Best Stud Finders That Will Let You Eliminate Hidden Hazards in Your Walls

Let us get tothe device operation itself. The button for a detection of studs and otherin-wall objects is placed on the handle. On pressing the button, the ProSensor starts locating wooden and metallic studs, beams, water pipes, gas pipes, wires in walls or nonuniformity of their surface material. With that, this tool senses through up to 1.5 inches of wall material, hence giving you a deep scan even in bad conditions. This capability makes this model a versatile solution both for home use, and construction works performed by small construction brigades. The device is very simple to use in any premises. Just insert the batteries, put the finder against the wall, push the detection button on the handle and slide the device across the wall.

In this part, we would like to examine the peculiarities of this finder. As we mentioned before, you can easily determine an object width owing to a big number of the LEDs. For example, when moving the ProSensor 710 across the wall and seeing four LEDs light up successively you can deem the width of the object detected as the distance between the first and the last LED flashing. With that, the array of four light up LEDs moves across the LED line as you move the device pass the in-wall object. Thus, you can mark the object edges on the wall putting the marks under the left and right light up LEDs, as well as mark the object center. This functionality makes the ProSensor 710 convenient to use and simple in design. The simple design contributes to the device reliability, which is an additional advantage in the view of comparatively short warranty period provided by the manufacturer. These features make the finder an excellent model for a home use.

One of the benefits the ProSensor 710 ergonomic design provides is its multipurpose handle. Aside from serving its direct purpose it also provides space for the batteries, thus making the finder more compact and lightweight.

The Bosch GMS120 can be used for detecting wood and metal beams and columns as well as nonferrous metal elements and electric wiring. You can select a corresponding detection mode by pressing the dedicated button on the device. Please note that each mode has its own maximum scanning depth. For example, the GMS120 can detect ferrous metal at the depth of up to 4-3/4 inches, nonferrous metals – at up to 3-1/8 inches, the wiring - at 2 inches maximum, and the wood elements – at 1-1/2 inches. This Bosch stud finder will notify you about objects detected in two ways: by means of a sound signal and LED flashing. As the device approaches an in-wall object, its built-in LED changes its color from the green to the yellow and eventually to the red when the object gets close to the device. Thus, in addition to a visual indication of the scanning progress, you are notified about a nearby in-wall object by beeping signals. However, you can turn the beeping notification off any moment by pressing the key.

Of the additional features, the display has become convenient for us, with the ability to turn the backlight on and off. We also found out that during inactivity the device will be automatically turned off after about 5 minutes. For ease of use, the kit includes a hand strap that will not allow the device to drop onto the floor, and for safe transportation - there is a convenient carrying case.

When examining the device, we were a little surprised that its case is protected against dust and water splashes in conformance with the IP54 standard. But taking into account that the device can be used outdoors, the availability of such protection would surely not go amiss as it improves the device reliability and prolong its service life.

The finder uses two rare-earth magnets to locate hidden objects in walls. Indeed, the CH Hanson stud finder is a rather easy-to-use and straightforward tool with a simple design. Just place the finder on a wall surface and sweep it across the wall in an S-shaped pattern until you feel the device magnet attract to a hidden object, which indicates you’ve found the object location. What's more, you can leave the CH Hanson 03040 hanging on the wall until you ready a marker or a pencil to mark the metal object location. However, you can start drilling or driving self-tapping screws in some place under or above the located object as the beam it is attached to goes vertically across the wall. Moreover, this tool is equipped with a leveling gauge, thus after finding metal objects you can use the tool to draw horizontal lines across the objects detected and mark the positions of horizontal beams. As for the downsides of this model, it offers a comparatively small detection depth, which is 3/4 inches. Though using the finder you will have no problems in finding a structural iron in a drywall.

Now let's consider in detail the additional convenience feature of the device, which we mentioned above. To get the most out of the free space available in the detector case, the manufacturer decided to build in yet another, quite useful device - a two-direction bulb level. Using the magnets and the level, you can locate metal objects in the wall and mark the horizontals and verticals on which the objects are positioned right away. Thus, the device will be of a great use when you locate in-wall metal profiles because once you get the finder attracted the wall just follow the level and mark the necessary points. By the way, we found out that due to the simplicity of its design, this device is not covered by manufacturer's warranty, so do not be surprised if the seller does not provide you with any as the CH Hanson 03040 has simply nothing to break.

For your convenience, this CH Hanson model is equipped with a plastic loop, which allows you to hang the device on the wall in your workshop. This small feature is very useful as the compact size of the finder makes it easy to get lost among other tools. Thus, hanging it on the wall you will always know where to find it.

To help you figure out whether the device is that simple to use we will describe our experience with it. In regard to the finder functionality, we can say that the model can pinpoint the location of wooden racks and structures, metal profiles, as well as wiring and metalware. This detector operates in the Stud Scan and Deepscan modes. When used in the first mode, the device detects wood and metal objects at the maximum depth of 3/4 inches, which is actually needed for the search for profiles and racks. Switching to the second mode enables the detection of the same objects at the depth of up to 1-1/2 inches. With that, live wires in walls are detected automatically in both modes at a depth of 2 inches. On live wire detection, the Zircon e50 notifies you about that by flashing the corresponding indicator on its display. In addition, any detection of the above objects is accompanied by an audible signal, which is very convenient as you won't need to constantly look at the display and will be able to focus on the layout of the objects in the wall instead. So after selecting the suitable mode and taking the device in your hands, you can start to operate the device in a blind mode right away as the scan initiation button is easy to find and push. Easy and convenient, isn't it?

Among the noticeable features the device offers, we want to write about the finderability to accurately pinpoint objects edges location. That is, when sweepingthe e50 across the wall from right to left, you can first locate the right edge of an object and after sweeping in reverse direction the device pinpoints the left edge of the object. Having marked the edges, you will easily find the center of the object, where you can drive the screw or drill a hole in. For your convenience, the stud finder handle is made with ergonomic finger indents to fit snugly in your palm. Now, a few words about the scan button positioning. As we mentioned earlier, the manufacturer placed the button on the device left, just where you put your thumb when you take the Zircon e50 in your right hand. Thus, after a short use, you will already be able to start objects detectionwithout even looking at the device.

In general, the e50 model is a nice choice for those who want to always have a reliable device at their fingertips that can quickly and accurately detect not only wooden and metal parts and structures but also concealed wiring.

By sweeping the finder across the wall, you can quickly locate in-wall objects. After the device’s detected an object all you need to do is to mark its location on the wall, which is very easy with the special mark on the device top that the manufacturer providently provided for.

Since this model is of an electronic type, it can detect various materials in walls, such as wooden structures, metal profiles, various kinds of metalware, as well as concealed electrical wiring. As a useful feature, the device offers an additional mode for detecting live wires (Trace hot AC). Speaking of metal objects detection, the finder is capable of locating them at 1/2, 1 and 1-1 / 2 inches depths. If you need to locate wood racks and wires, the device will detect them at the depth of up to 3 inches. Please, keep in mind that it is recommended to calibrate the sensors before each scan in order to obtain the most accurate results. To do this, you need to put the device against the wall and hold the Scan button until the device beeps.

One of the advantages of this model is its backlit display, which is often a feature of more expensive models. Thus, if you need to use the device in a poorly lit room or you find yourself in a blackout during your work, you can continue working with the backlight. However, the backlight implementation is not optimal as it is constantly on and can't be turned off manually, which results in battery power wasting when working in the daylight or good lighting. Fortunately, the display shows the battery charge level, which allows you to replace the battery in time. By the way, the battery is included in the supply package, so after unpacking, you can immediately start using the FOLAI FY0920.This stud finder model will allow you to locate multiple objects, with that you will be able to find both live and dead wires.

An important device feature is the Stud mode, in which the tool makes it possible to detect both edges of wood structures and their center. To do this, select this mode and perform the scanning when sweeping the device near an object the display shows an arrow icon that points to a nearby detectable object edge. When moving the device closer to the object center you will be displayed the Center icon. Thus, the stud finder allows an accurate width of wood beams and racks.