Selecting a Stud Finder

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I have a few tools I have to replace after someone helped themselves to one of my tool bags. Mind you out of the 3 bags I am kind of glad they took that one they did. The other bags had more $s in tools. But all the same I’m probably have to replace $800-$1K of goodies.
I had a fairly decent Zircon Stud Finder that did extra thick walls and would show metals as well.
So I started looking for a replacement Zircon alone has probably 20 units that have a variety of capabilities.

https://www.zircon.com/categories/edge-finders/

I had one time looked at Bosch but thought it as overpriced. Costco also had one but unsure of quality. The Zircon I had was sufficient but doesn’t look like any that are presently manufactured.

What other brands/models are you guys using?

Another tool I had was a Dremel but I have ordered a Milwaukee M12 2460-21 Rotary Cutoff Tool with attachments. I thought I may as well get some additional M12 tools as I have the jacket that takes the same battery anyway.

 

[Rogers954]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064EICKG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is the only one i have ever had a good thing to say about. Thousands of positive reviews on amazon is what led me to purchasing it and they were right this thing is dead on and i especially love how the led's light up the entire stud so you know exactly where the center is without have to slide it left to right and hope you hit middle 5+ stars on this unit, little pricey but it's the only one I'll ever own for here on out.

 

[Toolfool]

I have the original version : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OIHLV3Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Been using it daily for the past few years. More reliable than any of the Zircons I've owned.

 

[dan360]

I have the Precision Sensors version of the Franklin 710. No complaints, best stud finder I've ever used.

 

[WWheeler]

For about 20 years now I've used the same Black and Decker 'Bullseye' studfinder / laser level that was the 'free' addition/gift that accompanied a 5pc 18V Nicad Firestorm cordless set of tools. Works flawlessly on drywall & wooden studs. Never tried it on plaster or metal stud construction. Has never failed to locate the center of a stud for me and lay out a level line on the wall for picture/TV hanging. MUCH more reliable than a Zircon I also have.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... I'm still usin' my Estwing framin' hammer stud finder,.....

Works every time,.....

 

[Negen]

+1 on the Frankland

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[LMS]

Franklin 710 all the way. After I got mine I threw away the half dozen others I tried over the years.

 

[Holt]

Not what you want but i gave up on stud finders a long time ago. I use a magnet to locate drywall screws. Doesnt work everytime but u have a higher success rate then with a stud finder

 

[WWheeler]

Not what you want but i gave up on stud finders a long time ago. I use a magnet to locate drywall screws. Doesnt work everytime but u have a higher success rate then with a stud finder

You've just never used a good one then.

Using my Bullseye stud finder / laser level I can mark off the exact location of a stud 1-1/2" wide on my drywall 100% of the time and don't need to worry about finding a screw or nail that might or might not be on center.

Placing the studfinder against the drywall first and holding the button to turn it on lights the first of 5 lights. As I move left or right keeping it against the drywall when the next light lights up it's the edge of the stud. There's also an audible tone that changes letting you know you have found a stud. I can mark it right there. As I keep moving slowly each of the 5 lights will light up in succession. When all 5 lights are lit it's within 1/4" of the center of the stud. Every single time. No exceptions. Ever. If I keep moving the lights will start to go out in succession. When it's back down to just 2 lights, I can mark it there and I'm always within 1/8" of 1-1/2" from the first mark I made (unless there's 2 studs together).

I can mark on the drywall where all 5 lights are lit up and then go back and repeat as many times as I want and all of the marks will always be within 1/4" of each other along the center of that same stud.

Mine's 20 yrs old now and never once failed to find the center of the stud. Never a false reading. So simple a 5yr old could use it.

Plus the Bullseye has a little center hole for marking dead center or for tapping a finish nail or pushing a scratch awl through to hold it in place so I can turn on the laser level to shoot a self-leveling red line down the wall in either direction from it.