Need a good stud finder...

[Xcursion88]

Need a good stud finder.
I've no idea what all could be on the wall. Lath...horse hair...sheetrock....hell one of them or all theee under paneling.

This isn't for a professional contractor grade use...just for me doing some work in an old home but I want a decent one that is accurate and can find a stud possibly buried under all kinds of stuff...maybe.

Thx

 

[GTO]

Franklin Sensors

 

[billconner]

I bought a Franklin ProSensor M150 Stud Finder and find it pretty good, but all drywall. Advertised to work on plaster but no experience.

 

[pbon]

I think I am going to buy one of the Franklin. Leaning towards 710 over 150. Have several others — zircon and Ryobi but never really been impressed. I run into plaster and lath, drywall over P&L, and just drywall.

 

[signcrafter]

Franklin is the ONLY sensor I have ever had luck with. I have bought the 100 dollar zircon before and they are junk. I had given up on stud sensors until I used a franklin. The other thing I have had luck with is the magnetic ones that find the screws.

 

[dchawk81]

You can borrow my girlfriend. She found me, after all.

 

[vavet]

You can borrow my girlfriend. She found me, after all.

While I appreciate your humor....I have serious doubts about your judgement given GJ's propensity to "bang his wife."

 

[HalfTonTom]

My ex-wife was a good one...

 

[scooby074]

Frankliin. I tried most brands and its by far the best

 

[FordFanatic]

Have had several electronic stud finders over the years - the best of them only worked okay. Then a few years ago I read a review of the C.H. Hanson magnetic stud finder that compelled me to give it a try and I can say these are great: https://app.salsify.com/catalogs/aa219f48-c2de-4127-b6a9-959ff78b0173/products/3040

Give one a try and you might be surprised.

Cheers,
Tim

 

[Madjik Man]

Anyone have any experience with ICF walls and using a stud finder to find the studs and wiring?

 

[jabberwoki]

Grinder?

 

[Bubba Fett]

I have a Zircon that's OK. Not great. Sometimes I just use the knock method or a magnet.

You can also place a flashlight against the surface so that the beam shines down or across the wall. You can often tell where the drywall joints and nail holes are.

 

[Walkers]

Just come watch me locate studs and then you will know exactly which stud finders and methods to not use!

 

[rharman]

I have the Franklin, the Zircon, and my latest acquisition... The "Stud Pop". That cheapie magnet gizmo has given me the best results.

 

[billconner]

I have not tried the magnet devices on plaster and lath. Are the lath nails sufficient for these or do they need the mass of screws?

 

[mrbillh]

Is there any stud finder that will see a stud behind a shear wall?

 

[billconner]

Is there any stud finder that will see a stud behind a shear wall?

Do you mean like a plywood braced wall panel?

 

[DAustin]

I always use a mirror.

 

[Bockscar]

I had a Stanley and worked fine on regular walls....the new house I bought has some type of mesh and plaster.....and it couldn't find any stud reliably....bought a Zircon L70 and works great

 

[rharman]

I have not tried the magnet devices on plaster and lath. Are the lath nails sufficient for these or do they need the mass of screws?

I don't have any lath & plaster sine our remodel. The magnet is quite strong tough. It'll hang on the wall when it locks onto a nail/screw.

 

[billconner]

I don't have any lath & plaster sine our remodel. The magnet is quite strong tough. It'll hang on the wall when it locks onto a nail/screw.

The op mentioned lath and plaster and since the lath nails are more like small tacks and not as near the surface as a drywall screw, it was a question was all.

 

[tarbellb]

Check out wall radars like

Walabot or Bosch Dtect or Makita multi surface

 

[Steve_P]

I have this Tavool one and it's extremely accurate on drywall with wood studs

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F6RZM43/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Xcursion88]

I went with a Franklin M210 and got the stud located I needed to find.

It seems very strong but I will say this....

There is definitely a learning curve and a sense of feel with it.

If you're using a SF in an old environment lord knows what's under paneling. Plaster, horsehair, lathe and or all three at once
...

If you're expecting a SF to just slide along wall and go beep...fasten here...
You will be sadly disappointed..

Go slow and watch the lights. Then double and triple check.

Definitely not a rush job and if not done right I can certainly see the many frustrated users screaming "don't work" from the roof top on any brand.

Thx for the suggestions