stud finders ?

[outcast]

i lost myself, and i need one to find where i am

but really. mine didn't want to work today*. so it is about time for a new one.
idk what new tech is out there on these. and/or what is reliable.

*i am kinda glad it didn't work. the job ended up looking better because of it.

 

[DHCrocks]

I've got a Zircon, seems to be ok. On regular drywall it works really well but on drywall that has a plywood underneith for a shearwall it has a hard time, I have to use the deep scan mode and even then sometimes it won't read properly.

The one I have has some nice features and I would suggest that you look for these:

• Deep scan - to use on walls that are extra thick to to multiple layers of drywall or plywood.
• Electrical finder - will locate hidden live electrical wires.
• Metal Detector - to find hidden pipes.
• Edge detection - will locate the edges of the stud and the center, makes it really easy to use.

 

[outcast]

thanx. i have a zircon. but it is probably 20ish years old.

oh, i did try a different battery. same issues.

 

[BQuicksilver]

I have plaster walls (about 1" thick) and I have yet to see a stud detector that works.

I have the top of the line Zircon (not too useful even in deep scan) and one of those magnets that finds screw heads (more useful, but it takes some skill to get comfy with).

I have not found a "holy grail" stud detector.

 

[benny27]

I just picked up a magnetic stud finder. it was $4 or $5 at menards
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IKK0OI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

my dry wall was nailed up so it works grate.

 

[Frank The Plumber]

I have a 10 year old Zircon. Works great, it says I'm sitting here eating lunch.

 

[Stephenw]

I have a Zircon, not the top of the line, but one step down. It "sort of" sometimes works. What is under it when you hit the cal button can affect performance. When you think you have a stud, drive a finish nail first to confirm it.

Studs are not always 16" or 24" on center. Sometimes you find strange measurements.

 

[BigAl62]

I have an older version of this and I found it works good (my wife bought it for me, so I don't know how much it was): http://www.blackanddecker.com/power-tools/BDL190S.aspx

 

[98TJ]

http://www.zircon.com/products/center_ms_i520.html

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I don't think you can go wrong with the $3 magnetic ones from Sears.

All they are is a metal detector to begin with - a magnetic one and a yardstick are as functional as it gets.

 

[kursplat]

metal lath and plaster in my house. i need an ultrasound machine

 

[bad_idea]

i use a ball peen hammer. keep hitting the wall till u hit stud.

 

[98TJ]

i use a ball peen hammer. keep hitting the wall till u hit stud.

When I put a new vanity in the bathroom I found that this was the method used when the old vanity was installed.

Installer just banged the hell out of the wall until he hit a stud then attached the vanity.

 

[route246]

I really like this one. Like my Honda lawnmower, I bought multiple cheaper models until I settled on the top-of-the-line. I should have saved money and bought the expensive model first. I learned that lesson with my lawnmower. Nothing is better than Honda or Toro.

http://www.zircon.com/products/center_ms_i520.html