can’t detect wooden studs outside of the metal contained inside them, and because of that locating wooden studs in a home proved difficult. When you think of a single-sensor stud finder, you’re probably thinking of something in a form factor very similar to that of the Zircon Multiscanner A250c. It’s got a handle and head not too unlike what you’re used to seeing, as well as that orange-ish yellow that just screams stud finder or similar tool.This finder has four modes, allowing it to detect woods, beam, joist, metals, AC wires, and deeply embedded objects behind floor, ceiling, wall. Which is more than a step above your standard stud finder.

Battery type: most stud finders use a 9V battery type, but one brand we tested uses AA or AAA batteries, which are less expensive and more likely to be in your cupboard already. Rechargeable A-type batteries are also much more common and last longer than rechargeable 9V types. Also, you might need to scan deep into the wall to detect pipes and scan for electrical wires, in which case a zircon Multiscanner would be perfect for the job. Ans: We can easily find a stud in the magnetic wall if we slowly slide a magnet along the surface of the wall. The drywall screws will be attracted to the magnet and come closer to the surface of the drywall.

5. Best Wall Scanner and Stud Finder for Plaster Walls—Tavool Stud Finder Wall Scanner

Wherever you find the nails and screws, is usually where the stud is. It’s just a cheaper and less detailed way of finding it, to locate the screws using a magnet.

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. A magnetic stud finder is basically a magnet that hinges or can swing freely on a small point. It is usually encased in plastic or glass and moved across the wall slowly.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. As for the technical headers, when talking about building a wall or partition, you can assume the word in question refers to a window or door header. This is the board that goes above the window or door. The ACT (Auto Correcting Technology) eliminates errors from common user “problems.” For example, if you start directly over a stud that can cause issues with other stud finders, you’ll be impressed with the Zircon Multiscanner A250c. And it makes sense because why should we be punished for starting out in the right spot? A cripple stud is placed in the shorter areas of the wall both above and below windows. They’re also placed above doorways. Without them, the boards would bow, or fall down, as the frames wouldn’t be secure. What Is A King Stud?

Two: Get something that will last. If you want a stud finder that you can throw in your toolbox and pull out when you need it, then buy something that fills that niche. if you want a high-powered tool that hands on the wall of your workshop, then spend a little more money. A stud finder typically takes a 9-volt battery, AAA, or even a AA battery. Typically, stud finders (even the best stud finders) do not have the built-in batteries we’re becoming increasingly used to in our other machines (but you can still buy exchangeable rechargable ones). Final thoughts on the best stud finders 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. 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.

1. Best-Rated Stud Finder for Plaster Walls—Franklin Sensors ProSensor Professional Stud Finder

I highly recommend this product to anyone regardless of skill level. It just makes the job easier and you can be sure you’ve found the center of the stud and not just the edge. While the T6 won’t give you a precise center line, it always gives a reliable target for your screw or nail. Live circuit detection: An electricity detection mode will tell you if you’ve got energized, un-armored electrical wires in a spot you intend to put a screw or nail.