Stud finders are invaluable when you need to locate a wooden beam behind drywall or other material, and there are many options for stud finders. Therefore, it’s essential to consider all your options and think about precisely what you will use the stud finder for. Here are the best stud finders (magnetic And electric) in 2023.
There is also a LOT of difference in price between various stud finders, so it’s essential to know what you need it for and what sort of budget you have for this piece of equipment.
How Do Stud Finders Work?
Stud finders work by sensing the different densities of materials behind other materials. Because there is such a variety of products usually linked to their price, you can find stud finders that can detect all sorts of things.
Some can detect metal a little way behind a wooden wall using a magnet, while others can detect electrical current behind a foot of concrete.
Materials like wood are very POOR electrical conductors; they are, in fact,’ insulators,’ meaning they don’t conduct electricity at all. Instead, they are good at supporting what’s called an ‘Electrostatic field.’ So it’s good to understand what the best stud finder is to locate a wooden beam.
This electrical/static energy that the stud finder detects with a ‘Capacitor plate.’ This detects changes in an electrostatic field, in this instance, the difference in density between plasterboard and a thicker and more dense wood (The stud).
What To Think About When Buying A Stud Finder
When buying a stud finder, you need to consider what you will be using it for. Specifically, think about whether you need it for precision work on necessary walls or whether you’re just trying to hang a picture or drill a shelf into the wall.
Different jobs require different levels of precision. For example, if you’re cutting a big hole in a commercial building with electrical wires running throughout the walls, you NEED to know where those wires are.
Why The Price Varies So Much
The price varies so wildly with stud finders because you pay for various accuracy levels. You get what you pay for in most things; stud finders are no different. If you want to detect live wires at specific depths, you’ll pay more for that feature.
Depth is another significant factor here; the more you play, the further into a wall you can scan. You can also check through more complicated or dense materials if you pay slightly more for better technology.
On the other end of the spectrum, you can get a super cheap magnetic stud finder that uses magnets to locate screws or nails just below the wall’s surface.
The Best Stud Finders In 2023
In no particular order, here are the best stud finders in 2023. They’re not in demand because we list the BEST stud finders for different budgets and purposes. So make sure to read the pros and cons and think about what you need the stud finder for before deciding.
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Bosch GMS120 Digital Multi-Scanner
- The LCD display shows you exactly where the stud is and how deep
- It has an auto self-calibrating feature to help it detect things with greater accuracy
- Very nice size (small yet big enough to get a good grip on)
- Slightly higher in price range compared to similar models
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Franklin Sensors Professional Stud Finder
- Very affordable and easy to use
- Can scan several areas of the wall at the same time
- Can fit in a standard toolbox
- Identifies the width of objects as well as the location
- Some reports of accuracy problems
- It’s quite big compared to some other smaller models
- It requires batteries, but they’re not included
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WALABOT DIY 2 Stud Finder for Android & iOS Smartphones
- 4-inch depth range
- Wifi enabled
- Built-in rechargeable batter
- Can detect movement inside walls
- May not work with all phone types
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CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder, 1 Pack
- It is very cheap
- Is effective at locating nails or screws
- It’s good value for money if you need to find a screw or a nail behind a stud wall.
- It’s very compact and lightweight
- It can’t locate wooden beams
- It can’t locate live wires
- It’s limited in depth because there are no electrical sensors.
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BOSCH D-TECT 120 Wall and Floor Detection Scanner
- Spot Detection technology
- Range of modes to detect almost anything
- On the high end price wise
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Zircon StudSensor Pro Deep-Scanning Stud Finder
- ‘Over The Stud’ technology lights up different colored bars to let you know exactly where the stud is and when you’re exactly over it
- Very affordable for the features.
- The 9-volt battery isn’t included
The Bosch GMS120 Digital Wall Scanner is a game changer for anyone looking to detect wood studs, metal objects, and live wiring. With its multi-mode laser detection and latest 3-sensor laser technology, this scanner can detect up to 4 3/4 inches deep in cured concrete, up to 2 inches for live wiring, up to 3 1/8 inches for copper, and up to 1 1/2 inches for wood studs. And with an accuracy of 0.0625, you can trust that the GMS120 will give you the precise detection you need.
With 3 selection modes for wood, metal, and AC wiring, this scanner automatically calibrates from the start. It continues to self-calibrate throughout your project for easy and precise detection. Plus, its illuminated graphical LCD indicates mode, detection strength, and more, with a large detection ring that flashes green for no object found, orange for an object near, and red for an object found within the sensor range.
The ProSensor 710+ is the king of accuracy with its 13 sensors. Conventional stud finders only have 1 or 2 sensors. With more sensors, Franklin Sensors stud finders are among the most accurate and best. The ProSensor 710+ can detect studs up to 1.6“ deep with precision LEDs spaced every 1/2” that track the location of studs while displaying the center and edges simultaneously.
The ProSensor 710+ has one mode that finds it all! It can detect wood studs and metal studs and even automatically selects the most accurate mode for changes in material or depth. And with Franklin Sensors stud finders, there's no calibration required. Just press and hold the button to begin your scan. Plus, you can start over a stud without worrying about false readings like other stud sensors.
Don't just listen for the beep; see what's hiding in your walls with cutting-edge technology. The Walabot DIY allows you to find the center of wood and metal studs, track pipes and wires up to 4 inches inside drywall, and even detect the movement of pests. But it's not just about what you can see; it's about what you can do.
With Wi-Fi-enabled technology, you can work away from your phone and still get accurate readings. And don't worry about draining your phone's battery, as this wall scanner has a built-in rechargeable battery. Tough enhanced product casing features smooth scanning strips, making it easy to use and even easier to love.
The CH Hanson 03040 stud finder is a very good entry-level stud finder. It’s magnetic, meaning you don’t need to buy batteries for it or charge it. On the other hand, locating studs through any significant or dense material can be a bit limited.
If you are new to renovating, this is an excellent starter stud finder. Once you get the hang of renovating, you might want to upgrade to others on our list.
The Bosch D-Tect 120 Wall and Floor Detection Scanner is the ultimate tool for any DIY enthusiast or construction pro. With Spot Detection technology, you can easily identify objects hidden behind walls, floors, and panels. It's like having x-ray vision for your home improvement projects!
But what sets the D-Tect 120 apart is its accuracy. You'll never have to worry about calibration or false readings, so you can focus on the task and get the job done right. Plus, with three different modes (drywall, universal, and concrete), you can detect “anything in anything.” It's like having a Swiss Army Knife in your toolbox.
Introducing the StudSensor Pro SL, the ultimate tool for locating the edges of wood and metal studs and joists behind walls, floors, and ceilings. With its patented SpotLite Pointing System, you'll never miss your target. It shines a beam of light on the wall, illuminating your path to success.
Using Stud Scan mode, you can locate the edges of wood or metal studs up to 3/4 inch (19 mm) deep. DeepScan mode doubles the scanning depth to 1 1/2 inches (38 mm), giving you the power to go deeper than ever before.
Red LEDs light up every time a stud edge is approached, and the patented SpotLite Pointing System, an audio alert, and a green LED signal when the stud edge is reached. Plus, with patented “over-the-stud” indicator alerts you to start the scan in a new location if scanning begins over a stud.
Can You Find A Stud Without A Stud Finder?
You can find a stud without a stud finder, but it won’t be near as accurate. For example, you can attach a magnet to a bit of string and swing it over the wall; where it ‘sticks’ is where there are metal nails or screws drilled into the ‘stud’, but it’s not as accurate as actually detecting where the wood is and where the edges are.
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