tried and true stud finder

[elecold]

I'm looking for a better than good studfinder.
Feedback is appreciated

 

[G._S._Ohm]

Here's a starting point

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stud_finder

http://www.consumersearch.com/stud-..._id=S13QuUo-JyoAAAYkAUkAAARA:20121223152024:s

but note that price and quality are only loosely connected, if at all.

 

[George Stolz]

Here's a starting point

No offense intended, but I think a good starting point is just answering the question, as opposed to making the OP wade through links. :happyno:

I quit relying on stud finders a while ago. Too many false readings. I use some dedicated thumping on the wall and a twirly screwdriver. If working with metal studs, a strong magnet finds them pretty well.

 

[G._S._Ohm]

Hopefully, good answers for the OP lie in the direction pointed to by the links that I posted. The Web knows more than any single one of us.

 

[George Stolz]

I read the first link and did not see an answer to the OP's question. I saw a definition of stud finders, features of some stud finders, and not a specific recommendation for any particular one.

I'm looking for a better than good studfinder.
Feedback is appreciated

I see that as asking what stud finders each of us find exceptional, not asking for a definition.

The poster's brevity indicates to me that a brief answer is appreciated.

If you wish to provide links to generalized material, perhaps you could also quote the pertinent sentence or two that prompted you to think the link was helpful? In the forum rules thread (HERE), members are asked to explain why a link is useful to the conversation. This aids the conversation greatly, and adds context to the link.

If you would like to discuss this further, feel free to shoot me a private message.

 

[kwired]

No offense intended, but I think a good starting point is just answering the question, as opposed to making the OP wade through links. :happyno:

I quit relying on stud finders a while ago. Too many false readings. I use some dedicated thumping on the wall and a twirly screwdriver. If working with metal studs, a strong magnet finds them pretty well.

Same here. Most of the time when a stud finder works well, the construction conditions are usually simple enough that simple thumping on the wall works well also. Whenever the thump method doesn't seem to work well and a stud finder would really be nice, is when you are in a situation where there is more than one layer of wall covering, there is metal foil backing on the drywall, or other similar issues that seem to effect the effectiveness of the stud finder.

 

[ActionDave]

I quit using stud finders too for the same reason George states and employ his stated techniques.

George, by your definition, I don't think any of the responses in this thread qualify as helpful.:happyno:

 

[George Stolz]

If "no finder is an exceptional finder" is the answer, then...

 

[Fulthrotl]

I'm looking for a better than good studfinder.
Feedback is appreciated

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/test-a...ner-m12-detection-tool-bare-tool-only/2291-20

it is 'spensive. it works.

i tested it finding steel and post tension cables in a slab,
and checked the results with x-ray. results match.

most of the time i use an $11 zircon that is putty green,
and works better than anything else except for the mother ship listed above.

edit: how'd i do for brevity, george? i didn't even fully spell 'spensive.

 

[jmellc]

I tried 4 or 5 from big box stores. Sort of OK, but didn't locate cross braces turned sideways & not against the drywall. Didn't find vent pipes in kitchen walls.

I started going under sink & drilling 3/4" hole, putting rod or fish tape up to point in question, see if it seems open. Still got fooled a time or 2, as vent pipe might take an offset around a window frame.

 

[kwired]

2 pound hammer is over like 99% accurate at finding wall studs:happyyes:

 

[handy10]

I use several methods: a Zircon, knocking on the wall with knuckle or butt of hammer, a nail, and a newly acquired Hanson magnetic device. The Hanson really finds drywall nails well; you must be careful or it will attract all manner of metal shavings and mar the walls. The nail is correct (stud or no-stud) 100% of the time. Frequently holes can be made where they are hidden.

 

[ramsy]

BOSH - Stud Finder with Radar Scope

BOSH - Stud Finder with Radar Scope

The fancy radar scopes detect objects up to 6-inches in concrete, but still can't exceed 1.5 inches for wood studs behind walls.



$

 

[Fulthrotl]

I use several methods: a Zircon, knocking on the wall with knuckle or butt of hammer, a nail, and a newly acquired Hanson magnetic device. The Hanson really finds drywall nails well; you must be careful or it will attract all manner of metal shavings and mar the walls. The nail is correct (stud or no-stud) 100% of the time. Frequently holes can be made where they are hidden.

i have an infallible stud finder... a 1 3/8" selfeed bit.

i've been drilling this building this week, and i can always
find a stud. all i do is start drilling and when i hit a 16 penny
nail, that is where the stud is at.

 

[MAK]

I have had a couple of stud finders over the years but they were not very accurate. They would find the general area of the stud but not enough to make good use of it. Now I use an awl or small screwdriver.:thumbsup:

 

[tbakelis]

Stud Thud

Stud Thud

I was browsing around amazon.com yesterday for a stud finder and ran across something called the Studthud. Works with a magnet. Looked cool enough I bought it (only 10 bucks). We will see how it goes. I have had an electronic one the last two years that had driven me crazy. I'm trying the magnet route.

 

[kbsparky]

I use a fairly strong rare-earth magnet. It will hold itself to the wall on concealed nails or screws.

Knuckle knocking works fairly well to get you near to the studs, then whip out the magnets.

 

[steve_p]

Got a "free" stud finder once....it was a 12"piece of surgical tube with a rare earth magnet in the end. You let it swing next to the drywall and it would snap to a screw or nail.

Sounds silly but it worked quite well.

Anyway for me thumping works best followed by drilling through with those insulation hangers. They make a nice clean small hole.

 

[readydave8]

I have had a couple of stud finders over the years but they were not very accurate. They would find the general area of the stud but not enough to make good use of it. Now I use an awl or small screwdriver.:thumbsup:

me too, I can find approx location of stud and be wrong 20% of the time all by myself without the time trouble and cost of stud finder

 

[GUNNING]

Knowlege

Knowlege

Knowing what you are working on helps.

I use common sense, a middle finger knuckle, a tape measure, and/or a trim screwdriver with some drywall joint compound.

Knowing what you are working on helps a lot.