The StudSensor™ HD55 deep-scanning stud finder features an enhanced LCD display, with Target Spotlight, that illuminates on-screen when you’ve found the edge of a stud. Select from two stud scan modes to find the edges of wood and metal studs to securely anchor mirrors, shelves, and cabinets to the wall while also avoiding live AC electrical wiring. While the T6 won’t give you a precise center line, it always gives a reliable target for your screw or nail. This basic Craftsman Stud Finder doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, but it gets the job done—and at a very attractive price point. I was a bit surprised on the first inspection of the Craftsman stud finder; it weighs less than 4 ounces, and it’s just 5½ inches long. I didn’t hold out much hope that it would do the job. I was wrong. Multipurpose electronic stud finders are designed to detect additional materials within the walls, such as live electrical wires and plastic pipes so that you don’t nail or cut into something that might be problematic. Studs are the strips of wood beneath the drywall that function as the wall’s frame. If you’ve ever seen a house being built, you can recall the wood frame– sort of like a house’s skeleton. Most buildings have vertical studs spaced 16 inches apart. Electronic stud finders work to locate the edges of these studs through interior walls up to ¾” deep so that you can securely hang items up to 100 pounds.

Never miss a stud again. For those who need to find the center of a stud, either for securely hanging artwork or cutting the drywall along the stud’s centerline, the Zircon Stud Finder shines. I inserted a 9-volt battery, and the stud finder was ready to go. As I slid the tool across the surface of the test wall, diagonal lines appeared on either side of the digital display to indicate the sensors were moving over a stud. As soon as I reached the stud’s center, the lines met in a “V,” and a lighted red arrow appeared on the wall above. Electronic stud finders can often detect a stud through ceramic tiles, especially if the tool comes with deep mode. One of the best options for detecting through most materials is the Franklin Prosensor. Q. How far apart are wall studs? SpotLite ® Pointer shines an arrow-shaped light on the wall to clearly indicate the edge of the stud LoLevel™ Detector displays low (weak) signal objects, such as plastic water pipes, while in TC™ mode Typically, you’ll just see sensors capable of detecting changes in density just beyond the width of a typical piece of drywall. It won’t necessarily matter what that change in density is. However, some sensors can detect more. This includes stud finders that can distinguish iron pipes, detect through ceramic tile and other materials, and even find livewires.

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This doesn’t mean the Zircon is foolproof. We still got false positives with this stud finder, and the red light indicator and precision pencil marking system are not actually telling you where the exact center of a stud is every time. It’s just better than most comparable tools. A battery indicator (electronic models only) will alert you when it’s time to replace the batteries. While some electronic models take AA or AAA alkaline batteries, a growing number require the use of a small 9-volt battery to adequately power multiple options. Multi-sensor/Instant: This is a relatively new type of stud finder that scans an entire wall at once to give you the location of all of the studs. Because this type of stud finder requires multiple readings, our team found that it tends to be more accurate than the other electronic types. It doesn’t require calibration before use either. A “ center punch” feature (electronic models only) makes a small hole in the wall right over the center of a stud, which is the optimal spot for inserting a nail or screw—no need to carry a pencil to mark it.

An ergonomic hand grip makes holding and moving the stud finder easier and is available on both magnetic and electronic models. Some stud finders require depressing a button before scanning the wall for studs. When choosing one of these models, look for a button that’s located in a comfortable spot to both press the button and control the movement of the tool. After three passes you should be able to determine a precise stud center line by drawing a vertical line through your marks with a level for reference, but you can probably get it on the first try if you’re seeing clear readings. When you’re happy with the consistency of the marks you’ve made, you can measure and mark the exact height of the fastener you need to install. First is the fact that you’re working directly over your head. This can lead many people to lose their balance or even to feel vertigo. It’s important that you have a safe, steady platform or step ladder to stand on when you’re working on a ceiling. Calibration mode: Basic stud finders require you to start your search over a known-empty section of wall if you want to get accurate detection of studs, while more expensive devices automatically calibrate as you use them.

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Center: Center finders use multiple sensors to gauge the stud’s entire width and provide you with the location of the center of the stud.

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. 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.Electronic stud finders are more precise at locating studs than magnetic ones. They feature either an LED screen or indicator lights that can pinpoint the edges of a stud and the exact center. It is natural that each manufacturer tries to make its product easier to use by implementing certain features. For example, some models can not only show information about the object found on the display but also notify the user with a sound signal. Other models may feature special pointers to the location of a hidden object, which make it easier for you to mark the object location with a pencil or a marker pen. It is also worth noting that most electronic models have several modes for detecting specific types of objects with each type displayed on the screen as a corresponding icon. Such indication greatly simplifies the use of the detector. On first use, I was a little surprised the Vivreal Stud Finder didn’t detect the stud behind the test wall. On further inspection, it was a blatant case of user error. The instructions very clearly say the tool must be calibrated before every scan. That was a simple matter of selecting the mode I was scanning for (wood stud) and then holding the device against the wall while depressing the scan button on the side. In a few seconds, the tool beeped, indicating calibration was complete, and I rescanned the test wall. The Vivreal wall scanner showed a series of horizontal bars as the scanner neared the stud and a beep when it found the stud’s center. If you are renovating your home now it is high-time to level up your toolbox with new instruments for extra convenience. First of all, consider a laser level to align and balance every item in your house and then get rid of your old measuring tape since laser meters are more convenient and feature the whooping measuring distance up to 300 ft! What Features to Compare Type Stud Finders StudSensor™ L40 View Retailers Stud Edge Finding DeepScan® Mode SpotLite® Beam WireWarning® Detection