If you’re hanging up a regular shelf, a heavy picture, or mounting a tv onto your wall, you definitely don’t want them to falling off unexpectedly. To prevent such a disaster, you’ll want to attach them to a sturdy surface, like a stud… in the wall. The problem is, studs in most homes are covered by drywall or plaster making them difficult to find. And that’s where a stud finder comes in handy!
Now, if you’re reading this page, you probably already know that you need to use a stud finder, but want to learn how they actually work or how to use one. Well, that’s what we’re here for, so let’s dive right in!
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How Stud Finders Work
In the most simplistic terms, a stud finder works as a wall scanner. The most basic stud finders use a magnet to detect the metal nails and screw used to mount drywall to the studs.
Electronic stud finders are able to locate studs by taking advantage of the fact that wood is a terrible electrical conductor but very good at supporting electrostatic fields. These electrostatic fields are what the capacitor plate in the electronic stud finder is able to detect.
With the help of some electronic circuitry, it calculates the density changes within the walls. When the density of the material changes, the stud finder alerts you. When compared to wall board, wood studs are much more dense. That’s why you calibrate the stud finder by first starting on an area where you know there aren’t any studs.
How to Use a Stud Finder
To use a stud finder correctly, you place it over the wall, press the locator button while moving it along the wall. The stud finder will then let you know once it has found a stud. Every stud finder works differently, but the device will shine a light and/or make a beeping noise to indicate when it has found a stud.
Watch the following video to get a better idea on how to use a stud finder:
Magnetic Stud Finders vs. Electronic Stud Finders
To find the best stud finder, we need to take a look at the pros and cons of each type to make the best decision. Here are the advantages and drawbacks of both electronic and magnetic stud finders. Let’s start with the magnetic stud finder.
Magnetic Stud Finder Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy to use: Magnetic stud finders are usually compact and lightweight, making them easier for most to use.
- More Affordable: Magnetic stud finders usually have fewer features, so this means they are pretty cheap.
Cons:
- Not as accurate: Finding the height where screws and nails were used to attach the wall board to the studs can be difficult.
Electronic Stud Finder Pros and Cons
Pros:
- More accurate: Electronic stud finders detect studs by identifying density changes in materials using more advanced technology.
- Helpful Features: Electronic stud finders are capable of finding live electrical wires, metal studs and pipes.
Cons:
- Expensive: The price tag for an electric stud finder is a bit heftier than magnetic ones.
What Is the Best Stud Finder?
There are lots of stud finders on the market, but are you wanting to get the best for your money? Check out out top recommendation.
Zircon StudSensor A200: Our Top Choice
The Zircon StudSensor A200 is what we consider the best for the money when it comes to stud finders. It is an electric stud finder with multiple features that are valuable for a reasonable price.
It has two stud detection modes that can detect wooden and metal studs at various depths. StudScan mode finds shallower wood or metal studs up to 0.75 in. (19 mm) deep while DeepScan mode doubles the scanning depth to 1.5 in. (38 mm).
The Metal scanning mode can detect ferrous metals, like rebar, and non-ferrous (non-magnetic) metal pipes like copper pipes.
All scanning modes have the WireWarning Detection mode that runs automatically. This mode can detect live unshielded electrical wires up to 2″ (50 cm) deep.
The Zircon A200 also has Auto Correcting Technology (ACT). This feature means you will have fewer errors when looking for studs. The device works by calibrating on its own to better detect studs, wires, or any other materials behind the wall.
How to Use Your Phone as a Stud Finder
If it’s more convenient and you are a bit more tech-savvy, you also have the option to a Stud Finder App on your phone.
As mobile phones are more prevalent than ever, the old saying of, “there’s an app for it” applies to stud finders as well.
For this to work, you have to make sure that you have an updated phone with a magnetic sensor. After you check up on that, you are good to go. Check out this list of the top 20 Stud Finder Apps for you to download if you think this would be a better option for you.
Final Thoughts on Stud Finders
Now you know how stud finders work, what we think is the best model, as well as their purpose, the two different kinds, and how to get access to a phone app if you prefer that option instead.
With this information, you now have the knowledge to choose the best stud finder that will work the best for you, your home, and your wallet.
