Always remove any obstruction relative to the area you aim to work on, regardless of how proximal any rubbish or junk is to your chosen starting point. Most detect minute changes in electrical capacitance from materials of different densities to determine what is just plasterboard, where studs are located, and where cabling or pipework is positioned. Magnetic stud finders are simpler and more affordable, ideal for those with budget constraints, who appreciate a tool with a classic feel. Ans: As we all know that the primary function of the traditional stud sensor is to only locate the edge of the stud, but the Dewalt stud finder is the best one as it can identify the center with more efficient read, especially when we hold it at an angle. In addition to choosing between magnetic and electronic stud finders, think about each product’s battery life and additional features.

To test all the features, we put a selection of stud finders through their paces on a wall of our own making and walls in real homes. By combining a horizontal auto-leveling laser level with a stud finder, you can take care of hanging multiple pictures or longer items with more confidence. Scanning slowly in one direction, past the center, and then back got us accurate results over 1⁄2- and 3⁄4-inch drywall. If your stud finder seems to be picking things up between the studs, it could be detecting metal or plastic plumbing components, electrical boxes or wiring, or metal ductwork. There’s an AC detector to let you know if there are live wires nearby and a built-in level to help you layout your markings straight.V., but are struggling to find a stud, we recommend finding out if there’s a proper fastener for the situation that doesn’t require a wall stud.

To help you out, our team has broken out a list of our favorite stud finders in a variety of situations along with what we like and don’t like about each.Today, when he's not testing tools or writing for Popular Mechanics, he's busy keeping up with the projects at his old farmhouse in eastern Pennsylvania. These finders couldn’t distinguish between the metal in a stud or the metal from a pipe or wire, which meant that it could be dangerous to drill into a spot triggered by the finder. Despite this DeWalt being particularly strict on keeping the rolling speed slow for accuracy, it’s other features still mean it’s one of the quickest stud finding devices out there. Magnetic stud finders use neodymium, a rare earth metal, that oscillates and makes a buzzing sound when detecting dense material. In our testing, it found the studs, iron and copper pipes, and live AC electrical wires in our wall.