Need a Reliable Stud Finder

jimgood · Jun 30, 2015

WALL STUDS, IDIOT!!! :lol_hitti

I've had a Zircon stud finder for many years and it's been pretty good. But, today, it was absolutely miserable. I was trying to locate studs to mount a hanger for my QuickJacks. Every time it lit up to indicate a stud location, I would drill through the drywall into thin air!

I tried knock testing but I wasn't 100% sure. I ended up drilling small holes 1/2" apart horizontally until I hit wood. It was maddening! I ran the stud finder over those areas again and it still did not indicate over those spots. WTF!?!

And, yes, I know how to use the thing. You hold it over a spot where you're sure there is no stud, hold the button, wait for the light to go out, then slide horizontally until it lights up again. Pretty simple.

So, maybe it's just old. I put a fresh battery in it so I know that's not the issue.

So, besides the knock test, what do you guys use?

In case you're wondering, this is what I was mounting: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4961160&postcount=24

cagullett1 · Jun 30, 2015

Look no further... I thought EVERY wall stud finder was worthless until I tried this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064EICKG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_9&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

txvwnut · Jun 30, 2015

Get yourself a monkey hook for hanging pictures and a picture to hang and you'll find a stud every time.

Git · Jun 30, 2015

cagullett1 said:
Look no further... I thought EVERY wall stud finder was worthless until I tried this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064EICKG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_9&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

The pro sensor works well, but a simple magnet is hard to beat

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IKK0OI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

encantofred · Jun 30, 2015

i have used all the electronic ones and i prefer the simple magnet ones. this one below is what i use and is awesome. small, simple and cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FRI5TMY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

tom

bcradio · Jun 30, 2015

cagullett1 said:
Look no further... I thought EVERY wall stud finder was worthless until I tried this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064EICKG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_9&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

This is a great product. I recommend this as well.

I don't prefer a magnet myself.

jimgood · Jun 30, 2015

cagullett1 said:
Look no further... I thought EVERY wall stud finder was worthless until I tried this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064EICKG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_9&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Right after I posted this thread I did a search on stud finders and that one comes up as being highly rated. I like the way it's designed. Pricey though.

Git said:
The pro sensor works well, but a simple magnet is hard to beat

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IKK0OI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

****. If I had used my noggen! I have some rare earth magnets on my work bench.

rsanter · Jun 30, 2015

cagullett1 said:
Look no further... I thought EVERY wall stud finder was worthless until I tried this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064EICKG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_9&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I have the blue one just like this that came from Costco. it works great and the price at Costco was $39.99

bob

dngrmse · Jun 30, 2015

I tried a few different zircon ones, false readings on just about everyone I ever owned. I bought a magnet at Home Depot, and haven't looked back since.

Gotcha640 · Jun 30, 2015

If I have something that needs to mount directly to the stud, I'll cut the drywall and make proper mounts.

I also use a bent wire, drill about 1/4" hole, put about 6 inches of coat hanger in the wall, bend it around, and rotate it until you hit the stud. You know the angle and the distance, so you know where the stud is. I'm about to do that all over a finished garage for French cleats, and I'll cover the holes with the cleats.

Zartan · Jun 30, 2015

I have a collection of questionable ones, so I just bought a Milwaukee Sub-Scanner

Gogo300 · Jun 30, 2015

I have one in my bathroom. It's called a mirror.

Cruzomatic · Jun 30, 2015

Git said:
The pro sensor works well, but a simple magnet is hard to beat

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IKK0OI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Exactly the one I have and love it. Perfect every single time!! I can't recommend it enough.

Angelfire · Jun 30, 2015

I have the Prosensor linked above. Generally works but I went to the magnets like many and haven't looked back

orca8589 · Jun 30, 2015

I have a Zircon, and for the last several years I've been using a little Stanley #47-400 magnetic stud finer. I kept having problems with "phantom" studs (and useless extra holes) from the Zircon.

The #47-400 is a little tedious at times, but once you're used to it, it works fine.

~Chris

upndown · Jun 30, 2015

Hammer, piece of paper and a small brad. Back hung thousands of garage doors and openers using that method! :thumbup:

They don't break falling off the ladder either. D

bobcatdan · Jun 30, 2015

I have $40 zircon. It's hit and miss. I have found what works best for me is find one stud and use a tape measure from there.

jcfields · Jun 30, 2015

Trey T · Jun 30, 2015

I like Hanson magnetic stud finder. It's simple rugged and reliable every time.

Caman · Jun 30, 2015

cagullett1 said:
Look no further... I thought EVERY wall stud finder was worthless until I tried this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064EICKG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_9&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I have this for wood studs and love it, I use a magnet for metal studs.

onarant · Jun 30, 2015

Git said:
The pro sensor works well, but a simple magnet is hard to beat

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IKK0OI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is what I use, Never fails.

volleyball · Jun 30, 2015

Gogo300 said:
I have one in my bathroom. It's called a mirror.

So you are the Evil Queen?

bfm336 · Jun 30, 2015

Git said:
The pro sensor works well, but a simple magnet is hard to beat

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IKK0OI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Without a doubt these two are the best. The electronic one is also sold through Menards online only.

kctyphoon · Jun 30, 2015

rsanter said:
I have the blue one just like this that came from Costco. it works great and the price at Costco was $39.99

bob

+1 on the costco model

ozyborn · Jun 30, 2015

My wife did a great job. She found me.

But to your question. I have used several different electronic ones in my job and the magnetic type. But the thermal scanner is the best by far. Bit on the $$ side. But I found one at an auction that I picked up for under $100.

kstools · Jun 30, 2015

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E01R4U4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have a couple of this style of shinwa stud finder. I use these when I absolutely need to know each edge of stud. The pin hole is almost invisible. This also shows wall thickness. A fancier option to the tack nail I guess.

I also use a shinwa 78674.

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/maru9/item/shinwa_78674/?s-id=borderless_recommend_item_en

Works like other magnetic finders and has a pin that moves to show when centered over nail or stud. Quick and easy.

Both have certain limitations but I find these to be foolproof for the most part. Would be hard to go back to the electronic ones, short of a sub scanner.

Daves69 · Jun 30, 2015

I have the best luck shining a flashlight along the wall and can usually see the nail patches and the seams.

malykaii · Jun 30, 2015

jimgood said:
WALL STUDS, IDIOT!!!
[/url]

Damn yo, and I was all excited and ready to load this place with stupid comments.

Zrexxer · Jun 30, 2015

I use both the Franklin electronic one and the Hanson magnetic one in concert. Pretty happy with both of them, but they each have their strengths.

8comm13 · Jun 30, 2015

cagullett1 said:
Look no further... I thought EVERY wall stud finder was worthless until I tried this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064EICKG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_9&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Another vote for this one.

jimgood · Jul 1, 2015

With the magnet, it seems like you would have to hunt around more to find either drywall nails or nails where the studs meet the floor/top plate. Is that right?

bcradio · Jul 1, 2015

jimgood said:
With the magnet, it seems like you would have to hunt around more to find either drywall nails or nails where the studs meet the floor/top plate. Is that right?

On wood studs yes. And then you have to hope that the nail/screw was put in correctly (on a stud and in the center of the stud) by the drywall installer.

There must be lots of people in here with metal studs.

boosteddsm92 · Jul 1, 2015

cagullett1 said:
Look no further... I thought EVERY wall stud finder was worthless until I tried this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064EICKG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_9&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Sal Bandini · Jul 1, 2015

String and rare earth magnet. Practically free.

Fugio · Jul 2, 2015

cagullett1 said:
Look no further... I thought EVERY wall stud finder was worthless until I tried this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064EICKG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_9&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

+1 !!!

I've owned tons of stud finders. This is the ONLY one worth a ****. BUY IT NOW!

mossyboy6 · Jul 2, 2015

I haven't even pulled out an electric stud finder since I got the little magnetic one. Love that little thing, use it almost every day at work.

I also use it all the time finding dropped screws, bits, etc...

NewShockerGuy · Jul 2, 2015

Gotcha640 said:
If I have something that needs to mount directly to the stud, I'll cut the drywall and make proper mounts.

I also use a bent wire, drill about 1/4" hole, put about 6 inches of coat hanger in the wall, bend it around, and rotate it until you hit the stud. You know the angle and the distance, so you know where the stud is. I'm about to do that all over a finished garage for French cleats, and I'll cover the holes with the cleats.

Interested as why you do the drywall removal? I have just acquired two large wall cabinets that must weigh in at 80lbs-100lbs... 77" wide, 44" height, 12" depth. I have normally hung everything onto studs but never cut the dry wall underneath...

If I am hitting studs every 12" in the garage to support the 77" wide cabinet and anchoring it in say 3 screws per 12" would that be enough via the height of 44"? IE: 6 screws per row and 3 rows... So 18 deck screws that are going into the back of the solid plywood cabinet into 6 studs....

Row 1. * * * * * *
Row 2. * * * * * *
Row 3. * * * * * *

thanks,
-Nigel

Gotcha640 · Jul 2, 2015

NewShockerGuy said:
Interested as why you do the drywall removal?

I cut in to the drywall when I want the stronger attachment. For example, I'm putting up a foldup table on the wall in my garage (hesitate to call it a work bench, more of an assembly table, but I'll do things like soldering and drilling, no hammering).

The wall side will attach to a 2x4 that I cut the drywall to attach directly to the studs, and I also cut in at the footer to attach some angle braces.

The way I look at it is, if this table is unfolded, and my neighbor walks in with a lawnmower engine, or my wife comes in with three gallons of paint, or my brother comes over with a whole pig over his shoulder (happened before...) and dumps it on the first flat surface they see, I don't want it collapsing/tearing off the wall.

If you put your cabinet up and you keep shop towels or small hand tools, or otherwise keep it for light use, and then someone decides it looks like a great place to keep their anvil collection, will it hold?

I'm probably overthinking it, but that's what work is for, right? Planning for the weekend in the garage.

rharman · Jul 2, 2015

cagullett1 said:
Look no further... I thought EVERY wall stud finder was worthless until I tried this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064EICKG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_9&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

rsanter said:
I have the blue one just like this that came from Costco. it works great and the price at Costco was $39.99

bob

I've had one for a few years. Works great except over stucco (in my case). Otherwise it is awesome.

Pricey, yes. Seen them at Costco and wondered if it is exactly the same or a cheapened version for Costco.

When I bought mine, it was on Small Business Saturday and I got $25 back from Amex. Great deal.

cbracer · Jul 3, 2015

I got mine at Costco, it's blue instead of yellow. Absolutely better than Zircon, which is a joke. Had two of them and they hardly worked.

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