Stud finder reviews | Magnetic, electronic or radar detection?

Best stud finder (electronic and radar)

Stud finders can be used to electronically help you to find studs and other things behind the wall covering that you cannot see with your eyes in the walls.

These gadgets are rather handy and are important tools for builders and carpenters and DIY’ers.

Stud finder production began in 1980s [1], considered a modern device back then, now thousands of newer, more advanced models now permeate the market. 

Stud finders have 2 primary classifications, magnetic and electronic.

They have the same function but use different processes.

Easy to use with no professional training required, this comprehensive guide will show which ones to seek out. 

To help you locate fixing points inside your walls to help you with jobs from hanging pictures to installing wall brackets such as the long arm tv mount on your wall.

Features to consider when buying a stud finder

• Type. Magnetic types are simpler and more analog, they do not require power sources and have little-to-no electrical components. 
  Electric/Digital ones offer deeper scanning capabilities but are usually more complex and expensive.
• Hands-free. Larger models are usually held constantly against the wall. Lighter models can be affixed to a position while you mark.
• Interface. Your model should have an adequate display, lights, and alarms that make work faster and easier.
• Scanning prowess. This feature determines the depth and accuracy of a model’s scans. Some stud finders can even locate studs in a 3-dimensional plane.
  

Time-efficient. 

A stud finder’s main purpose is to locate studs.

If you want to determine the perfect area on your wall to hang wood art, a painting, or mount a bike, then having a stud finder will help you more easily find studs, saving you valuable time and money in the long run.

Economic. 

With a purpose-specific function, stud finders can last you a long time, given the proper care of course.

Unless it’s part of your daily work, then you’d normally use these tools in lieu of planned renovations and remodels.

They’re strategic, as they are available should the need arise, otherwise, they sit perfectly fine when not in use.

1. Identify the need.

For what purpose/s would you need a stud finder?

Before you make a purchase, you have to be clear about how often you’ll be using the tool and for what.

It’s a welcomed addition if it’ll be part of your work kit, otherwise, set it as a strategic investment.  

2. Decide on a type.

Would you like an electronic stud finder or a magnetic one?

Magnetic stud finders are simpler and more affordable, ideal for those with budget constraints, and appreciate a tool with a classic feel.

Electronic ones are more functional and ergonomic and are better suited for those who work with interiors.

Magnetic stud finders are the OG. As mentioned before, they are simple to use and do not have any electrical components.

Utilizing magnets to locate nails/screws and detects the studs, this type requires a little guesswork but is highly convenient.

Electronic stud finders are the complete opposite of magnetic ones. These are more accurate as they utilize sensors to measure the density of walls in order to find the location of studs.

They don’t, however, work on all wall types as they can send erroneous readings from paneling and drywall. 

Radar stud finders are advanced tools that utilize radio energy pulses to determine a stud’s location.

While it can be more accurate than electronic ones, it also detects wires, piping, and basically anything hidden behind your wall making it a super cool tool to have. 

1. Edge finder. Edge finders work by determining the edge of a stud by measuring the change in density of a wall while running it across. You usually have to run it in both directions to get accurate results.
2. Center finder. Center finders are more accurate and complex and use sensors to scan 2 separate densities of a wall simultaneously to find a stud’s center. They chime once a stud has been located.

Must-have features for electronic and radar stud finders

• Display. Stud finders with screens give more accurate information when compared to just LED ones. Backlit LCD displays are more vivid, allowing you to get clearer, more precise readings.
• Multiple Scan Modes. Versatility is always good. Having multiple scanning modes gives you more options; from light, scans to get initial readings, to deeper ones that can detect and indicate the possible location of pipes and other hidden elements.
• Warning Indicators. Appropriate prompts will alert you about live wires and plumbing. This is more of a safety feature and also mitigates the risk of potentially damaging important features housed behind the wall.

If you want the best stud finder and also more advanced, then consider the Bosch D-Tect150 as the pinnacle of detection.

With its precision-laser technology and 7 specialized scanning modes, you get superior performance even up to 6” deep into dense spaces, including concrete and floors, regardless of whether they’re dry or not.

Readings are clear and easily viewed thanks to their bright and colored display.

You need to not worry about making constant adjustments because this model is self-calibrating – it automatically makes the necessary adjustments to stay on track at the start of detection. 

It’s versatile, as it runs on 4 AA batteries, and practically runs itself, what more do you need? 

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Dos

• Know the wall type; magnetic stud finders tend to be more effective on plaster, while electronic ones are better with drywall. 
• Always check the power level of models that use batteries. Not having enough charge can often lead to erroneous readings.
• Properly mark spots with removable material such as lead pencils or a piece of tape. Always double-check to avoid false positives before marking.
• Make sure to have a decent spot to store in your stud finder as they come small and handy. If you haven’t got one, here’s a list of tool backpack that electricians must-have.

Don’ts

• Don’t work on a surface with objects still hanging. Remove any obstruction relative to the area you aim to work on, regardless of how proximal they are to your chosen starting point.
• Don’t mark with things like tacks or any other object that requires you to pierce the wall if you don’t need to.

If you need a stud finder, then the best option would be the Zircon MulitScanner A200.

It’s decently priced and you get all the neat features that you would need in order to work accurately and efficiently.

An alternative to the Zircon is the Franklin 710 Prosensor.

It may not have a display, but the multiple sensors and included magnetic stud finder allows you to cover more ground and work at a faster pace.

The Tavool TH250 is your go-to if you’re working on a tight budget.

It’s ideal for occasional and casual use while maintaining all the necessary components.

If you want to take stud detection to the limit, then look no further than the Bosch D-Tect150.

This Bosch stud finder is a powerhouse of a tool that is advanced and offers superior scanning through almost any material.

The only drawback would be its ludicrous price tag. 

Stud finders are very convenient and are constantly being developed, and so is your tool repertoire and knowledge.

If you’re interested in similar tools, check out our guides for the buying laser tape measure and best laser level  too and you will have all the electronics you need to be at the top of your building game.